Philipp Jiu-Wei Willy Ma

The city of Hong Kong is facing a critical shortage of burial and cremation spaces. In response, an office tower is being converted into a crematorium and columbarium—a vertical sanctuary for mourning and remembrance. Through adaptive reuse, the project redefines how cultural traditions of grief can coexist with the city’s dense urban fabric. By creating distinct atmospheres, it guides mourners through emotional and ceremonial journeys, balancing efficiency with spaces of solace and reflection. Addressing the tension between functional needs and emotional experiences, it offers a new way to honor both the living and the departed.