The Last Frontier: Why Cemeteries are the Future of Public Space

When we think of public space, we usually think of parks, plazas, and playgrounds. We rarely think of cemeteries.

For much of the 20th century, cemeteries were treated as somber, isolated enclaves, places we visited only for funerals and then quickly left. But as our cities face a growing housing crisis and a scarcity of green space, that is starting to change.

In this episode of The Placemakers, I spoke with James Reid, Chief Built Environment Officer with the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT). James is an urban planner who is reimagining the role of “death care” in our modern landscape. He explains why cemeteries are actually a vital part of the public open space network and how they can be designed to serve the living just as much as the deceased.

Key Takeaways for Urban Designers:

The Perpetuity Promise: Unlike other developments, cemeteries are managed in perpetuity. This allows for long-term biodiversity goals and the creation of mature, stable ecosystems.
Beyond Grief: Successful modern cemeteries integrate “passive recreation” like walking, cycling, and birdwatching alongside traditional mourning.
Design for Trauma: Wayfinding and signage must be incredibly intuitive, as many users are experiencing grief or trauma which impacts their ability to navigate complex environments.
Cultural Adaptability: Designing for a multicultural society requires flexible spaces that can shift between celebratory and somber tones through technology and landscape.

🎧 Listen to the Episode
We discuss the shift from “ecclesiastical spaces” to vibrant public parks and how to manage the friction between different cultural mourning rites.

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📄 Accessibility & Reference
Prefer to read? Download the full word-for-word transcript of this interview.

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From "No Entry" to Open Parklands

The perception of cemeteries as “off-limits” is a relatively modern phenomenon. As James points out, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cemeteries like the Melbourne General Cemetery were designed for picnicking and spending time with loved ones.

“It was probably in the middle of the 20th century, after a couple of world wars and the big flu epidemic, that cemeteries became places people didn’t want to visit,” James explains. “There was too much exposure to death and disease.”

Today, we are seeing a reversal of that trend. Cemeteries are being rediscovered as high-value green spaces. In Melbourne’s northern suburbs, sites like Fawkner and Northern Memorial Park are home to incredible biodiversity, including rare bird species and even kangaroos. By treating these sites as “Human Corridors” for both the living and the dead, designers can create a sense of belonging that lasts generations.

Managing the “Friction Points”

One of the greatest challenges in designing a public cemetery is managing the intersection of different uses and cultures. How do you allow someone to walk their dog while a family nearby is holding a deeply somber religious service?

James suggests a combination of spatial separation and flexible design:

Vegetation Screening: Using mounding and planting to create “rooms” within the landscape that provide a sense of serenity and security for mourners.
Technological Adaptability: In ceremonial buildings, using dynamic lighting or even retractable curtains to accommodate different denominational needs—such as separating genders for Orthodox services or creating a celebratory atmosphere for others.
Activity Zones: Placing high-activity areas like cafés near public transport links while keeping active burial zones quiet and private.

The Harkness Model: Building for the 21st Century

The future of death care is best seen in greenfield projects like the Harkness site in Melbourne’s west. Instead of imposing a grid of graves onto a field, the team is working with the existing landscape to restore ephemeral creeks and plant thousands of trees.

“We see a really important role in knitting together and improving the biodiversity and active recreation of that area,” James says. By involving the community before “pen hits paper,” designers can ensure the site serves the local population’s needs for 30, 50, or 100 years into the future.

Ultimately, a successful cemetery is about more than just land use; it’s about empathy. It’s about creating a place where anyone regardless of their culture or belief can feel a sense of dignity, respect, and connection to the place.