Wuhan Wanfu Pure Land Theme Cemetery

Located in Wuhan, Hubei Province—the birthplace of Jing-Chu culture—this project integrates regional heritage into its spatial narrative through two symbolic elements: ritual bronze chimes representing ancient music, and the phoenix motif signifying spiritual beliefs. By embedding these into the landscape, the design establishes a memorial park that transcends traditional cemetery typologies, blending life education, emotional healing, and cultural preservation. Rather than relying solely on visual symbolism, the project introduces a "soundscape-driven" sensory design to revive the fading tradition of ceremonial music. Leveraging the sacred character of the cemetery, the space features an orchestrated acoustic experience where bronze chime resonances, gentle water sounds, and lingering traditional instruments create a transcendent auditory environment. Acoustic modeling and 256 rounds of tuning ensure a harmonious balance among all sound sources, crafting an immersive atmosphere that evokes the depth and solemnity of ancient ritual practices. The design also addressed two critical spatial challenges. First, a deteriorated retaining wall-pergola structure along the main visual axis was reimagined as a cultural interface, with patterned cladding inspired by Jing-Chu motifs and a reorganized pergola area that transitions into the surrounding landscape. Second, the dual nature of memorial markers—between initial landscape integration and post-installation harmony—was resolved by treating them as sculptural elements. Through symbolic abstraction and proportion refinement, these features maintain aesthetic coherence with the broader environment. Sustainability efforts include the use of dry-stacked, locally sourced natural stone for retaining structures, reducing construction and transport impact. Existing mature trees were preserved through adaptive site planning, reinforcing the project’s ecological responsibility. Together, these strategies establish a contemporary memorial destination that preserves collective memory, fosters cultural identity, and offers spiritual resonance through experiential design.