Whether you are planning to create your own graveyard or are planning on purchasing a cemetery, you will want to consider the design of the site. Graveyards are a part of culture and society since the beginning of human history. Having a design that is sustainable and reflects the historical landscape of a city is important.
Graveyards have been a part of culture and society since the beginning of human history
Throughout the history of culture and society, cemetery design has had a presence. It has been a place of loss and sadness. It is also a place where individuals construct their identities. They might see gravestones as indices of the deceased person’s death, or as a way to connect with the departed.
While graveyards have been considered an important site for mourning, they have also been a focus of research. Studies have examined how gravestones and accessories are chosen as a consumer choice. Other studies have examined their effects on the environment, or on the subject’s identity.
The modern cemeteries have been the focus of much attention. Researchers have examined questions of ideology, emotion, and social identity. However, most studies have largely focused on surface elements, such as gravestones, monuments, and headstones.
The study of the materiality of graves has often used a diachronic approach. However, the authors point out that other factors influence gravestone materiality. In particular, the authors use a novel quantitative methodology. The researchers used a digital data collection tool to gather data on gravestones and accessories in Luxembourg.
Graveyards reflect spatial imbalances and segregation inherited from earlier times
Historically, graveyards have been a haven for thieves and robbers. For a period of time, graveyards functioned as a marketplace for goods and services. In modern times, graveyards became a place for grieving and communal celebration. During the early twentieth century, mass graves were dug to accommodate piles of corpses. Consequently, many victims were buried without coffins.
Graveyards have come a long way. Today, the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague features twelve layers. Among the most impressive of these are the twelve-sided mausoleums.
Although modern graveyards occupy a small part of the landscape, their history is rich with irony. Throughout history, graveyards have served as marketplaces, temples, and even micro cities. But their role in contemporary history is less obvious. For instance, it is often not clear who was responsible for implementing the most important innovations in burial.
The most important innovation was probably the discovery of a new etiquette for burying the dead. The Romans, for example, treated tombs as private places for families. As a result, they did not pass bones between congregants for rituals. This was a far cry from the days of skulduggery.
Graveyards should take into account the historical landscape of a city
Developing a cemetery strategy requires a careful balance between different aspects of liminality. These aspects include the role of the cemetery within the urban landscape, the presence of death, the nature of cemetery gates, and the use of grave monuments.
A cemetery strategy provides general directions for planning and management. It should be viewed in the context of major social, political, and cultural changes. It is also important to engage with the tensions within the context.
Two Scandinavian capitals have been the focus of cemetery development research. Oslo and Copenhagen each have a cemetery strategy. Their strategies differ in length, format, and administrative context.
Oslo’s strategy stresses the secondary role of cemeteries, namely as places of rest and memorialisation. They are also intended to be more inclusive and nature-like.
Copenhagen’s strategy, on the other hand, aims to encourage zoning and conservation measures. They also emphasize the role of cemeteries as a public space.
Copenhagen’s strategy consists of a 36-page document that outlines the general vision for cemeteries in the city. It also describes the main features and services of cemeteries.
Graveyards should be sustainable
Whether you are planning a new cemetery or renovating your existing one, you need to consider the long-term impact of your project on the local environment. This includes seasonal changes, local ecosystems, and cyclic daily variations.
For example, you can use green infrastructure to retain water, such as installing shrubs, flowers, and grass. You can also use solar power. This can save resources and reduce the cost of your project.
Another aspect you can consider is the size of your burial space. You can design a modular grave system, which doubles the amount of space for each burial plot. This is cheaper than building a new plot of land.
You should also consider the needs of future users. Ideally, you want to design your cemetery to be accessible to everyone, including the elderly. This includes wheelchair accessible paths and adequate parking.
Another important consideration is grading. Proper grading will ensure water flows away from grave sites. Also, you can create a catch-all drainage system.