Memorial Landscape, Serata, Stiftung für das Alter, Thalwil

A Setting for Memorial Gestures

Placing stones to honor the dead - this old Jewish tradition has found its way to Christian cemeteries and been developed further for the devotional room at a center for assisted living and care facility in Thalwil. A recess in the shape of a large bowl was cut into a brushed fir table rather solid in appearance. This bowl holds stones of all sizes, colors, and textures, as different as the people to be remembered. Residents, guests, and caregivers at the center can choose a stone, perhaps hold it a while in their hand, and place it on the table surface. At some point, the cycle comes to a close and the stones return to the bowl. A lectern with an open book is placed on the organically shaped table in which visitors can express their thoughts and feelings.