Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has opened a new morgue to facilitate the movement of deceased people who enter or depart from the Netherlands via the hub.
The new morgue was designed to accommodate a range of different cultures and mourning rituals, and features a viewing room with bathing facilities for cleansing the deceased, a preparation area, and an autopsy room for the police. It will be operated by Zorg Diensten Groep.
The building was created so when the structure’s lifespan has ended, the materials can be easily reused in a new project. It is the first 100% cradle-to-cradle building at and belonging to Schiphol.
It also meets the criteria for a BREEAM rating of Outstanding, achieved through insulating and energy-generating applications such as the climate-resilient circular water system that drains away waste water more slowly and filters it, even making it suitable for drinking. Electricity is supplied by solar panels and the building is lit by LED lighting.
The construction of this morgue contributes to Schiphol’s ambition to become a zero-waste airport by 2030.