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Headline: Eco-Friendly Solar Crematorium Proposed For Los Angeles

Caption: A futuristic and energy efficient solar crematorium has been designed for Los Angeles. The concept by Margot Krasojevic - who has designed everything from a dynamic seismic hotel to a hydroelectric waterfall prison - combines a crematorium, memorial space and a skate park intended for the coastal town of Santa Monica in Los Angeles, California. Like all of the experimental architect's visions, the conceptual work for Santa Monica is grounded in renewable energy and sustainable architecture, cornerstones of the City's ambitious efforts to reduce its carbon footprint to net zero. The crematorium will uses the power of Southern California's often relentless sunlight to ignite the funeral pyre. Parabolic reflectors surround the crematorium chamber and can be angled to obtain the strongest solar concentration. The chamber focuses on solar energy in order to be able to cremate a body without relying on backup energy provision. "The dichroic panels give the illusion of a burning fire, which is an aesthetic used in ceremonial cremations if requested – a spiritual, ceremonial alternative to an open burning fire that pollutes the environment," Krasojevic writes. "With depleting levels of non-renewable resources, attempting to harness renewable energy as an inherent part of the design strategy should be a requirement," she continues. The proposed design for Santa Monica's holographic recycling crematorium is inspired by "the piers, boardwalks and the dynamic coastline," said Krasojevic, who worked for renown architect Zaha Hadid. The structure, she says, "attempts to create and reflect a dialogue with the experimental and progressive vibe of the area, as a place that has always inspired change and creativity." The crematorium consists of "a landscape-choreographed series of oblique arches" that mimics "the undulating landscape that surrounds and becomes part of the design circulation infrastructure." Although Krasojevic's text makes no mention of the structure's use as a skate park, several of the project's renderings show skaters winding and soaring above the sweeping multi-layered surfaces. The entire design is one where light, air and people move fluidly throughout. A metaphor for the transition of the spirit from the mortal coil to the next plane of existence. The internal surfaces of the structure are designed to accommodate projections of photos and videos which memorialise and celebrate the life of the deceased. For more information on the project visit Margot's website via www.margotkrasojevic.org.

Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,design,tech,technology,building,architecture,future,death,cremation

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