Extension of the Cemetery in Pauli Arbarei

A cemetery is a place of memory, where loved ones rest, and its design must convey respect for the deceased. The expansion of the Pauli Arbarei cemetery is located near a busy provincial road, exposing it to noise pollution – an element at odds with the atmosphere of remembrance. To counter this, the design introduces a protective wall that functions both as an acoustic barrier and as the main entrance. Upon crossing it, visitors enter a different realm – one immersed in silence and peace, essential for reflection.

The architectural layout echoes the form of a courtyard house. C-shaped blocks containing the funerary niches form a cohesive, enclosed, and contemplative structure. At the heart of the complex are spaces dedicated to in-ground burials. Openings along the perimeter offer framed views of the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the cemetery’s connection to its territory: the village of Pauli Arbarei, the hills of Gesturi and Siddi, and the Tradula stream.