Sharing Stories of Life Spaces with UCSI Architecture Students

In architecture, the spectrum of possible design themes is wide — skyscrapers, malls, or vibrant public spaces. But for one group of UCSI University architecture students chose a path that is far more challenging, and profoundly meaningful: the design of cemetery architecture.

It was not the easy path. Unlike conventional structures, cemeteries hold a unique role. Designing for spaces of death and remembrance is a challenge, asking architects to think not just about form and function, but about memory, love, and loss. Cemeteries, after all, are not just places for the departed. They are sanctuaries for the living — for families and friends who return, again and again, seeking peace, healing, and connection.

On March 10, the students gathered under the banyan tree at Xiao En Memorial Park, listening to the stories and philosophies behind the design of remembrance spaces. By July 22, after months of refinement, they showcased their concepts in a dedicated exhibition. What emerged was more than architectural models — it was a reflection of empathy, imagination, and the effort to weave healing into space. Their works explored not only innovative ideas for ash burial landscapes but also new interpretations of crematorium design.

We are grateful to UCSI’s School of Architecture for their creative energy and thoughtful participation. Their work infused new perspectives and vitality into how memorial spaces can be imagined. True to the theme “ Space Speaks ”, this journey demonstrates how design can tell stories — stories of memory, healing, and life that endure the test of time.