Every cemetery has its own unique characteristics as well as ties to the adjacent lands. Successful cemetery design requires a careful understanding of these features.
Modern cemetery design seeks to connect with families and communities, and allows people to be buried in ways that reflect their own personalities. It also supports ecological preservation.
Headstones
A headstone is an important part of cemetery design, making it easy to identify the burial site of a loved one. It also serves as a memorial to the deceased, and can be customized with a variety of carving designs. It’s important to consult with a memorial specialist who can help you choose the right type of headstone for your family.
Headstones are made from a variety of materials. Granite is the most common, as it’s long-lasting and available in a wide range of colors. Bronze is another option, and has recently gained popularity as an alternative to granite.
The inscription is the most important part of a headstone, and it should be meaningful and personal. It’s often best to avoid cliche phrases such as “In Loving Memory” and opt for something more specific that will be remembered. Additionally, it’s important to consider how the inscription will be read in the future. This will impact how it’s engraved on the headstone.
Landscaping
Saying goodbye to a loved one is an emotional event and the Cemetery as a final resting place should be sensitively designed. Cemetery landscape is the largest component of any design project and must be carefully thought through for the needs of visitors, staff and community members.
Good landscaping practices include controlling erosion, providing low maintenance ground cover and planting a diverse array of species to enhance the cemetery’s aesthetic. It is also important to consider the demographics of the Cemetery’s visitor base. This will help guide the layout of paths, access routes and features.
A well developed master plan optimizes land utilization and improves the overall aesthetic of a cemetery. It also enables a client to map out their short and long term development goals, analyze the value and potential return on various projects.
Accessibility
In a cemetery, many different families and individuals will come to pay their respects. It’s essential to have a design that is accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities. This includes walking paths and parking options that make it easy for visitors to get around the grounds.
This is especially important when it comes to cultural and religious preferences. For example, some faiths require east-facing gravesites and special burial rituals that must be honored. Make sure the cemetery you select offers these unique burial traditions, so your loved ones’ heritage is celebrated.
The entrance to a cemetery should be designed with a significant gateway that marks passage into a sacred space. An entrance area can also introduce visitors to a unified design vernacular that magnifies a sense of place and connection. For example, a divided boulevard can control traffic and orchestrate a slow and peaceful experience that honors the history of the site, such as an avenue of flags displaying donated American burial flags.
Master Plan
When a cemetery has a master plan in place, it’s able to maximize the amount of burial space on the property. The cemetery can also use the master plan as a roadmap to help identify issues before they become serious problems. This is especially important if the number of full-body burials begins to decline and cremation interments increase.
A well-designed cemetery should incorporate both architecture and landscape features. For instance, the entrance should be welcoming, with a gateway that signifies passage into a sacred space. The design should also reflect the local culture and tradition of the community.
The cemetery’s landscaping should be carefully planned to minimize mowing lines, maintenance and cleanup. Additionally, the layout should allow for expansion in the future. It is also important to consider the type of headstones that will be used. Today, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly headstones made from biodegradable materials. The cemetery can also consider green burial options, such as planting trees instead of traditional headstones.