A cemetery needs to be both beautiful and functional. Saying goodbye to a loved one is an emotional event and the design must reflect this.
Once the programming and analysis are complete the cemetery master plan can begin to take form. The development process should be based on a fixed time frame and the project must have a clear scope of work.
Consider Your Visitor Demographics
As the world becomes more urbanised with higher density, space for cemeteries has become scarce. This problem has prompted many new cemetery developments to adopt innovative design solutions in order to cope with their limited space.
A common difference between graveyards and cemeteries is their association with a church. Graveyards are traditionally run by a church and located on the grounds of that church, while cemeteries are non-church associated and often quite expansive.
Mourners often like to leave flowers on the gravestones of their loved ones, especially in modern cemeteries. This has led to many designs of columbarium walls, which include a clip beside each plaque so mourners can place a small posy on their relative’s niche. These clips have been designed to be easily spotted and have a minimal maintenance requirement. This allows mourners to show their affection for their departed relatives without detracting from the overall design of the wall. However, these innovations have their shortcomings as well.
Make Your Property Accessible
In an effort to address the scarcity of burial space, a cemetery in Japan has created a design that resembles an apartment building. While the design is beautiful, they aren’t willing to give away the technology that makes it work because they don’t want others to steal their idea and use it for themselves.
They also don’t want people to copy their unique culture and afterlife aesthetics. This is important because they don’t want the cemetery to be a place that gives people negative feelings.
In addition to the innovative strategies listed above, there are many other ways that cemeteries can make their properties greener and more accessible. One way is to allow natural or conservation burials. These are more environmentally friendly because they do not require a vault to be buried and can help trees grow around the grave site. However, these types of graves usually require a larger endowment fund to cover ongoing maintenance expenses.
Make Your Property Green
As people strive to live a green life, many are looking for ways to continue doing so after death. Traditional funerals release un-degradable materials and toxic chemicals into the ecosystem, but eco-friendly alternatives allow for burials that are better for the environment.
One option is to plant a tree on the grave site, such as with the Ruriden cemetery in Japan. Another is to scatter ashes in a conservation spreading forest, such as with the Better Place Forests project.
Other options include a hybrid burial ground, a natural or biodegradable casket, or an alternative to cremation such as interment of remains in a bios urn that can be planted with trees. These innovative strategies aim to solve the issues of space, nature and cultural significance that are associated with modern cemetery design. They also help to create a more resilient landscape that can adapt to change. These strategies will be vital in the future as urban populations rise and land becomes more scarce.
Consider Signage
Signage is one of the most important parts of a cemetery design. It communicates important information to visitors, including the property’s rules, location, and layout.
Cemetery signage can be subtle and elegant, or it can be more prominent, depending on the preferences of the cemetery’s visitors. Regardless of the type of signage, it should always be easy to read and understand.
Modern technology is a great way to update a cemetery’s signage. For example, digital signage can be used to display maps, provide general information, and share burial records with the public.
With today’s land shortage, it is becoming increasingly important for cemeteries to have multiple functions in addition to burial grounds. Harboring lands to avoid water runoff, developing forestry, or even creating public parks are all ways that cemeteries can become more public spaces and benefit society.