Dust to Dust: Reimagining death in a Maltese quarry

Art and design have the power to evoke various emotions and thoughts, sometimes even taking us on a spiritual or emotional journey. This is why I found myself contemplating life and death next to a dead sparrow in a quarry in Malta. The unexpected encounter with the dead bird was strangely appropriate given the vast and unique location. The newly unveiled URNA, a sculptural memorial structure in Malta, stands as a symbol of a different approach to remembering the departed, focusing on unity and beauty rather than individual ego.

The installation challenges traditional notions of memorialization and envisions a future where death is commemorated in a communal and sculptural manner. URNA, created for the London Design Biennale 2025, is designed to hold the remains of multiple individuals in a shared space, symbolizing interconnectedness even in death. The project aims to create a lasting legacy that evolves over time, rejecting the idea of completion in favor of ongoing transformation.

The URNA concept reimagines traditional mausoleums by embracing a more open and inclusive approach to memory and remembrance. By using limestone dust to create spherical modules, the installation compresses memories into layers of stone, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life and death. Unlike conventional memorials that require maintenance, URNA is designed to evolve naturally over time, reflecting the collective nature of human existence.

The project promotes a sense of collective authorship, inviting individuals to create their own unique URNA that reflects their identity and community. Through a combination of film, photography, and design projects, URNA explores different cultural perspectives on death and memorialization, highlighting the universal themes of interconnectedness and impermanence. Ultimately, URNA represents a new way of thinking about life, death, and the enduring legacy of memory.