Bidding a final farewell to a loved one is never easy. Cemetery Design should respond to this delicate experience sensitively, by maximizing land utilization and creating sustainable landscapes.
Burial areas should generally conform to the existing terrain with grades ranging from a minimum of two percent to a maximum of fifteen percent to achieve positive drainage and accessibility.
Master Plan
A cemetery master plan is an important part of a modern cemetery’s operations and planning. It should be created by a landscape architect or civil engineer to ensure the design is both beautiful and functional.
Creating a well-planned cemetery layout with flowing plantings helps to reduce mowing lines, lower maintenance and enhances the aesthetics. Cemetery landscaping should consider a variety of factors including soil conditions, climate and water management. Ponds, whether natural or constructed, serve a dual purpose of beautifying the cemetery and inviting local wildlife to the property.
A flexible master plan is important for a cemetery to meet changes in market trends and product offerings. For example, if sales for full-body burials begin to decline and cremation interment requests increase, the master plan should reflect this new trend in order to continue generating revenue.
Landscape and Architecture
Cemeteries are unique and special spaces where bidding a final farewell is a very personal gesture. Effective cemetery design responds to this emotional challenge by providing a harmonious neighborhood of related landscapes, directional signage and visual landmarks that enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Burial areas should follow the natural site topography and be designed to achieve a predominant uniform slope within each section. Extensive earthmoving and grading should be avoided whenever possible in order to preserve the beauty of the existing landscape.
There is a growing preference for minimalism and environmental sustainability in headstone designs and burial practices. This shift reflects changing cultural values of simplicity and eco-consciousness. These changes in headstone options, as well as resurgence of green burial practices can help to preserve the heritage of a cemetery for generations to come.
Green Footprint
The modern cemetery is typically a memorial park that is less focused on the dead and more about memories. This type of cemetery focuses on visitor services like genealogy information, flower placement programs and special events for holidays. It may also provide a variety of burial options such as columbaria and in-ground cremation sites. It is often not affiliated with a church and does not have to accommodate congregants.
Mourners frequently leave flowers on the plaque of a loved one in a columbarium wall. New designs for these walls try to take this desire into account by incorporating clips on the sides of each plaque that can hold a single stem or small posy of flowers. This helps to prevent the encroaching growth of grass or other vegetation that might cover a plaque.
Accessibility
Whether for individuals or families, bidding loved ones farewell is an emotional experience that must be treated with sensitivity. The design of a cemetery must reflect this and accommodate the needs of the public.
The entrance of a cemetery sets the tone, providing a way to welcome visitors and signal their passage into a sacred space. By establishing a design vernacular for the cemetery through plantings and architectural features, a gateway creates an environment that is both peaceful and welcoming.
Pathways, vaults, and restrooms must be designed with accessibility in mind. Whether paved or natural, pathways should be smooth and provide stability for wheelchairs and those with mobility challenges. Similarly, parking lots and transportation services should be well-located for ease of access to the cemetery grounds.
Signage
The Entry Feature establishes a significant gateway to the cemetery and symbolizes passage into a sacred space. It should be consistent with the design vernacular of the project and regional influences to magnify a sense of place.
The Public Information Center building is visible from the entrance boulevard and positioned as a gathering point to welcome visitors and funeral attendees. It is often the first stop for cortege staging and parking control.
Headstones provide a permanent marker of your loved ones and reflect the rich history of cultural practices, artistic styles, and materials. Today, families can choose from a variety of modern options for their deceased loved one’s markers that include customized engravings, photographs, and even QR codes linking to digital memorials. This allows you to share your loved ones’ story and celebrate their lives forever.