Modern “Prabha” Ossuary Hall to Solve Modern Post-Life Care Difficulties

The trend of not getting married and not having children in Japan has become an interesting issue that affects various things, including architecture. Demand for ossuaries is increasing, in part due to shrinking populations, migration from villages to cities, and the decline in extended family numbers. Traditional burials on local temple grounds are becoming difficult to maintain and are no longer an ideal option. In response, Myorenji Temple proposed a modern ossuary as a solution.

Ossuary Hall in Myorenji Temple (cr: Tetsuya Ito)

Modern ossuary design (cr: Tetsuya Ito)

The temple’s head priest looked for an alternative ossuary at this temple located in Oita, Japan. By collaborating with teamSTAR, the two of them agreed not to adopt the typical design of an ossuary, which is dark in color and shaped like a warehouse, because its function is widely used by bereaved families. Therefore, the architectural team created a "guest room for the departed" with a bright and welcoming atmosphere like a luxury inn. Each Buddhist altar—usually black—is designed in crimson with gold accents. The white plaster and wooden interior with soft lighting greets visitors warmly.

Welcoming atmosphere like a luxury inn (cr: Tetsuya Ito)

White plaster and wooden interior (cr: Tetsuya Ito)

Another feature that pampers visitors is the "Garden of Silence," which is a minimalist landscape consisting of pine trees and native rocks that came from this heritage land. Next to it is a semi-open lounge overlooking the garden, providing a space for visitors to sit and quietly reflect on the memories of their loved ones.

Crimson-colored altar (cr: Tetsuya Ito)

Semi-open lounge (cr: Tetsuya Ito)

This additional Prabha Ossuary Hall building is designed in a contemporary manner, providing a contrast to the older buildings around it. Simple and clean geometric shapes combine with the typical aesthetics of traditional Japanese architecture in one location, the new meets the old.

The new meets the old (cr: Tetsuya Ito)

The Garden of Silence (cr: Tetsuya Ito)

This modern ossuary seems to be a win-win solution for all parties. The deceased receives proper post-life care, while the temple respectfully gives the best service to the bereaved. Furthermore, the relatives left behind are not burdened with care difficulties and have a warm and comfortable prayer space.

The site layout (cr: Tetsuya Ito)