Den Tod gestalten – mehr als nur ein Abschied

Design is not just about creating objects, buildings, or products—it's also about how we shape our lives and how we deal with difficult topics like death.

Death, as an inevitable part of human existence, can be viewed through the lens of design: What spaces, rituals, and forms offer us comfort? How do we design farewells, memorials, and remembrance in a way that meets our cultural, religious, and individual needs? These questions are at the heart of the events being held as part of World Design Capital 2026.

In the Cathedral Circle for Church and Science, we would like to take this opportunity to explore the diverse approaches to sepulchral culture and the design of farewell and mourning spaces in a creative yet respectful way. Death is not just a matter for funeral directors and churches, but affects us all.

Therefore, we have developed a varied program ranging from interdisciplinary discussions and artistic projects to practical workshops. Each event is an invitation to jointly seek new perspectives and design possibilities – be it in a church space, in art, or through an examination of mourning rituals from different cultures and religions.

The Frankfurt Cathedral Circle for Church and Science addresses social, ethical, and economic issues at the intersection of faith and science. It promotes dialogue between different perspectives and scientific findings.