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ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Story of Death

Weigel, Daniel J
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1396453901

Abstract Details

2014, MARCH, University of Cincinnati, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture.
Each civilization from around the world has developed distinct rituals to cope with death. These customs are deeply rooted in the local culture and reflect the experiences of the deceased’s life, their journey to the afterlife, and the emotional suffering of the loved ones. In today’s transient, secular society, knowledge and attitudes about these rich funeral customs have become more fragmented and superficial. This thesis provides an educational and architectural exploration of the funeral process and the multicultural transition from life to death and beyond. As home to the world’s leading maker of caskets, Batesville, Indiana, will be the setting for this new Museum of Death. The architecture will explore the timeless and universal themes associated with death, life, and grieving, such as earth/sky, light/dark, order/chaos, and anguish/serenity. Meanwhile, the exhibits, aimed at both general tourists and funeral directors, will acknowledge the importance of ritual in the difficult process of mourning through the art of storytelling. Artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays will document a journey through permanent and temporary exhibits. Much like the grieving process, visitors will be encouraged to progress through different stages focused on a different period or culture. The experience of this project will aim to reintroduce meaning and reflection into contemporary funeral practices so as to encourage deeper exploration of the meaning behind these rituals and to help redefine the funeral’s role in coping with the death of a loved one by telling the story of a life well-lived.
John Eliot Hancock, M.Arch. (Committee Chair)
Michael McInturf, M.Arch. (Committee Member)
141 p.
Architecture
death; funeral; burial

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Weigel, D. J. (2014). The Story of Death [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1396453901

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Weigel, Daniel. The Story of Death. 2014. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1396453901.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Weigel, Daniel. "The Story of Death." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1396453901

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1396453901
199
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.