A well-designed cemetery plan is vital for management. It provides the cemetery with a road map for future growth, and demonstrates permanency to city planning committees.
Cemetery development often obliterates a unique setting, creating monotonous and typical spaces that lack differentiation. Using responsive cemetery design allows for the development of unique places that the public will positively respond to.
Cultural shifts in burial practices
Throughout history, cemetery design has been influenced by cultural shifts in burial practices. From ancient tombs and elaborate burial mounds to modern memorial parks, each design reflects the beliefs, values, and aesthetics of its time.
Today, a growing trend in cemetery design is the desire for personalization. This is evident in unique monuments, bespoke art installations, and personalized services. It is also reflected in the move towards eco-consciousness and sustainability. For example, green burials use biodegradable caskets and emphasize preservation of natural landscapes.
Additionally, the increasing inclination toward cremation has led to innovative burial options such as urn gardens and columbaria that utilize less space while creating distinct spaces within a cemetery. With these shifts in burial practices, the cemetery of the future will be an environment that celebrates life and transcends death. WC Fry Design has extensive experience in planning new and renovating existing cemeteries. Our holistic approach to cemetery master planning includes a comprehensive analysis, site assessment, business/financial plan, fundraising opportunities and volunteer development strategies.
Adaptation to changing landscapes
When planning a cemetery, it is important to take into account the future needs of the site. A well-designed master plan can help to identify short and long term needs and map the overall strategy. It can also improve land utilization and increase marketability.
Changing landscapes can provide opportunities to offer more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional burial practices. Burials can be moved to more open spaces and cremated remains can be interred in gardens or columbaria. These changes can be more environmentally conscious and respect cultural and religious traditions.
Cemetery Master Planning requires a thorough analysis of the property, including burial types and quantities, mausoleums, chapels, office buildings, parking, directional signage, maintenance yards and vehicle and pedestrian circulation. A good plan will consider the site’s natural attributes, such as a water feature, wooded hillside or high point and use them to enhance the overall landscape design. It will also include plantings that are unique to the cemetery and will help set it apart from others.
Eco-friendly headstone options
Eco-friendly headstone options allow families to make a statement about their commitment to sustainability. They can use recycled materials that reduce the demand for new resources and prevent waste from entering landfills. Families can also opt for natural elements that blend into the surrounding landscape and support local ecosystems.
Traditional stone grave markers are made of granite and marble, which require extensive quarrying activities that cause habitat destruction and soil erosion. The cutting, shaping and polishing of these stones is also energy-intensive, contributing to carbon emissions.
A Danish stonemason has developed an alternative that uses clay instead of granite, reducing both CO2 and water consumption. His innovative design offers families a sustainable option that also preserves the beauty of traditional cemeteries.
The green burial movement focuses on honoring loved ones in a way that minimizes the environmental impact of funerals and memorial services. This includes avoiding embalming, using shrouds or biodegradable caskets, and avoiding vaults and grave liners.
Monuments and memorials
Monuments and memorials provide a unique way to honor your loved ones after they’ve passed. Typically, they include an inscription and can be as large or small as you’d like. They can also come in a variety of shapes, colors, and materials. Some even have bronze accents and sculptural elements that capture your loved one’s personality.
Flat monuments are a good option if you want to take up as little space as possible. They’re also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of headstones. However, they do require visitors to stand directly over the marker to read inscriptions. Pillow monuments offer a subtle alternative, characterized by their gentle slope.
Pre-planning a cemetery monument can remove uncertainty and anxiety from your family’s experience after a loved one passes away. The process can also help families process their grief and focus on other important matters. Moreover, it helps to reduce costs by preventing the need for costly burial arrangements in the future.