Bidding farewell to a loved one is an intimate and emotional gesture. Cemetery design must be sensitive to this and provide a peaceful space for reflection.
A well-developed master plan optimizes land utilization and improves the overall aesthetic of a cemetery. It also reduces maintenance costs by reducing the number of roads on the site and transitioning to sustainable landscaping that requires less mowing.
Sustainable Headstone Options
There are many different types of cemetery monuments and headstones. The size, material and complexity of the design have an impact on price. Higher priced monuments usually include more detailed artwork, a portrait, longer epitaphs or quotes, hand carving and bronze accents.
For those looking for a more environmentally conscious choice, grave markers are available in all-natural materials. These options include limestone and sandstone, both of which provide durability and aesthetic beauty. Both are natural rock forms that have a low carbon footprint.
Grave monuments can also be sculpted from wood, which provides a unique look and has a lower carbon footprint than granite. A variety of inscriptions can be engraved on the surface, including name, date of birth and death, birth or death place, a special message or quotation, or other symbols like flowers, angels or hearts. These memorials can stand alone or be incorporated into mausoleum and columbarium facades. Memorial statues and sculpted heads are another option for those interested in an environmentally friendly headstone.
Eco-Friendly Burial Grounds
The idea of green burial has become popular with many who prefer to honor their deceased loved ones in ways that respect the earth and promote sustainability. Green burials eschew embalming fluid, metal caskets, concrete vaults and other manmade materials in favor of biodegradable materials like wicker and bamboo. They also avoid practices that disrupt soil health, such as mowing and chemical fertilization.
The resulting graves are natural habitats that support native flora and fauna, providing food and shelter. They become a place of connection, solace and healing for families and friends.
Similarly, green headstones can be made of reclaimed rocks or recycled materials, or a simple shroud for those who wish to be buried instead of cremated. The same goes for urns for cremated remains, which can be made of biodegradable materials like wicker or bamboo, or even a king-sized cotton sheet. A hybrid cemetery or conservation cemetery that adheres to the basic principles of green burial may be more affordable than a traditional one.
Accessibility
When designing a cemetery, it’s important to consider accessibility. This includes making sure that your cemetery is wheelchair-friendly and has proper grading so that water doesn’t pool on the property. It’s also helpful to have well-marked grave sites so that people can find them easily.
Providing a range of burial options for all types of people is important for the future of cemeteries. This is because it allows people to choose what type of memorial they want and helps them feel at peace with their decision.
A good way to increase the effectiveness of your cemetery is to take a fresh look at its master plan on a regular basis. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your board’s availability and timeframes. For example, you could conduct a series of workshops over a 3-month period or take a more detailed analysis approach. Regardless of how you do it, it’s essential to get your team involved so that everyone can see the big picture.
Maintenance
Keeping natural elements intact adds serenity to cemetery design. Trees, shrubs and flowers should be carefully chosen for their beauty and longevity and cared for appropriately to keep them healthy. Water bodies like ponds or fountains should be kept clean and well-aerated. In addition, the use of water features can also help with noise management in a cemetery setting.
Mourners often choose to leave flowers or other personal items at the grave or columbarium wall of their loved one. Newer designs of plaques on columbarium walls take this into account by incorporating clips beside each plaque allowing for a single flower or small posy to be clipped and held.
Developing a cemetery master plan is the first step to creating a sustainable and functional cemetery design. This includes understanding the site with regards to topography, drainage, climate, vegetation, zoning and adjacent land uses. This can then be used to develop a cemetery concept and layout based on burial types, mausoleums, chapels and parking.