Tag Archives: Cremation

What is a columbarium? An Interview with Emmitt Watson

How the San Francisco Columbarium captures life and death through the cremation urn niche

Emmitt Watson has been the caretaker of the Neptune Society’s San Francisco Columbarium for over 25 years, and has gathered the stories to match the years. He has seen this unique and historic landmark through a dramatic renovation, from a … Continue reading

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Japan’s Hotel for the Dead

Lastel addresses overcrowding in crematoriums and offers families a place to pay their respects

With the cremation rate in Japan at almost one hundred percent and the country’s death rate on the rise, it’s no surprise that the country faces the challenge of overcrowded crematoriums. In response, Yokohama-based Hisayoshi Teramura has opened Lastel, a “hotel” … Continue reading

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A Look at Japanese Funeral Practices

Cultural Traditions in a Country with Almost 100% Cremation Rate

Japan has the highest cremation rate in the world, over 99%, with some local governments even banning burials. Until after World War II, cremation was reserved for the rich, but once the cleanliness and efficiency of the practice were recognized, … Continue reading

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The Island Crematorium – Rocky Island, Ireland

The 200-year-old building offers a unique space for cremation and remembrance.

The Island Crematorium on Rocky Island in Ireland is unique in its fantastic location as well as its modern approach to cremation, memorial, and grieving. The crematorium is designed for religious or non-religious services; it has spiritual as well as … Continue reading

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Changing the Material

Eco-friendly Burial and Cremation from Swedish Designer Liv Andersson

Swedish industrial designer Liv Andersson aims to create products that are an adaptation to the environment, with a holistic view of the life of the product. This project, Dust to Dust, “aims to get a holistic picture of what happens … Continue reading

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Real Housewives of Atlanta Season Première

Phaedra buys a funeral home and Kandi creates “Bedroom Kandi”

SPOILER ALERT We all need to zone out now and again to give our brains a rest by indulging on some sort of mind candy. Since my day begins early in the morning and ends late each night with SevenPonds, … Continue reading

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