Cemetery design is a primary concern of every cemetery. Design dictates how well a cemetery’s space is used, the visual impact it has on visitors, and even regulates its operational costs. So, what is cemetery design? And how to design a cemetery?
Cemetery design is the plan that decides which elements are placed based on the user needs, land layouts and other factors. A good cemetery design concept is developed from a collection of intelligent choices on form and volume, space usage, view, site physical features, circulation and other considerations. When developing a design for a cemetery, its users and their needs come first, followed by consideration of land elements and local culture.
Although good design can set a cemetery apart from others, and give it monumental advantages, it’s often the most overlooked element. In this article, we’ll focus on the core considerations of a cemetery design concept. We’ll also briefly touch on what to consider when designing a cemetery.
What Are The Core Considerations Of A Cemetery Design Concept?
Architectural Design is the planning of structures that focus on functionality and aesthetics to create a suitable experience for the user. It is a creative process that demands both creativity and technical skills. The goal of any architectural design is to understand and satisfy the needs of the users. In the case of cemetery design and planning, the users are those who choose to lay their loved ones to rest there.
The architectural design process for cemeteries begins by identifying user needs and then coming up with a design concept that meets those needs. A strong concept responds to the user’s requirements, the site’s constraints and opportunities, and broader contextual factors. Furthermore, it establishes a clear framework for the design and creates a compelling narrative that informs every architectural decision. Here are 10 core elements that are considered in developing a cemetery design concept:
Form and Volume
The manipulation of form and volume is one of the primary and intuitive ways to develop an architectural concept. This approach begins with a simple geometric shape, which is then transformed through a series of design interventions, such as scaling, extrusion, rotation, or subtraction, to create a meaningful and functional architectural form. The interplay between positive and negative spaces is a simple but effective way to create a harmonious design.
Use and Need for Space
Space planning is an essential component of architectural design, as it directly influences the functionality of a structure. This element revolves around mapping out spaces based on their intended use, movement patterns, and relationships to one another. Architects analyze spatial requirements and design spaces that accommodate specific activities, ensuring a balance between open and enclosed areas. This is an effective way to design and manage cemetery spaces.
View
Views play a significant role in shaping an architectural concept, as they establish visual connections between the built environment and its surroundings. The orientation of a building, placement of windows, and arrangement of spaces can be designed to frame scenic vistas, emphasize focal points, or create privacy. For modern cemeteries, an intelligent approach to managing view can provide the visitors privacy and appropriate space to mourn.
Physical Features of the Site
A site-responsive architectural concept integrates the physical attributes of the location into the design, enhancing the project’s contextual relevance. For cemeteries, these attributes may include natural elements such as topography, water bodies, vegetation, and climate, or man-made features like existing infrastructure.
Circulation
Circulation is a crucial aspect of architectural design, determining how users move through and interact with spaces. This element considers horizontal and vertical movement, accessibility, and wayfinding. A well-thought-out circulation plan ensures efficiency, safety, and comfort, impacting user experience significantly. This element is vital for cemeteries, as how visitors can interact with and move around in the space can affect their psychological state.
Light
Light, both natural and artificial, is a defining factor in architectural design. In a cemetery design concept, it influences the perception of space, creates ambiance, and serves functional purposes. The way light interacts with surfaces can enhance textures, emphasize spatial depth, and generate dynamic visual effects.
Historic and Cultural Elements
The incorporation of historical and cultural elements into architecture ensures that a cemetery’s design resonates with its local context and heritage. This element may manifest in the adaptation of traditional architectural styles, materials, or construction techniques. By embracing the local cultural elements, a cemetery can help its visitors find a safe, common ground in which to mourn.
Metaphors
Architecture can embody abstract ideas by translating metaphors into physical forms. This approach allows designers to create buildings that convey deeper meanings and emotions. Using this design element can improve the psychological impact of certain parts of a cemetery, such as mausoleums, columbariums, and family estates.
Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular architecture emphasizes the use of indigenous building techniques, materials, and design principles that have evolved over time to suit local climates and cultural needs. This approach is inherently sustainable, as it often relies on passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation and thermal mass. Cemeteries that consider these design elements can lower operation costs, and create a more natural space that helps people feel connected.
Biomimicry
Biomimicry involves drawing inspiration from nature’s forms, structures, and systems to develop innovative architectural solutions. Unlike simple imitation, biomimetic design seeks to understand and apply natural principles to enhance performance and sustainability. While this is rarely used in cemetery design and planning, it can change the ambiance if used correctly. Using biomimetic design can create spaces intended to evoke calmness and comfort in visitors.
Making proper use of these elements in cemetery design and planning creates a concept able to generate positive emotions. A good cemetery design will provide proper space for the grieving to come to terms with their loss, but not interfere with their visitation or draw attention unnecessarily. It should also evoke a comforting and inviting sense in visitors while maintaining a respectful atmosphere.
Factors to Account For In Cemetery Design
Before beginning the design process for a cemetery, the following factors must be considered:
- Budget: Cemetery design is an ongoing process, but it’s the one element which has an everlasting impact. The cost for implementing the design concept should be balanced with the stages of development, and need. Lack of budget should not compromise the overall integrity of the concept. A design concept should also be adjusted to allow later development to lower costs.
- Land Layout: For cemeteries, where they are located is more important than other types of real estate. Good design should consider traffic flow, drainage, accessibility, ambient noise, wildlife, foliage, and other natural elements. Proper design choices can mitigate negative factors and augment beneficial ones.
- User Needs And Culture: A cemetery’s users or visitors should be able to connect to the space and take comfort from it. So, the design should consider their local cultures, religions, and expectations.
- Design Philosophy: In architecture, design philosophy is a set of beliefs and principles that guide the overall design process. This is a choice that will influence the cemetery forever, and control the cemetery’s development. So, this choice must be made carefully.
Unfortunately, many cemeteries end up ignoring one or more of these factors when creating a design concept. As a result, they encounter space or operational management issues in the long run. However, we at Bakerview take cemetery design seriously, and it is reflected in the grounds.
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery. Designed For The Community.
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery is Metro Vancouver’s newest cemetery, with burial and cremation options available for everyone. While other cemeteries in the lower mainland are nearing their full capacity and struggling to manage their space efficiently, we have intelligently designed ours for the future, and the community. Our cemetery is open to all faiths and cultures, and our design reflects our intent.
We have burial spaces, niches, and other specialty options available, and offer great design flexibility on our family estates. Our pricing is also designed with you in mind. We offer traditional burial spaces start at 300/month and cremation spaces start at just 99/month, with a deposit. So, come see for yourself and consult us in person, or mail us today at info@bakerviewmemorial.ca.
Conclusion
When choosing a cemetery to rest your loved ones, you should always pay attention to its design. It becomes a vital factor in recovery and family legacy with time. If you choose to pre-book, always remember to consult with the staff for personalization options.
Published: January 19, 2025
