Cemeteries are special places where bidding farewell is never easy. A well thought out cemetery design is important to keep this delicate space in good hands.
Effective designs add value and increase revenue. For example, burial plots placed near scenic spaces or other park amenities sell at a premium.
Landscape
A cemetery must have a landscape that elevates the soul and provides a peaceful place of contemplation. This is done by balancing the design of hardscapes with softscapes and using colors to create a serene environment. Special water features, monuments and signage that follow standard protocol must also be provided.
Adapting to the change from full body burials to cremation interments is a challenge for many cemeteries. To address this, green burials are gaining popularity. These practices are not only environmentally conscious but can also save space within a cemetery by reducing the need for large caskets and urns.
Maintaining the character of existing plantings is another important task for a cemetery to undertake. This is accomplished by determining which plants are appropriate for a cemetery, evaluating their condition and identifying which are invasive or hazardous. Removing the invasive plants and providing proper maintenance for the remaining plants will help to ensure that the character-defining plantings remain a part of the cemetery’s landscape.
Entrances
A cemetery entrance is more than a gate that separates entering and exiting traffic. It serves as the main focal point of a cemetery and provides visitors with an impression of the character within.
For example, a cemetery may feature a lychgate (from old English, corpse gate). It’s a covered gateway found in English churchyards that is commonly used as a symbolic entry to the graveyard.
Another important cemetery feature is an entrance that conveys a sense of reverence and serenity to the community. This is often accomplished with a traditional swinging or sliding metal gate and a decorative fence structure that accentuates the gate element.
Signage
If a cemetery allows it, personal decorations can add a special touch of remembrance. Small ceramic photographs and frames can be attached to a headstone with a headstone-safe adhesive. Many companies provide these products to help create a meaningful tribute that will last over time.
If the cemetery has natural features like a pond, wooded hillside or high point, they should be highlighted in the cemetery master plan. This allows the site to be celebrated and showcased with the surrounding community.
Whether an existing cemetery needs to evaluate its physical condition, or expand its inventory of graves or columbaria, a comprehensive master plan can provide a clear direction for the future. It can also help a cemetery explore opportunities to generate revenue, develop a volunteer base and enhance its community involvement with a variety of projects and initiatives. It may even include options for the interment of cremains, which is less disruptive to natural systems than full-body burials.
Lighting
In cemeteries, lighting is an important element for a serene atmosphere. Using solar-powered lights to illuminate pathways and graves can make the space welcoming at night while also being eco-friendly. Look for lights that provide adequate brightness while avoiding harsh glare.
For some families, placing a light by their loved ones’ headstones is a symbol of remembrance and lifelong connection. In addition, the presence of a light shows that the deceased is still present and reminds family members to celebrate their lives.
Cemeteries are unique places that require responsive cemetery design that responds to their specific characteristics. A lack of consideration for these characteristics can create a homogenous, typical place. Taking the time to develop a thoughtful cemetery master plan can help avoid this common problem. A master plan can also identify opportunities for funding, volunteer development, and other ways to improve the facility. This process can also provide a timeline for future projects. A well-developed master plan can allow a cemetery to grow and evolve while staying within budget.