Ripple: A Poetic Tomb Design

Connecting Souls Through Water Ripples

In the realm of tomb design, a unique and innovative concept has emerged. Hu Yin and Jianan Dai, the designers behind Ripple, have created a design that aims to connect the living and the deceased through the power of water. Inspired by the spiritual significance of water in eastern culture, Ripple offers a poetic and interactive experience for mourners.

Ripple stands out from other tomb designs due to its ability to create an emotional connection between the mourner and the deceased. The design utilizes rippling water as a medium of communication. The strength of the water ripples depends on the pitch of the mourner's voice, creating a dynamic and responsive experience.

When a mourner approaches the tombstone, they can add water to a small pool built at the base. A sensor recognizes the mourner's voice and triggers a vibrating device fitted at the bottom of the pool, producing water ripples. The strength of the ripples varies with the pitch of the voice, allowing the water to respond to the mourner's emotions. If the mourner speaks in a calm voice, the water ripples slowly and rhythmically. However, if the mourner becomes emotional and cries out, the water shivers quickly, mirroring the mourner's heightened state.

The design team, consisting of Hu Yin, Jianan Dai, Hong Pang, Lixue Miao, and Yinshuai Zhang, worked tirelessly to overcome creative and technical challenges. They aimed to create an atmosphere that seamlessly blended eastern culture with technological innovation. The rippling water emerged as the perfect solution, bridging the gap between the mourner and the deceased.

Ripple not only provides comfort to those longing for the deceased but also revolutionizes traditional mourning practices. In eastern culture, the deceased are believed to go to another world, making it difficult for mourners to have mutual communication. This design breaks that barrier, allowing for a unique and interactive experience that provides solace and emotional connection.

The Ripple tomb design, with its unique blend of art, architecture, and technology, has garnered recognition in the design community. In 2018, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Social Design category. This prestigious award is given to designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The Ripple design is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, ultimately contributing to a better world.

With its ability to create an emotional bond between the mourner and the deceased, Ripple offers a new perspective on tomb design. It combines the spiritual power of water with innovative technology, providing a comforting and interactive experience for those grieving the loss of a loved one.