Cemeteries are a unique place for grieving. They have to balance burial efficiency with federal regulations and work within specific environmental characteristics of the site.
Cemetery design is an ongoing process, balancing short and long term goals against sales trends and cash flow. To do this, good analysis and programming is essential.
1. Design for the Future
Modern cemetery design needs to be more than a place to lay a grave. It must be a vibrant celebration of life, family, history, and individuality. It also needs to be environmentally friendly and culturally essential. Getting this right takes a unique set of skills.
Unfortunately, many cemeteries obliterate their natural setting, creating bland, typical spaces that are recognizable all over the world. This is a missed opportunity to create something special, something people will respond positively to and remember for generations.
When designing a cemetery, it’s important to consider how the landscape will change over time. For example, if sales of full body burials are dropping and cremation interments are on the rise, then you’ll need to redesign your cemetery space accordingly. Having a clear master plan will help you accomplish this goal. It will ensure that your graveyard is sustainable for the future and allow you to adapt to changing trends. It will also help you manage costs by efficiently utilizing land and resources.
2. Environmentally Friendly
The design of a cemetery must work with the existing natural systems of the site. This includes encouraging the use of cremation instead of full burials which are much less disruptive to the natural ecosystem than traditional graves with headstones.
The use of a variety of native woody and herbaceous species can be used to create diverse habitat patches within the cemetery and help to connect to other nearby habitats. This can also provide shade and help to reduce heat in the cemetery.
A changing climate will likely lead to hotter drier summers and wetter winters in which waterlogging is more common than drought. This is when a focus on circularity and sustainability becomes even more important for cemeteries as they can act as landscapes that provide value to wildlife as well as people.
Working with unique areas within a cemetery requires responsive design that celebrates the individuality of each grave site. This can be challenging as many cemetery designs tend to obliterate these distinctive features in order to be more “normal” and predictable.
3. Accessible
Bidding a final goodbye to loved ones is a very personal gesture and requires sensitivity. A cemetery should be designed sensitively to allow mourners to visit and pay their respects with peace of mind. A well-designed Master Plan is crucial in ensuring that a cemetery is accessible for all users.
The design of a cemetery should reflect cultural idiosyncrasies and express a sense of identity. It is also a good opportunity to showcase the beauty of architecture. Here are some examples of how different cultures use their cemeteries to show off their unique personality.
The type of cemetery that is built depends on the location. For example, a cemetery located in the centre of the city will require more public transportation and is harder to access than one that is in the suburbs. This may also affect the types of burials available as some families prefer in-ground burial while others prefer cremation. The urn storage in this high-rise cemetery is another interesting idea as it saves on space and can also be used for other purposes.
4. Aesthetics
Cemeteries are a delicate mingling of nature and artistry, and they have the ability to evoke beauty in those who visit. Majestic trees sway gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on manicured lawns. Intricate tombstones engraved with artful motifs and symbols convey the richness of a life lived.
Cemetery art also offers a glimpse into social hierarchies and class distinctions, with more grandiose monuments often reserved for wealthy individuals. Religious motifs, like crosses and angels, are common on tombstone engravings. Other sentimental motifs, like clasped hands or The Handshake, symbolize eternal devotion between partners or greeting to eternal life.
Cemetery design has come a long way since its utilitarian beginnings. Today, modern cemeteries offer more choices to commemorate a loved one and honor unique traditions while providing a tranquil setting to remember. Whether you’re planning a new cemetery or updating an existing one, a comprehensive master plan can guide your project to a successful outcome and a lasting legacy.