Modern Cemetery Design focuses on blending the permanence of death with the evanescence of life. This is achieved through an understanding of the spiritual, cultural and emotional dimensions of the spaces.
A cemetery entrance is an important element that sets the tone for a visitor’s experience. It should reflect the design vernacular and be symbolic of transition into a sacred space.
Green Footprint
Designed to have minimal environmental impact, green burials align with ecological principles by using biodegradable casket materials like bamboo or untreated wood and avoiding chemicals. Embalming is a major contributor to air pollution, while traditional metal caskets and vaults create unnecessary landfill waste. Additionally, the acres of grass that fill typical cemeteries require fertilizer and water.
Similarly, grave liners and vaults, which are designed to protect caskets from sinking, impede natural decomposition and introduce non-biodegradable materials into the ground. A shroud burial, on the other hand, uses a biodegradable cotton or linen covering to wrap the body before it is lowered into the grave.
The same goes for a “conserved” lands burial, which skips headstones and replaces them with trees or uncarved stones, allowing the natural ecosystem to reclaim its territory. Alternatively, a hybrid cemetery allows visitors to choose a traditional memorial site with an area reserved for green burials. This provides a more accessible option for eco-conscious individuals while still supporting conservation and sustainability.
Accessibility
The emotional impact of cemetery design is not to be underestimated. Through thoughtful design elements, including natural light and open spaces, modern cemeteries become places of comfort, support, and healing. Artistic installations and memorials can help people express themselves and connect with their loved ones in meaningful ways.
Cemeteries must also consider the cultural ecosystem services that they provide to the community. These services include physical, experiential, intellectual, representative and spiritual interactions (Haines-Young et al., 2018). To maximize these functions, it is important that cemetery design considers accessibility. The cemetery should be easily accessible from roadways with ample parking, and pathways should be a safe distance away from traffic. It is also important to consider incorporating features like ponds into the landscape for a peaceful experience, while also providing wildlife habitat. These features can help make a cemetery a place that is a joy to visit for visitors of all abilities. A master plan provides a roadmap for future cemetery development and should be updated on a regular basis to reflect changing consumer buying trends, demographics and options for new and infill development.
Signage
In a cemetery, signs can be a crucial tool for guiding visitors through the property. The best designs utilize clear signage that makes it easy for guests to locate graves and memorial spaces. The use of colors and other visual cues can also help visitors understand where they are on the property and how to navigate it.
Cemetery design trends have shifted toward a more natural aesthetic, using organic forms and materials. These design features create a peaceful environment that invites reflection and remembrance. Additionally, there has been a growing demand for eco-friendly headstones that decompose naturally over time. Green burial practices are another increasingly popular option, whereby remains are planted in the ground rather than being buried in a traditional casket.
Cemeteries can benefit from a comprehensive master plan that includes a feasibility study of existing facilities, a demographics analysis, business/financial planning and options for new development. It is recommended that a cemetery revisit their master plan on a regular basis, perhaps every five years.
Visitor Demographics
In addition to enhancing the landscape for beauty and healing, good cemetery design must focus on visitor demographics. Visitors are often grieving and navigating difficult emotions; they must feel supported and cared for. A welcoming environment will provide comfort, orient visitors and foster connection with the deceased.
Design features such as open spaces and quiet corners for reflection will create an inviting experience. Artistic installations and memorials will help convey meaning and honor the deceased. Symbols on headstones like crosses and star of David denote faith, while floral motifs like roses and lilies symbolize love, purity, and remembrance.
By incorporating a range of uses, cemetery owners can generate additional revenue and demonstrate their permanence as a community fixture. This also helps to bolster public support for cemetery restoration and maintenance. A cemetery master plan is a crucial step to develop these potential changes and determine a fixed time frame for development projects. Master plans can also be used as a marketing tool to attract new clientele.