Nino Vogels
Urban Architecture
From Humus to Human: A Repository of Remembrance
This project explores the profound connection between humans and soil, delving into the fundamental aspects of human identity and belonging. The cycle of emerging from the earth and ultimately returning to it symbolizes the unity and continuity of life.
Located in a former Brussels marshalling yard, gradually reclaimed by nature, the design focuses on preserving tall spruce trees as symbols of growth and the enduring flow of life. These trees are embraced by the ‘repository’, a gallery of niches where visitors can retreat, reflect and engage in personal acts of remembrance. The niches offer a view leading to a memorial garden, creating a serene atmosphere for contemplation and honouring memories.
This ‘Repository of Remembrance’ is protected by a ring of dwellings, functioning as both physical and symbolic mediators between urban life and the realm of remembrance. The two-metre-long paper diorama visualizes scenes that depict the transition from the city to a space dedicated to nature and everlasting life.