Germany's Pyramid Scheme

"It sounds like an absurd idea. The plan is to build a massive pyramid, filled with human remains, on a windswept field near the city of Dessau, eastern Germany. But the organisers of the project are adamant that this is not a PR stunt. There were pyramids in ancient Egypt, so why not in modern-day Germany, they argue. The new Great Pyramid would be a very efficient cemetery. It would have a huge capacity. A 150m-high pyramid could contain five million stones, it would be the size of six football fields and millions of people could be buried there. Each concrete block would house an urn containing ashes, or memorabilia of the deceased.

The organisers launched an architectural competition for the construction of the pyramid last September. Architecture firms submitted their plans. and the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas headed the jury to select the final concept. The organisers say the pyramid would act as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth - but many local residents are not so enthusiastic about the project."