Nirvana Memorial Park (Shah Alam) Song Villa : Series 2

Discovering the “beauty” of Song Villa

White cranes symbolizing good fortune and longevity

The crane, with its white feathers, loud call and beautiful form, is regarded as a noble bird that is second only to the phoenix. During the period of the Qin and Han dynasties to the Sui and Tang dynasties, cranes were mainly regarded as symbols of divinity. In the minds of the people, they were sacred beasts who are companions to the immortals and capable of travelling between the realm of immortals and world of men.

During the Tang dynasty, the Taoist belief of cranes as immortals became more prevalent and were seen as indispensable subjects in tomb murals. In the Song and Yuan dynasties, cranes were believed to have come to earth from the celestial realm and were regarded as symbols of longevity among birds due to their high heads. To this day, cranes are regarded highly in Chinese culture and are given auspicious, blessed and noble connotations, as well as highly respected and loved by people.

The crane tail is a highly auspicious architectural feature at Song Villa. The crane tail is unfurled and positioned at the eaves of the roof, transforming it into a gentle yet magnificent sight, tranquil yet auspicious. The design feature is intended to convey the notion that loved ones who are laid to rest here are liberated from the earthly realm as well as protected and blessed by the crane.

Fish scales symbolizing annual abundance

Whether in ancient times or the present, there is a kind of beauty that is timeless; such as the flourishes and refined elements of Song Villa that convey the constant flow of time and water. Song Villa is constructed with all kinds of artistic details. Every brick and tile are full of significance. The layered fish scale tiles on the eaves in particular, resemble both fish scales and waves, beautiful and prominent.

Inspired by fish scales, each piece is shaped like a small fan and resembles a piece of silver that reflects light. It is an indispensable roofing element in classical architecture which has stood the test of time; retaining the characteristics of traditional tiles while also fulfilling the aesthetic requirements of modern tiles.

The crane tail with fish scales conveys a rich and beautiful scene. During the day, it presents a vision of distinctive elegance; at night, it shimmers with golden light. The fish scales have a homophonic significance that implies annual abundance and prosperous life for descendants.

Moon gate: the gate of joyful reunions

The Chinese often view the “circle” to imply perfection, fulfilment and reunion. In addition to retaining the form of a “door”, the moon gate is transformed into a circle on the wall, seemingly both revealing and concealing – displaying a timeless beauty that is subtle and elegant.

Song Villa makes full use of the moon gate to form a “framed scenery” within the columbarium – transforming the beautiful Zen-style courtyard into a vivid landscape painting on the wall – conveying a sense of depth and structured aesthetic to the viewer. The moon gate is shaped like a full moon, bearing the meanings of family reunion and fulfilment of life. By incorporating the beautiful symbolism of moon gates, Song Villa gains further emotional significance.

Zen-style courtyard: The beauty of a garden within a garden

The garden within a garden is the very soul of Song Villa. The so-called garden within a garden refers to another smaller garden in the Zen-style courtyard with gurgling water, classical arch bridge, Zen stones and verdant greenery. It integrates the harmonious scene into the courtyard and strengthens the minimalist, comfortable and pleasant ambiance. It is indeed a rare place of rest.

In recent years, the aspects of Zen have gain dominance in mainstream memorial park design to create a landscape with Zen simplicity, returning to nature and relaxing the mind. The Zen-style courtyard at Song Villa is its own little self-contained world. The simple and profound Zen concept aesthetic is a unique scenery to be savoured, whichever way you look.