The Transformation of Incorporating Death into Architecture --- From the Specific to the Abstract

The study of death seems to be a common topic in the fields of visual arts and literature, but its representation in architectural development appears to be predominantly limited to graveyards. This article references modern cemeteries but goes beyond their physicality to explore the changing nature of death and its underlying causes. The shift in the representation of death from the concrete to the abstract can be attributed to changes in societal and power structures, as well as the influence of religious and cultural factors. Using architecture as a medium, this article delves into the gradual disappearance of the body from the representation of death, observing how modern architecture employs abstraction through light sculpting and skylights to symbolize the body and soul. Furthermore, it presents the possibility that future developments in mortuary architecture may veer towards complete abstraction, citing the shift from traditional burials to cremations as an example to address the challenges posed by traditional cultural contexts. Simultaneously, I raise questions regarding the merits and drawbacks of employing increasingly abstract terms to represent death.