Saying goodbye to a loved one is a personal gesture that is best served in a place that is respectful and sensitive. Cemetery design is key to delivering on this sentiment.
Developing a cemetery master plan is crucial for the long-term success of any site. To ensure this process is successful, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Cultural Elements
Observe the inscriptions on gravestones, such as a dharma wheel or lotus flower. These symbols represent spirituality and beauty in different cultures. Moreover, a careful study of cemetery symbolism can help researchers identify the philosophies and beliefs associated with a specific time period.
Traditionally, headstones are designed using various architectural styles, such as Gothic Revival or Victorian. However, there are also modern headstone designs that emphasize simplicity and a minimalist aesthetic. This style is influenced by the concept of biomimicry, which uses natural forms and structures to create innovative architectural solutions.
Other modern trends include green burials and eco-friendly memorial options that use biodegradable materials. These trends are driven by societal concerns and desires for a more environmentally conscious approach to commemoration.
Abstract Ideas
In a world that is quickly running out of land, it is important to make use of every available space. Changing how we bury our dead is one way to do this. Vertical burial, stacking coffins and sharing space are all ways to make more efficient use of land in a cemetery.
Grave monuments can also be designed to reflect the personality of the deceased person. For example, a large music note can symbolize a loved one’s love of music. Alternatively, a gravestone may feature an image of the deceased’s favorite animal or hobby.
Another trend in cemetery design is biomimetic architecture. This style uses inspiration from nature’s structures, forms and processes to create innovative architectural solutions. This approach aims to evoke a sense of calm and peace in visitors.
Theming
Whether it’s an etching of a poet’s most beloved work or an illustrated map of the world, personalized headstones create unique tributes. They also reflect a changing attitude toward death and a desire for individuality.
The design of the cemetery is more than a place to lay a grave; it must be a vibrant celebration of life, family, and history while integrated within a community. This requires a unique set of skills.
After programming and analysis, the cemeteries master plan begins to take shape. The various elements are located on the site map and related to one another based on their functional relationships. Circulation is also considered as it impacts safety, efficiency, and comfort. A well-planned circulation system can enhance a space’s perception of depth, create ambiance and serve other important purposes.
Functionality
The overall experience and flow of a cemetery is essential to its success. Whether visitors come to grieve, connect with family or friends, honor the dead or simply enjoy the outdoors, the design needs to be functional and accessible.
Cemeteries typically seek to avoid hierarchies in spaces, as this fosters a shared experience of respect. While this may be difficult to achieve without introducing anomaly spaces, cemetery design strives to make spaces equally accessible and welcoming to all.
Using a thoughtful approach to circulation allows for easy access while reducing visitor fatigue. Incorporating water features, such as ponds or stream design, can also offer additional benefits by providing places to stroll and fish. Similarly, using biomimetic design principles can help to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Maintenance
The cemetery landscape must be carefully designed to withstand the effects of time, weather and use. This includes addressing issues such as erosion, stormwater management, invasive species, tree health and directional signage.
The layout of graves must be considered to maximize space and provide for the most efficient upkeep possible. New burial practices such as natural or biodegradable caskets, space efficient columbarium walls, and a reduction in the number of memorial benches allow for a more sustainable future for these spaces.
The design of the landscaping must also be well thought out to improve mowing lines, reduce maintenance, clean up and enhance aesthetics. Consideration of plantings with varying foliage, flowering, and fruiting trees as well as pond placement should be addressed. In addition, incorporating biomimetic principles that learn from nature’s forms and structures can help to create spaces that evoke calmness.