The Life Project by Derick Okelo

Tranquil sunrise landscape featuring lush trees and a modern dome structure.

The Circle of Life: Derick Okelo’s Pioneering Approach to Sustainable Burial Architecture

Bridging Interiors and Exteriors: The Making of a Multifaceted Architect

In the ever-evolving world of architecture, Derick Okelo stands as a beacon of innovation, bringing forth a unique fusion of technical prowess and creative ingenuity. Recently earning his Part 2 Architecture credentials, Derick is not just another graduate stepping into the professional world; he’s a trailblazer with a vision. His academic path began at the intersection of Interior Architecture and Venue Design, laying a unique foundation that would eventually fuel his distinctive approach to architectural design.

Okelo’s professional journey is as diverse as his academic one, marked by key experiences that honed his skills across various domains. At GreenHatch Group, he delved into building surveying, mastering CAD drafting. His stint as a 3D artist with T2 Design Solutions further expanded his repertoire, enabling him to create stunning visualizations with advanced tools such as Rhino, 3ds Max, and Unreal Engine. These skills were not only integral to his development but also set him apart in the competitive arena of the MAKE Architects competition in London. Being selected to represent his university at this prestigious event underscored Derick’s ability to synthesize collaboration, design, and presentation at an elite level.

The Life Project: Redefining How We Honor and Remember

At the heart of Derick’s portfolio lies his groundbreaking Master’s project, aptly titled “The Life Project.” This endeavor represents more than just a conceptual exercise; it is a profound commentary on how we perceive life, death, and the spaces between. Faced with the challenge of designing a processing facility for a densely populated urban area like London, Derick tackled the pressing issue of the city’s burial space shortages. However, rather than opting for conventional solutions, he ventured into uncharted territory by proposing a facility that transforms human remains into life-giving compost.

The Life Project is not only innovative but also deeply symbolic. At its core, it transforms the end of life into a catalyst for new growth, offering a sustainable and emotionally resonant alternative to traditional burial practices. The facility’s distinctive design takes inspiration from the infinity symbol, representing the notion of life perpetuating beyond the finite. Aerial views reveal a structure shaped like a figure-eight, while its side profile evocatively mirrors the form of an infant—an embodiment of rebirth and renewal.

Internally, the facility offers more than mere functionality. In its basement, composting chambers operate quietly, epitomizing the transformation process. Above, the ground floor unfolds into an Eden-like garden, tended with the fertile output of the basement’s processes. This garden gradually merges into a rich, forested landscape, serving not only as an epitaph to past lives but also as a living, breathing tribute that contributes to ecological restoration and urban air purification.

A New Era of Empathetic Design

The implications of The Life Project extend far beyond sustainable practices. Derick Okelo’s design offers a poignant commentary on human relationships with death, space, and environment. By envisioning a future where our final contributions nourish the earth, he forges a narrative where mourning is interwoven with ecological stewardship, where memories are encapsulated within a garden’s bloom and a forest’s embrace. The Life Project is a manifesto advocating for a new type of architecture—one that balances our emotional, communal, and environmental needs.

Cultivate Connections with Derick Okelo

For those intrigued by Derick Okelo’s work and vision, opportunities abound to connect and collaborate. His journey continues to unfold, and he welcomes engagement with fellow architects, designers, and thinkers who share a passion for transformative design. You can connect with Derick on LinkedIn or follow his visual journey on Instagram at ArchDex. For direct inquiries or discussions around potential collaborations, he can be reached via email at okeld001@hotmail.co.uk. Derick is enthusiastic about connecting with like-minded individuals interested in exploring the future direction of architecture in a world increasingly defined by sustainability and empathy.

With The Life Project as a testament to his innovative spirit, Derick Okelo is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of architecture—where each design is a living, evolving part of the greater ecosystem. As the architecture community continues to advocate for solutions that meet the needs of both people and planet, Okelo’s work exemplifies what it means to design with heart, intellect, and the courage to redefine what is possible.

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