How can we confront the topic of death?

SANSUI is a double urn designed for those who has lost their beloved ones. The project transfer comes from Palazzo Abatellis, located in Palermo. I was inspired by it since it was renovated by Carlo Scarpa, who designed many famous tombs, besides being the location of one of the most famous Renaissance paintings ever, The Triumph of Death.

So I started a reflection on the theme of death, and especially grief. I believe that in western culture these are real taboo subjects, unless someone is forced to confront them, whether is the reason. The context where we live does not prepare people to the eventuality of death and its consequences, including practical aspects, like dealing with the funerary industry and its shortage of offer.

That is the reason why I tried to create an useful object which could also impact people’s lives.

Sansui -a Japanese word for “landscapes made of water and earth”- is an ornamental urn addressed to couples who want death to do them together.

It is inspired by Carlo Scarpa’s Tomba Brion, which, in turn, is inspired by oriental zen gardens. The idea is to interact with something related to death, in order to get inspired by it and find relief. That is the reason why Tomba Brion is such a beautiful and mysterious place. Thanks to the use of water and the disposition of the walls, Scarpa created capturing light effects which guide the visitor around the concrete maze down to the yard. The final outcome is a place defined by geometry and order.

Sansui Urn follows the same principles in order to catch the eye  and induce meditation.