Cemetery Design is the practice of planning for the long term management and maintenance of a Cemetery or burial grounds. Cemetery design should take into account the climate, soil conditions and flow to ensure that landscapes are maintained, mowing is efficient and monuments are protected from erosion.
WC Fry Design works with many different religious settings to provide cemetery master planning, new sections and architectural design.
Landscape Design
Creating an engaging landscape is vital in a cemetery. Good design allows visitors to navigate the property easily and gives them a sense of peace and order. A pond is an excellent way to add water features to the cemetery and can double as a wildlife habitat.
If the Cemetery’s demographic is shifting toward cremation, it may be time to rethink the master plan and consider how to best utilize the land. It is also important to understand the site’s natural systems, including drainage and soil conditions.
The modern cemetery incorporates a more minimal approach to architecture reflecting cultural shifts in attitudes towards life and death. The design reflects the importance of nature and a desire for natural beauty, while providing options to celebrate each person’s unique personality. These changes also reflect a movement towards eco-consciousness, which is reflected in the design of green burials and memorial parks.
Master Plan
A cemetery master plan is an important tool that can help a cemetery to identify its short and long term needs. It also helps to determine if a project is viable. Having a cemetery master plan is important for the maintenance of a cemetery because it allows for better utilization of land. It also helps to make the cemetery more attractive for visitors.
Cemetery master planning can include many things, including the addition of a new section for traditional casketed burials and conversion of an existing unused section to in-ground cremation plots. It can also involve the construction of sidewalks and wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout the cemetery. It can also include a plan for tree plantings and a drainage system.
Other things that can be done in a cemetery include the creation of an interpretive trail at Sleepy Hollow, restoration and stabilization of the Melvin Memorial, cleaning and restoring the marble sculpture of Mourning Victory, and evaluating the turf conditions at Old Hill, Authors’ Ridge, and the Knoll Gate.
Architectural Design
A cemetery should reflect the prevailing trend of the contemporary society with regard to how we view death. Bidding a goodbye to our loved ones is never easy and the spaces that accommodate this process should be designed sensitively.
Decorative features, different shades of green that cumulatively give the space its identity and species of flowering trees must be carefully incorporated to enhance the beauty of this delicate landscape. Proper grading that minimizes flooding and drainage systems that channel water infiltration away from the grounds are also important considerations.
A move towards more personalization and unique monuments shows how cemeteries are adapting to the changing cultural attitudes toward life and death. This shift reflects the need for people to feel connected to their deceased loved ones through meaningful expressions. It also highlights the importance of these sacred spaces as cultural centers that are continually evolving to meet the needs of their users. The LA Group can help you with this process, ensuring that your cemetery’s design is sensitive to the needs of your visitors.
Maintenance
Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy and the design of a cemetery should reflect that. A sensitive design helps to make the experience more bearable and provides a tranquil space for visitors.
The design of a cemetery should also incorporate maintenance elements such as accessible walkways and seating areas to accommodate visitors with physical disabilities. Irrigation systems should be designed to adequately water the landscape and ensure that lawns, trees and shrubs look their best year round. The removal of scrub trees and large limbs that may fall onto grave markers is also an important part of cemetery maintenance.
It is important to keep in mind that cemeteries are often considered “forever installations.” Therefore, it is imperative that the right care is taken to ensure that they maintain their beauty and functionality over time. WC Fry Design is experienced in creating cemetery master plans, extensions and new sections in unique religious settings including Catholic, Jewish, Lutheran and Muslim cemeteries.