NUS Architecture Graduate Won Non Architecture Competition 2019

NUS MArch graduate, Ms Cherie Chan, is one of the 3 winners of the international design competition DYING: ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS FOR CEMETERIES 2019 organised by Non Architecture, a non-profit organisation based in Italy (URL: https://www.nonarchitecture.eu/dying/).

Her design proposal entitled “Dandelion2100” is her MArch Thesis project done in AY2017/18 under the supervision of Assistant Professor Zdravko Trivic. The award includes a cash prize of 1,000 euros, a publication in the Non Architecture Competitions books by DOM Publishers, a publication on the Non Architecture Competitions website and reviews in digital magazines and several architecture blogs.

Proposal: Dandelion2100 is a sensitive and poetic, yet bold design proposal that changes our conceptualisation of life and death, temporary and eternal, material and immaterial, cultural and religious differences, whilst offering a new discourse about coping with the loss of beloved ones. Embracing the philosophy of dualism and the potentials of advanced technology with virtual reality, an emotional and suggestive carefully articulated journey is proposed to help recover from the loss and appreciate life with all its perfections and imperfections again.

Symbolically set in the protected nature reserve (MacRitchie Reservoir), Dandelion2100 is a brave response to the shrinkage of heritage and cemetery spaces in Singapore, aiming to protect while being protected. (Dandelion2100 stems from Cherie’s personal fear of losing her grandmother, who passed away during the March Thesis Final Review.)