Cristian Yazigi is a Chilean architect and the principal of Cristian Yazigi Architects, based in Santiago, Chile. Yazigi is recognized for his thoughtful and contextually sensitive designs, often incorporating locally sourced materials and engaging deeply with the cultural and environmental aspects of his projects.
One of his notable works is the Mausoleum for Two, a project that reflects his approach to creating spaces that are both personal and symbolic. The mausoleum, located in Santiago’s General Cemetery, uses locally quarried basalt stone and is designed to symbolize protection and endurance. The structure’s design reflects the couple’s lifelong bond and serves as both a memorial and a place for contemplation.
Yazigi’s work is characterized by its meticulous attention to materiality and form, often creating spaces that bridge the past with the present, making use of traditional techniques while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary architecture.
What is the story behind the “Mausoleum for Two,” including the intentions and requests of the beneficiaries before the project began?
I was deeply honored when my beloved uncle and aunt, who are 82 and 80 years old and have been married for 60 years, asked me to design a mausoleum for them. This project carried immense personal significance, not just because of our familial bond but also due to the profound nature of the assignment. As an architect, I’m used to discussing future homes with clients, but this conversation centered on how they wished to be remembered. The idea of a mausoleum exclusively for the two of them struck me as incredibly romantic and beautiful, which inspired the project’s name and form.
What significance does the use of basalt stone hold in this project?
Basalt stone was chosen primarily for its local availability and common usage in the city’s streets. I was intrigued by the idea of repurposing this material with a new significance. During experimentation, I found that basalt could take on various textures from the same block and even be polished to a mirror-like surface. This versatility allowed the same material to convey different meanings, solidifying my decision to use it. The 7 tons of stone within a 12 m² area not only carry significant physical weight but also embody a symbolic one, representing unity and continuity.
When designing a space intended for eternal rest, what considerations were most important in shaping the visitor’s experience?
Though the couple shared a life together, it was essential that each of them had a distinct presence within the mausoleum. The central space is defined by the dimensions of two bodies laid together, represented by vertical stones. Inside, the two-meter-high polished stone blocks reflect the images of those who stand before them, symbolically connecting the present with memories of the past. Externally, the natural raw finish of the stones represents two distinct bodies, each with unique characteristics.
The mausoleum is described as both a “meeting plaza” and a tomb. How did you design it to fulfill these dual purposes?
Walking through Santiago’s General Cemetery, I noticed visitors often stood in the pathways, which felt impersonal and distant. I wanted to create a mausoleum that was not just a resting place but also a shelter where visitors could pause, reflect, and remember. Despite the small site, I designed a space that invites intimacy and contemplation, fulfilling both roles as a meeting plaza and a tomb.
How did the context of Santiago’s General Cemetery influence your design approach?
The 12 m² plot is surrounded by pedestrian roads and adjacent tombs. My first decision was to position the mausoleum centrally within the plot, maintaining a respectful distance from neighboring tombs. I defined the boundaries using four elements—two vertical and two horizontal—creating an enclosed space for gathering, dialogue, and contemplation.
What was your process for integrating the personal history of the couple into the architectural form?
This couple has dedicated their lives to public service and intellectual contributions, leaving a lasting impact on society. I view a mausoleum as the final expression of an individual, a last constructed message. My goal was to ensure that this mausoleum could be both expressive and silent, providing an open space where people can come together, contemplate, converse, and remember.
What were the biggest challenges in working with heavy materials within a relatively small plot?
One of the biggest challenges was constructing a mausoleum simultaneously in two locations. The excavation and foundation work occurred at the cemetery, while the stones were sculpted 11 kilometers away. Fitting the pieces together was a significant challenge, especially since every aspect, even the underground foundations, played a decisive role in the design. The foundations had to support 7 tons while also defining the space for two bodies.
How do you envision this mausoleum aging over time, both in terms of material wear and its lasting significance?
The mausoleum is designed to evoke a sense of protection and permanence. Using materials like stone, concrete, and metal sheets—timeless elements—ensures that the structure remains in a state of perpetual latency. The stones, with their significant weight, will remain in place forever, establishing a connection between the present and future of the project.
What inspired you to become an architect, and how has that influenced your design philosophy?
My passion for drawing since childhood led me to pursue architecture. I believe drawing is an indispensable design tool, allowing architects to visualize how something should look, even if we don’t always know how it’s built. This early foundation in drawing continues to influence my design philosophy, where every project begins with hand drawing.
What is your favorite architectural detail in the mausoleum, and why does it resonate with you?
Given the project’s small scale, every detail was treated with care, almost like crafting a piece of furniture or sculpture. Defining the surface of the raw natural stone was the most challenging aspect. I aimed for the stones to be distinct from one another, which required close collaboration with the artisans. Every hammer strike added to the stone’s unique character, making this detail particularly resonant for me.
