Multifunctional Cemeteries and Reverent Parks

Bc. Lenka Celarová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This master's thesis discusses Czech cemeteries' relevance and limited adaptability to current burial requirements – which is important due to the high cremation rate. It ponders cemeteries from the point of their functionality, possibility and suitability to provide other uses. The aim was to find the optimal way to memorialise the departed that were cremated. The literature review mentions Czech cemeteries' legal aspects and the provided options for burial and memorialisation. Additionally, it summarizes the historical development of cemeteries and cemetery planning. It explores the various methods of disposition of the body, its environmental impact and the multiple ways of memorialisation available in some countries. Finally, it looks into the functions of cemeteries alone and the functions that could be bestowed upon cemeteries by vegetation and architecture. Through the public survey, it aims to identify people's preferences on the look of cemeteries, requirements regarding memorialisation, behaviour and acceptable activities. It explores possibilities of integrating memorialisation into the urban matrix. It also identifies the shortcomings of Czech cemeteries. It proposes possible improvements, considers a more holistic approach to cemetery planning to make the final resting places sustainable, and proposes the concept of reverent parks. Reverent parks present a promising approach to sustainable urban planning, land use, and memorialisation. The challenges connected to its implementation in the Czech Republic need to be addressed through a collaborative effort among planners, designers, and community stakeholders to ensure the viability of these commemorative landscapes now and in the future.

Keywords

burial ground, cemetery, reverent park, interment, memorialisation

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 2. 4. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 16. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: doc. Peter Kumble, Ph.D.
• Reader: Iris Cacilia Bohnet

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Master programme / field:
Landscape Engineering / Landscape Planning