Gordon Benton OBE, RIBA
The Planner on first seeing the San Diego Hills site.
One of the not too surprising aspects of our business is that in a professional life of nearly 50 years we are given the opportunity to help in the design of many varying projects-from churches, mosques and temples to whole township. And a once in a lifetime opportunity came to my drawing board with the concept of San Diego Hills in Karawang, West Java.
This particular 500 ha allocated for a Memorial Park gave both the founders and design team the possibility of satisfying two main ambitions. We could greatly improve on present cemetery concept by introducing a Forest lawn theme and at the same time create a location which would through magnificent landscape over beautiful hills, be an attraction for the young and old, the weary and the energetic, those seeking a spiritual uplift or the more mundane through great food restaurant and a large number of countryside pursuits. We have treated nature’s work on these magnificent hills with reverence. In addition a lake the size of 12 football pitches has been created to ensure that even in the driest months, the landscape with thrive and retain its beauty.
Birds and animals will attracted to this Oasis in West Java –creating an environmental self-sustainability which will, we believe, make for a most attractive earthly Paradise.
We have through our imagination created an Elysum-but also a place of hapiness for everyone. Coma to the very unique San Diego Hills, we hope that you will discover a place to reflect and enjoy. This is a Celebration of Lives Past, Present and the Future.