Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy, but good cemetery design can make the experience more comforting for everyone involved. It can also help a cemetery stand out from its competitors by making it more unique.
A proper cemetery master plan is essential for any cemetery. This will allow them to plan for future expansions and changes. It will also allow them to budget for the project accordingly.
Landscaping
Cemeteries are delicate spaces that require a thoughtful approach to the design. Decorative features, different shades of green that reflect natural site characteristics and the design vernacular must be carefully considered when designing this unique space.
Landscaping is another important element that should be incorporated into the cemetery layout design. Well-planned landscaping provides better mowing efficiency, lower maintenance costs and improved aesthetics.
Cemetery flower plantings are used to demonstrate care, evoke emotion and provide a window into the deceased’s life. Annual flowers, like tulips and daffodils, bring a burst of color in the spring while perennial plants, such as iris, petunias and kale, add beauty all year round. Similarly, a pond or water feature can add tranquility and enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Ponds
The ponds in the cemetery are not only beautiful and serene, they play an important role in the health of the surrounding landscape. They slow the flow of stormwater and detain it until it can naturally soak into the ground.
These ponds also reduce the amount of contaminants entering groundwater, which is a concern of many people. Historically, sanitary precautions have influenced the nature of cemeteries and where they are located. For example, Romans and Jews avoided burying within the city walls.
Research has shown that natural cemeteries have a greater re-use potential, but cultural issues may prevent their adoption in the wider public. These include the desire to keep a grave site “wild” and the lack of markers to locate specific graves. Consequently, it is necessary to consider how to encourage appropriate behaviour in these settings.
Water Features
A cemetery has the opportunity to make a lasting impression with water features. Whether a pond or carillon tower, these elements can add distinction and help establish the identity of the facility.
Mourners often bring flowers to the grave of their loved ones and it is important for a cemetery to provide them with a place to do so. Columbarium walls that incorporate a clip or loop beside each plaque allowing for a single flower stem or small posy are a thoughtful addition.
Developing a comprehensive cemetery master plan can assist a cemetery in determining its future needs. This process should be done with a team event to ensure that management has buy-in and is able to execute the plan with both long and short term goals in mind.
Lighting
Lighting is an important element for a cemetery. It helps with safety, preventing people from walking into a grave that has been dug improperly or is uncovered, and reducing the risk of an injury caused by a tree falling onto a headstone.
Cemeteries should consider the use of LED lights that are environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. The lighting should be neutral and blend into natural backgrounds to avoid attracting insects or becoming a distraction.
Cemeteries should also consider installing properly sized drainage piping and water supply piping during the cemetery master planning process. This will help minimize up-front costs and future replacement costs.
Curb Appeal
Cemeteries are designed to be visited by people who want to pay their respects. This means that the cemetery needs to have some curb appeal. This can be achieved by adding things like a carillon tower, landscape features or ponds that add distinction to the cemetery.
Another important part of a cemetery is the wording on the gravestones. This is because it summarises the person’s life and their beliefs. This is why it’s important that the inscriptions are written in a way that is timeless and dignified.
It is also important that the cemetery has good drainage piping. This can be achieved by incorporating reed bed construction, subsoil drains and surface water catch all drainage systems. The piping should be perfectly sized during the master planning process to minimize up front costs as well as future replacement costs.