I blame the impending Dia de los Muertos or All Hallow's Eve, but I think it seems an appropriate time to focus on this stunning building and perhaps some old souls.... Seriously, though, what caught my eye initially about this contemporary Minneapolis mausoleum was the beautiful way the entries and the windows swoop inwardly thanks to intricately laid mosaic tile of Carrera marble and Mexican glass tile. Further research led me to understand that the installation of the tile took nearly two years to complete because of the freeze-thaw cycles of Minneapolis winters!

The curved and geometric patterns play on the interior as well, as finishes such as charcoal granite corridors, mahogany walls, Venetian plaster ceilings all glow under peaceful filtered sunlight. What I love about this project is how the building meshes into this landscape so seamlessly, and how the interior emulates the terrain with chamfered ceilings and meticulous details as precise as the gardens surrounding. The Lakewood Cemetery Board chose the firm of HGA by way of a design competition, instead of pursuing a cost-effective storage structure, they were seeking a timeless structure that epitomizes what this group of trustees sees as a beautiful building worthy of its serene program. 

lakewood garden mausoleum, courtesy of flickrlakewood garden mausoleum, courtesy of archiscenelakewood garden mausoleum, courtesy of morgan sheff photographylakewood garden mausoleum, courtesy of amizonaws

lakewood garden mausoleum, courtesy of architect magazine
lakewood garden mausoleum, courtesy of flickr

lakewood garden mausoleum, courtesy of architizer
lakewood garden mausoleum, courtesy of architecture art design