The project roots itself in the remembrance of a dark past, highlighting the interconnected histories of Liverpool, Ireland, the Caribbean, and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Viewing the site as a burial ground of this past allows for a narrative that uncovers the memory embedded in the site. This cemetery aims to challenge the status quo of UK cemeteries, transforming what is traditionally a place of mourning and sorrow into a space for celebration and cultural reflection.

Liverpool's historical ties to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, coupled with its significant Irish and Caribbean populations, create a unique context for this project. The cemetery seeks to honour and reflect on these intertwined histories, serving as a poignant reminder of the past while fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. By integrating spiritual and folk traditions from both Irish and Caribbean heritages, the cemetery fosters a sense of unity and shared history.

Taking an experimental approach, the design is heavily informed by the Nine Nights funeral celebration, a Caribbean tradition that embodies community, memory, and celebration. Nine Nights, also known as Dead Yard, is a ritual in which family and friends gather for nine nights of singing, dancing, and storytelling to honour the deceased. This vibrant, communal celebration contrasts sharply with the sombre tone of traditional Western funerals, offering a rich source of inspiration for reimagining the cemetery space.

Incorporating elements of Nine Nights into the design, the cemetery will feature spaces for music, dance, and communal gatherings. Areas designated for storytelling and remembrance will invite visitors to share and celebrate the lives of those who have passed. This approach not only pays homage to Caribbean cultural practices but also introduces a dynamic, inclusive, and celebratory model for funerals in the UK.

The cemetery will also draw on Irish funeral traditions, which similarly emphasise community and remembrance. Traditional Irish wakes, known for their lively storytelling and communal support, align with the ethos of Nine Nights. By weaving together these traditions, the cemetery will create a space that celebrates life, community, and shared heritage.

The project aims to remind these communities of their roots through the revival of funeral traditions, celebration, and dance, acting as a beacon for Irish and Caribbean communities in Liverpool. The design will feature a series of interconnected spaces that reflect the stages of Nine Nights and Irish wakes, creating a journey through memory, celebration, and reflection. Gardens, performance areas, and memorial structures will be integrated to provide a versatile and meaningful environment for various forms of remembrance and celebration.

By adopting this innovative approach, the cemetery aims to redefine how we perceive and experience burial grounds. It will transform them from places of mourning into spaces of cultural expression, community connection, and historical acknowledgment. The project aspires to leave a lasting impact on society by altering the traditional narrative of cemeteries within the UK, showcasing how embracing diverse cultural practices can enrich our understanding of life and death.

This cemetery project in Liverpool stands as a testament to the power of cultural memory and community celebration. By intertwining the rich traditions of Irish and Caribbean funeral practices, it creates a unique and transformative space that honours the past while celebrating the vibrant cultures that shape the present. This experimental approach not only redefines the concept of a cemetery but also serves as a beacon of unity and cultural pride for the Irish and Caribbean communities in Liverpool.