WHAT IS AN ARCHITECTURAL COLUMBARIUM
Lisa Simmons, Architarium Customer Service
October 1, 2010

As you have probably guessed, the name Architarium is derived from “architectural columbarium”. Architarium chose this designation carefully. Here’s why.

A columbarium is a structure used in development: of a cemetery, of a campus, etc. And development often involves architecture. But deductive reasoning does not bestow an architectural designation on a columbarium! To qualify as architectural, a columbarium has to have certain characteristics.

An architectural columbarium adheres to the overriding requirements of architecture:

• Customizable to a client’s requirements and environment
• Technically current materials, design, manufacturing methods and equipment
• Functionality beyond minimal operational requirements
• Durability in a wide range of conditions to minimize repairs and maintenance

Columbarium customization requirements can include:

• Ability to manufacture a variety of niche sizes
• Ability to mix niche sizes in the same section
• Ability to manufacture a variety of configurations: flat, convex, concave, round, square, octagonal, cruciform, stepped, asymmetric, etc.
• Ability to expand niche sections
• Ability to incorporate decorative details and personalization

Columbarium functionality is more than serving as a repository for urns. It can include:

• Presentation features: Ex. Ability to show niche exterior and interior.
• Usage features: Ex. Easy attachment, individual privacy, etc.
• Maintenance features: Ex. Moisture prevention and dissipation, prevention of cracking, etc.
• Security features: Ex. Hidden hardware, multiple levels, etc.
• Cost features: Ex. Ability to engrave off-site and at most engravers

The bottom line: Anyone can make a box and call it architectural. But just as an architectural design is higher quality, so is an architectural columbarium.