Reawakening Cemeteries
A Future for the Past
Can they serve as a multifunctional space while still respecting their primary role of honoring the dead?
The Problem
Cemeteries are not just spaces for the dead—they tell stories, preserve history, and shape cities.
Today most cemeteries are underutilized, forgotten or completely abandoned, and seen by many as a waste of space.
Westwood Baptist Cemetery: A Historic Resting Place in Need of Care
Why do we need
Multifunctional Cemeteries
Urbanization
Cities are growing rapidly, resulting in shrinking greenspaces and an increased demands on land. Cemeteries, which occupy large areas, are often overlooked as potential public spaces. Additionally, there is growing tension over repurposing cemeteries into completely new uses and erasing the history that was once there.
Pollution, runoff, and lack of biodiversity are growing problems. Cemeteries can help combat climate change by serving as biodiversity hubs and can reduce runoff. Green burial practices can also make a significant positive environmental impact by replacing traditional methods or burial and cremation.
Environmental Concerns
Changing attitudes toward death and memorialization
Changing attitudes toward death and memorization often leaves cemeteries empty of visitors. This also opens up many spaces to hold additional functions that may have been inappropriate just a few generations before.
Many cemeteries are falling into disrepair or have been completely abandoned. Broken and buries headstones and dense overgrowth make them uninviting and scary places. Giving them new life by bringing them into the future, preserves the historic and cultural history.
Neglect and Abandonment
The garden cemetery movement created beautiful places like Mount Auburn Cemetery (1831) and Spring Grove Cemetery (1845). Their original designs were as multifunctional spaces, blending burial grounds with public parks, botanical gardens, and cultural landmarks.
Revive Multifunctionality
What’s Inside:
Explore the Project
Below is an overview of this site. You can click on each button below to skip to that page if you would like. Or you can start with the "History" button and follow along with the prompts at the end of each page to be taken through the whole website and project. If you would rather take a shortcut, start with the "Process" button. Enjoy!
01
The Problem
When was the last time you visited or passed by a cemetery?
Was it empty or abandoned? Most cemeteries are underutilized. When land is scarce in urban areas, cities can't afford to waste space.
04
The Vision: Cemeteries as Multifunctional Spaces
02
Process:
From Idea
to Design
Take a shortcut through the journey from idea to design.
03
The Evolution of Cemeteries
Take a journey through the history of cemeteries.
05
Strategies for
Transformation:
Making It Happen
06
Cemeteries in Hamilton Co
Learn about the five dimensions of multifunctional cemeteries and how they address urban challenges.
Explore the strategies that can transform cemeteries into spaces that serve the living and the dead.
07
Site-Level Transformations
08
The Impact
Take a deeper look at Hamilton County's cemeteries.
09
Transformation in your Community
See the designs for Potter’s Field Cemetery and Westwood Baptist Cemetery. Explore how these places have been reimagined.
Discover the broader benefits of multifunctional cemeteries.
DAAPWORKS
Discover how to transform your local cemetery into a multifunctional space.
Finally, explore a gallery of images from the in-person exhibit at DAAPWORKS.
This project is looking at American cemeteries in Hamilton County, Ohio. We want to acknowledge the many different cultural practices that govern the proper and respectful use of burial grounds. This project looks at cemeteries used by European Americans and African Americans. We only suggest that cemeteries be used as multifunctional places where it is appropriate to have multiple functions and that the functions are appropriate for the individual cemetery. Always remember to be respectful of the people interred at any cemetery or burial ground.
