ENVISIONING MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERY AS MORE THAN JUST A BURIAL GROUND.

SRR711: THESIS ASSIGNMENT 2

Trimester 2

ENVISIONING MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERY AS MORE THAN A BURIAL GROUND.

Master of Landscape Architecture Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Sanja Rodes Smarta Khobragade

Student ID: 218214072

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................... 5 I.

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 6

II.

RELEVANCE AND CONTEXT ............................................................................................................. 7

III.

EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH .............................................................................................................. 9

IV.

RESEARCH AIM ............................................................................................................................. 11

V.

METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................................ 11

VI.

APPROACH ................................................................................................................................... 12

VII.

LITERATURE STUDY ....................................................................................................................... 12

VIII.

i.

CEMETERIES AND BURIAL PRACTICES IN CHRISTIANITY..................................................... 12

ii.

VICTORIAN CEMETERIES (GARDEN CEMETERIES)

iii.

AND LANDSCAPE OF DEATH ............................................................................................. 13

iv.

AUSTRALIAN CEMETERIES ................................................................................................ 15

v.

PLACEMAKING AND PUBLIC SPACES ................................................................................. 16

CASE STUDIES ............................................................................................................................... 21 i.

OAKLAND CEMETERY, ATLANTA, USA ............................................................................... 21

ii.

ASSISTENS CEMETERY, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK ............................................................ 27

iii.

CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY, WASHINGTON DC, USA ...................................................... 31

iv.

SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 36

IX.

LESSONS LEARNT .......................................................................................................................... 37

X.

CASE 4: MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERY ................................................................................... 39 i.

BACKGROUND.................................................................................................................. 41

ii.

RESPECT THE HISTORY...................................................................................................... 46

iii.

RESPECT THE DEAD .......................................................................................................... 47

iv.

ONE STEP AT A TIME ........................................................................................................ 48

v.

ADAPTING TO THE CHANGES............................................................................................ 49

XI.

CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................ 50

XII.

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................. 53

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would sincerely like to thank Deakin University, Waterfront campus, for giving me the opportunity to pursue my degree from this prestigious institute. I would also like to thank Dr. Sanja Rodes, my thesis supervisor, for having immense patience, for her skilled guidance, and for understanding my situation, without which, I would not have been able to come this far. I am grateful for all the efforts she took to guide me throughout my thesis.

Finally, I would like to thank my family members who were there to support me during these difficult times.

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ABSTRACT Cemeteries have always been an important aspect of our society that holds the cultural and historical significance within. Despite all this, they have always been overlooked by the designers and planners while designing the neighborhoods. Cemeteries were out of the cities from the nineteenth century due to the health reasons and superstitions developed among the people, but now, they have become a part of our neighborhood and yet, they are still ignored by the eyes of the people due to the cultural and psychological beliefs that have been passed on since generations. The main purpose of the research is to build an understanding of cemeteries and public spaces by finding ways and deriving a process of transforming Melbourne Geelong Cemetery into a successful public space. Further, the study helps to build a clear vision and a better understanding of the process of making Melbourne General Cemetery more than just a burial ground. Due to the lack of availability of the existing studies and data in the Australian context, the research incorporates a study of 3 cases of the cemeteries from different backgrounds that currently functions as healthy public spaces.

Apart from the case studies, the research also undertakes various aspects of the literature studies related to the cemeteries such as- The evolution and crisis of the cemeteries in the western countries including Australia. In addition to it, a clear understanding of Public Spaces and the process of Placemaking is also developed in the paper. Together with these studies, 4 guidelines are produced that will help to transform Melbourne General Cemetery into an active public space.

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I.

INTRODUCTION

The Australian cities have been shifting their shape since the beginning of their settlement due to several reasons, be it the history, infrastructure, landscapes or the policies (Ketchell, 2016).

In the late 20th century, the urban fringe of many metropolitan cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, etc. began to expand as it provided affordable land with huge residential blocks with the least expenses for private transportation, which eventually resulted in urban sprawls (Mcguirk & Argent, 2011) (Coleman, 2016) (Ketchell, 2016). The residential areas are encroaching the natural environment, as per the “Built environment report of Australia� (Mcguirk & Argent, 2011). In the last 10 years, there has been significant growth in the population of major Australian cities. While many urban planners and designers agree that cities are responsible for making us rich, smart, healthy, green, and happy, there are several challenges which are faced by the very same people due to the demand of the population, the complexity of spaces, etc. (Jain, 2019).

It is the responsibility of an urban planner and designer to find the best suitable solutions for the rising urban issues such as urban sprawl, housing affordability concern, local employment, environment and social problems and lack of green open spaces. It is essential to seek a balance between urban developments and services and the environmental changes (Forster, 2006).

'Can Cemeteries be envisioned as a Public Space by the society' to meet the priorities of the land usage as urban development continues? In the Australian scenario, as the population grows, the available land is used for housing, development of new infrastructures or other public amenities, not to forget the rising land costs for huge cemeteries (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2017). With the consistent growth in the Australian population, the land-use priority will be placed for housing, pubic spaces, recreational spaces, other facilities such as schools and hospitals (Ketchell, 2016). Besides this, an increase in the land value has also resulted in the price rise for buying huge land for the cemeteries (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2017). Hence, according to the Australian Bureau of statistics, the death projections indicate that the existing cemeteries are going to reach its limit to accommodate more burial in the next 3-4 decades (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2017) (3222.0 - Population Projections, Australia, 2017 (base) - 2066, 2018). It is expected that accommodating the dead will be a matter of grave concern in the future. Considering this, it has become necessary to find a sustainable solution for the burial as well as for the huge patch of land of cemeteries that are left underused, which are often left unrecognized as critical land (Bennett & Davies, 2014). Many factors such as historical beliefs that are passed on since generations, environmental and health concerns, create a buffer between the dead and the living (Bennett & Davies, 2014) (Pardoe, 1988). This research will further focus on the sustainable use of valuable land of Melbourne General Cemetery, without disrespecting the emotions of the users.

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Figure 1Population Density Change; Source: https://images.theconversation.com/files/139123/original/image20160926-13532-1rkrzsx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=926&fit=clip

II.

RELEVANCE AND CONTEXT

Reimagining the existing cemeteries as public spaces and using the huge underused patches of lands, sustainably, without hurting the sentiments of the users. “If we shift our perceptions, cemeteries can become community destinations that are accessible, reflective, nurturing, and an inspiration.� (BRY, 2019) Understandably, everyone perceives the concept of burial grounds differently. For a few people, it is a religious and taboo space, for others, it is a historic, recreational space. Hence, as a designer, it is important to find out an acceptable solution for the users by understanding the limitations while intervening in public activities with the cemetery. It is also important to study the history of cemeteries of Australia, to understand the sentiments of the users, and to modify them for sustainable use of cemeteries so that they contribute more to the betterment of the urban fabric than just a burial ground.

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Providing sustainable burial solutions with environmental and emotional benefits .

Increasing the area of the cemeteries will not be a sustainable approach for the future considering the growing competition for land-use priorities concerning the increasing scarcity of land, urban sprawl, sky-high land prices, and growing population (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2017). As there is a significant growth in the catchment area by 737,200 people, the number of deaths is also expected to grow and as per the studies, housing dead will be considered as a critical issue for Australia (3222.0 Population Projections, Australia, 2017 (base) - 2066, 2018). There is an immediate need of finding an appropriate solution to the advantage of nature.

Figure 2: Age-specific Mortality rate (a), females; Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, undefined 2017 (base)- 2066

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Figure 3Age-specific Mortality rate (a), males; Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, undefined 2017 (base)- 2066

III.

EVIDENCE OF RESEARCH

The research deals with several fundaments such as historic importance, sentiments of the people of Australia regarding a cemetery, the identity of the space, culture, and traditions, psychological beliefs, nature of space, existing and future functions, etc. While adding recreational activities to the cemetery, community acceptance could be one of the challenges that are expected to arise. The research will cover the literature study regarding aspects such as historical importance of cemetery, how people perceive the concept of a cemetery, scope and limitation of the approach, etc. The derived intervention after the thorough literature study will allow space that is abandoned because of the superstitions and some religious beliefs, will let them use it actively.

The dead and living will share a connection through these spaces. The huge spaces which are designated for the cemeteries will be intervened and used sustainably. The research intends to make the place much more than just a burial ground by adding various activities to engage and welcome the living in the land of the dead, without degrading the emotional, cultural, historical and psychological value of the place and people. Users play a prime role in shaping any place (BRY, 2019), so the focus will be given to both the user types, living and the dead.

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Just with a slight change in perception, it is possible to make cemeteries accessible, nurturing, and inspirational places (BRY, 2019). Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney are expected to struggle while accommodating the dead as they are getting over-populated (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2017). Not just in Australia, the problem of scarcity of burial grounds has become a concern in many countries such as Canada, the USA, and Europe. (Basmajian & Coutts, 2010)

Figure 4: People enjoying open-air movie theatre at Fairmount Cemetery, USA; Source: https://adventuresincemeteryhopping.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/moviesfairmount.jpg

Figure 5: Gardening activities at Fairmount Cemetery; Source: https://assets-global.websitefiles.com/581110f944272e4a11871c01/5db35c652ea46d051a9d18e0_Grave%20Gardeners%2C%20Courtesy%20of%2 0Woodlands%20Cemetery.jpeg

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Fairmount Cemetery, Denver, Colorado, established in 1890 is also considered as the 2nd oldest cemetery of Denver. At present, the cemetery offers 280 acres of land for passive recreational purposes (Fairmount Cemetery, n.d.). The designed landscape attracts many people daily for various activities such as jogging, picnic, strolling, cycling,etc (Fairmount Cemetery, n.d.). They also tend to relish the essence of the Cherry Creek Trail which is connected by the parking provided for the cemetery, hereby providing a sense of public space (BRY, 2019). There are few more cemeteries where people have successfully accepted the changed definition where they visit for more just than a funeral, they are further mentioned in the case studies section.

In the case of Australia, considering the projected rise in the death rate by 2030-2040 and population growth rate, the priority of land-use will be very tough (3222.0 - Population Projections, Australia, 2017 (base) - 2066, 2018). During such a situation, engaging several hundreds of acres of land for a single purpose will not be a sustainable approach. Once they reach to its capacity to accommodate more burials, people are left with no reason to visit these places and they are left abandoned (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2017). These issues of burial growth are currently in discussion, but no definite solution has been provided by the planners, which creates a gap in the research. This approach is a new yet necessary move for a sustainable future.

IV.

RESEARCH AIM

To make the cemeteries open for public use by transforming them as public spaces, without hurting the sentiments of the community and to promote sustainable methods of the burial

of the dead.

V.

METHODOLOGY

The thesis will be dealing with the study to transform a cemetery into a public space following the Australian context. The research intends to change the attitude of the people towards the funerary landscape and death. To achieve this acceptance in people for a cemetery as any other public space, it is imperative to scrutinize the religious funeral practices, beliefs and their relationship with the landscape architecture and ways to introduce it as a public space. Hence, the study will follow the grounds of qualitative research. The qualitative method of the research will be more focused on ethnographic research, literature study, case studies and observation.

Ethnographic research targets the understanding of the culture, functions, challenges and strengths related to space.

The literature study helps to understand the research from the knowledge gained from 11 | P a g e

reliable documents which already exist. The case studies will help to understand the process of transforming a cemetery into public space and will help to conclude a set of guidelines.

Finally, self-observation develops a better understanding of the context and helps to deduce future solutions for the site, Melbourne General Cemetery, which can be done by physically visiting the site or by picture or videos that are taken. Apart from that, the proximity of the cemetery from the Melbourne CBD makes it eligible to become more approachable that adds value to the site. This approach has not been practiced in Australian cemeteries yet, hence a comparative study will be derived from three case studies of the USA and Europe. It will undertake a case study of Melbourne General Cemetery and the site will be thoroughly analyzed. Further, the guidelines deduced from the literature study and the case studies will be used in the case of Melbourne General Cemetery. Overall, the research method will help to generate an idea by understanding the site’s opportunities and limitations. It will also allow the research to explore the ways of making future transformation happen by changing the perception of the space.

VI.

APPROACH

The aspects of a cemetery which are further studied in the thesis are based more on intangible factors such as culture, history, religion and psychology. Apart from these, it also deals with the urban perspective of the space, hence the approach will be more qualitative than quantitative. Further, some data such as death expectancy, burial rate per year, area needed for burial, will also be covered. The research will initially start with a qualitative approach that will understand the concept of the importance of a cemetery in terms of the Australian context. The study of the functioning of a cemetery will be analyzed thoroughly, including the rate of burials each year. Later, the project will gain a basic understanding of the importance of public spaces. The outcome of the research, which has to be incorporated with space, will be strictly context-based.

The next part of the research will be the three case studies from the USA and Europe, which will provide evidence of the success of similar approaches. The case studies will also give a thorough knowledge of the process to execute a similar issue in the Australian context.

VII. i.

LITERATURE STUDY Cemeteries And Burial Practices In Christianity

Afterlife and Resurrection is a common belief held by both Roman Catholics and Protestants (Hariyono, 2015). Although the process of cremation was introduced in 1963, many people still 12 | P a g e

prefer the grave burial practice because of the religious beliefs (Rugg, Defining the Place of Burial: What Makes a Cemetery a Cemetery?, 2000). The grave burial ceremony is done in three stages, after performing the funeral prayers, mass, and absolution. The bodies are buried on sacred ground or a priest is supposed to bless the grave in a cemetery (Rugg, Defining the Place of Burial: What Makes a Cemetery a Cemetery?, 2000). If the family chooses to cremate the body, the ashes are rested in an urn and it is later placed in a Mausoleum (Gray, 2011). Protestants dress-up and groom the body before placing it in a coffin. Once the body is placed in the coffin, families, friends and other loved ones give their last visit before it is buried or cremated (Hariyono, 2015). The protestant church does not put a compulsion to treat the ashes unlike the catholic church where they need to store the ashes at home or a mausoleum. After the final visit, they remove the casket and the body is buried in the earth (Gray, 2011).

Cemeteries are much more than just Landscape, Gardens or Headstones, they are a place full of contradicting perspectives and assumptions (Woodthorpe, 2010). A cemetery is typically an expensive piece of land that is not attached to a churchyard but is used for the interment of the dead (Julie, 2006). Cemeteries are indeed an important part of a city and communities, but they have a reputation of fear and ignorance (Foucault, 1967). Initially, people valued the idea of life after death and resurrection after death. Eventually, people started fearing these places and started avoiding paying a visit at night making it a ‘no place’ (Foucault, 1967). Therefore, in the nineteenth-century people placed the cemeteries outside the city, turning it into another city ‘City of the dead’ (Francis, Kellaher, & Neophytou, 2005). Even now people fear these spaces and often use it only for burial or cremation and visit them out of compulsion or guilt (Woodthorpe, 2010). ii.

Victorian Cemeteries (Garden Cemeteries) And Landscape Of Death

Funeries remain a source of information, socio-cultural issues, and an essential aspect to understand the perception of the ancient world towards the organization of a burial space (Botturi, 2015). The ancient Roman cemeteries were located outside the city boundaries to separate the living and the dead world (Clayden, Green, Hockey, & Powell, 2014) (Aries, 1981).

Over a period of time, with the spread of Christianity and their belief of resurrection, the concept of the landscape of death was brought to the light (Simon, 1996). Eventually, the cemeteries were brought within the city limits from the 5 th century (Curl, 1980). People used to bury the dead in the ‘blessed’ or ‘sacred’ ground, around a church (Meller, 1981). The graves were anonymous and were believed that they are taken care of by the church. The graves had no markers of any identity that showed a respective person’s grave (Simon, 1996). When there was a need for more space for burials, the remains were dug up and were shifted to a common grave (Simon, 1996). The dead and the living co-existed together until the end of the 18 th century (Rugg, Defining the Place of Burial: What Makes a Cemetery a Cemetery?, 2000). With the 13 | P a g e

increasing superstitions and the ‘malpractices’, burying bodies in the churchyard was claimed as dishonorable, unethical, and unsanitary (Curl, 1980). Later, in the 19th century, the burial grounds were owned in perpetuity (Aries, 1981). The very first cemetery which was planned after this revolution was ‘Pere- Lachaise’ with Parisian landscape features (Clayden, Green, Hockey, & Powell, 2014). It also had a colossal influence on the development of the cemeteries in western countries and other countries including New Zealand and Australia (Simon, 1996). Huge cemeteries were built on the outskirts of the city. Landscape helped to ease the chaos of unpleasant feelings and horror created due to the ‘unethical’ ways of disposal of the dead at that time (Curl, 1980).

Victorian cemeteries are known to have complex landscapes that are meant to read both literally and metaphorically (Simon, 1996). The landscape of remembrance or Landscape of Death is nothing but a way of depicting the experience of human existence (Corner, 1991). The famous landscape architect and theorist, James Corner explains the significant relevance between human experience and the landscape. He further mentions that there is an inevitable coherence between the setting of the landscape or buildings and the situation, which also creates a relation between the past and the present (Corner, 1991) (Simon, 1996). Various aspects of the landscape symbolize the interpretation of the Landscape of Death, these are vegetation, tombstones and engraved inscriptions. Traditional trees and plantations in a European Cemetery play an important role in the symbolic language. Victorians believed that the conifers signify the uncertainty of life and death, as they are evergreen but their growth stops once they are cut (Simon, 1996). On the other hand, the willow symbolizes resurrection as it can grow from a cut stump whereas, it also shed the fruits before they are set, thus, signifying the death. (Simon, 1996). Other species that were traditionally used for the European burial were yew, oak, cyprus and holly. People used their seeds or the cutting to replace them with the indigenous vegetation. (Simon, 1996).

The use of tombstones to mark the graved has followed since the Roman times, which is used in many cultures (Julie, 2006). As per proverbs and religious faith, stones symbolize permanency, the endurance of identity, and eternal afterlife. (Botturi, 2015). The carving of the tombstones done by the Victorians had various meanings, such as anchors symbolize hope, angels represent messengers of God, Broken columns represent mortality, while cross represents Christianity. (Aries, 1981) These symbols are used as per the situation of the death of a particular person. (Simon, 1996).

The inscriptions on the graves were engraved as per the traditions and the religious conventions. They also provide a unique record of the people buried in the respective place or land (Simon, 1996). As the Roman ancient burial practices started disappearing, in the 11 th century these inscriptions were used to identify the graves and identity of the dead. These 14 | P a g e

epitaphs provided the date of death and birth and the family of the deceased. (Corner, 1991) (Aries, 1981). iii.

Australian Cemeteries

Melbourne General cemetery with an area of 43 hectares, was the first ‘Garden Cemetery’ of Victoria, opened in 1853 (Clarke, 2019). The cemetery resembled a huge public park with plenty of walking trails and picturesque views. The period between 1850-1880 was redefined by the ‘Victorian Cemeteries’ also known as the ‘Garden Cemeteries’ as the ‘golden age’ of the cemeteries (Ryan & Steinmetz, 2018). Unfortunately, in the 20th century, due to the changes in social and cultural beliefs, the Victorian cemeteries disregarded (Brooks, 1989). Another reason for abandoning these cemeteries was the high maintenance of the Victorian-era monuments and people started designing cemeteries with a commercial perspective rather than the sentimental (Rugg, Lawn cemeteries: The emergence of a new landscape of death, 2006) .

Gradually the Victorian cemeteries were shifted to ‘Contemporary Lawn Cemeteries’. The Contemporary lawn cemeteries were easy to maintain and followed a simplistic design, where headstones were laid in a grid pattern (Rugg, Lawn cemeteries: The emergence of a new landscape of death, 2006). With the shift in the design, the purpose of the cemeteries was also shifted. Monotonous use of the cemeteries was adopted where people only visited the place for funeral related activities (Clarke, 2019). Therefore, the older cemeteries that are nearing its capacity of burials often end up as a huge urban void, as people are left with no reason to visit and they turn to another cemetery. As the cemetery gets saturated, people stop using the space that limits cemetery funds making it difficult to maintain (Ryan & Steinmetz, 2018). As per the Australian Bureau of statistics, the Metropolitan cities of Australia are expected to face scarcity of burial lots in their cemeteries in the coming few decades (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2014). Sydney is expected to face a lack of space in its cemeteries in 32 years (NSW, 2017). Meanwhile, Brisbane is projected to face a similar situation in the next 20-30 years (Ross, 2018). On the other hand, Melbourne, which has a land of 1011 hectares designated for the cemeteries, is also expected to utilize half of its capacity by 2035 (Ross, 2018). With the decline in the use of the cemeteries, they are about to become a huge void in the urban fabric. Although the attitude of Australians towards a cemetery has been changing, they expect the cemeteries to be more relaxing than repelling (MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERY, 2018). People believe that the empty cemeteries with no public amenities are quite repelling, rather they would want some additional yet simple features to use the space comfortably.

Many parts of Australia, such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, etc. have encouraged cemetery tourism. Melbourne General Cemetery, which holds a rich history within, now hosts late-night tours and history lessons, where people come dressed up in a spooky attire 15 | P a g e

(MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERY, 2018). Another cemetery of Adelaide, West Terrace Cemetery, has been making efforts to attract tourists with the help of its 180 years old history (WABY, 2017). Waverly Cemetery of Sydney, located at a seaside suburb called Bronte, gained its popularity through the monumental graves and its scenic views. Waverly cemetery has also managed to attract several tourists throughout the year (WABY, 2017). These cemeteries have initiated in making a progress in finding ways to bring the dead and the living together while mixing the cemeteries with additional uses. iv.

Placemaking And Public Spaces

Placemaking is an art of creating unique spaces that are accepted by the people and the places they want to remember (Hes, Mateo-Babiano, & GIni Lee, 2020). Placemaking motivates people to reimagine and reinvent the spaces (PPS, WHAT IS PLACEMAKING?, 2007). It focuses on promoting creative uses of the place with different patterns, it also concentrates on physical, cultural and social aspects of the respective place as they are responsible for the ongoing evolution (PPS, WHAT IS PLACEMAKING?, 2007). A successful placemaking process is based on the distinctive features of the local community and its potential (PPS, ELEVEN PRINCIPLES FOR CREATING GREAT COMMUNITY PLACES, 2009). The outcome of such community-driven design helps to improve people’s mental and physical health, happiness and well-being (PPS, WHAT IS PLACEMAKING?, 2007). Placemaking is not a new concept, it has been in practice since 1960s (McDonough, 2013). In 1980, Willian Holly White wrote a book, ‘The social life of small urban spaces’. It is based on his observation of the people and their pattern of their natural use of the public spaces (McDonough, 2013). According to William Holly White, an urban activist, people attract more people in a place. He has outlined aspects through his observation for vibrant public space. In his book, while analyzing the human flow in the plazas and squares, he realized that the people usually occupy places near certain objects like flagpoles and structures and they also are inclined towards the well-defined spaces such as steps or border of a pond or a water body. The author motivated many locals to create a sense of ownership towards the streets, later termed as ‘eyes on street’ (PPS, THE PLACEMAKING PROCESS, 2017). Placemaking is a community driven, context specific and bottom-up process of creating a ‘sense of place’ (McDonough, 2013). Urban issues such as traffic congested streets, underused, underdeveloped and isolated places, could be avoided by incorporating the concept of placemaking.

“A good city is like a good party, -people stay longer really necessary, because they really enjoy themselves.” ~Jan Gehl Public spaces are one of the most important factors of a city as they engage communities and encourage people to come together. Public spaces create a social platform where society gets an opportunity to participate (Jagannath, 2016). Public spaces are the spaces that fill the urban gaps that strengthen the city connections and influence the relation between the city and the 16 | P a g e

people (Jagannath, 2016). It is a platform of social interaction and political mobilization.

Figure 6: https://assets-global.websitefiles.com/581110f944272e4a11871c01/5acfa7910b1c9faf752f2229_greatplace-detailPPS.jpg

In addition to it, they also contribute to the mental and physical health of the public. According to the Project for Public Spaces, a good public space considers diversity and creates a favorable environment where people are invited to use the streets and place effortlessly. Anything that exists needs to be preserved or conserved to make it last longer, even the cities. Interventions that focus on social and well-being aspects that benefit the local economy help the public spaces and other built-up areas to grow.

PPS states that most of the successful public share some common assets, they are accessible, engaging, comfortable to use and a place for social gathering. A space creates an impression on the users through various aspects such as smell, safety, landscape, design, colors, hygiene, types of users and their activities, that are responsible through which the users get connected to the space (PPS, WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL PLACE?, 2009). While the place can make people visit, it can also repel them. It is essential to consider the comfort of the people while designing the spaces. On the other hand, the function of the space and its activities creates an identity of the 17 | P a g e

place and makes the people visit the place more than once (Pacheco, 2017). However, a multiuse space makes it more functioning as it will not be left unused when the sole activity of the space is not functioning. More activities engage and attract more people to use the space. While intervening in the activities in the public space, it is essential to consider the requirement age, gender, individuals and groups, and different phases of the day (PPS, ELEVEN PRINCIPLES FOR CREATING GREAT COMMUNITY PLACES, 2009).

Most of the Public spaces lack a common factor, i.e. sociability (PPS, WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL PLACE?, 2009). Several activities should be incorporated to make people socialize, not only with their friends and neighbors but also with strangers (Tanscheit, 2017). With the great importance of public spaces, they hold many constraints. They need to be maintained as they can be misused and affected by crime, violence, and deterioration (Rupa, 2015). Filtering the ‘undesirables’ while maintaining its identity could be very challenging and that could lead to the discrimination of the users (Rupa, 2015). To avoid such a situation, many healthy public spaces choose alternatives such as, good surveillance and lighting, avoiding hiding spots, thoughtful designing, active edges, multi-use spaces, ‘more eyes on the street’, etc. to make space safer (Rupa, 2015).

Every public space holds a unique character and meaning that cannot be imitated in another place or a city (PPS, What if we built our cities around places?, 2004) Public spaces that are just mimicked without considering the context are more likely to be a failure. They are designed carefully while considering its type, users, location, and with a thorough understanding of the context (PPS, What if we built our cities around places?, 2004). Project of Public Spaces has derived eleven principles of placemaking to create a successful place with their experience of 40 years that are based on three guidelines, (i) Integrating the diversity of opinion of the people in one unified vision, (ii) Planning and programming of the uses through the unified vision acquired, (iii) Implementing the plan in a sustainable way. As per Project of Public Spaces, a shared vision of a place has the potential of creating great public space with a step-by-step process and with a thorough understanding of the people and the context.

Public spaces play a relevant role in the Australian culture. The iconic beaches and the alluring National Parks of Melbourne process that Australia is filled with some great Public spaces (Page, 2020). With community-based participation at its center, an effective placemaking process capitalizes on a local community’s assets, its inspiration and potential and the result in the creation of quality public spaces, that contribute to people’s health, happiness and well being (PPS, WHAT IS PLACEMAKING?, 2007). CLEC site, Docklands park is one of the contemporary example of public spaces of Melbourne that caters to activities for almost all the age groups and gender. Space is a great example of the diversity of activities in one place. To transform a cemetery of Australia into a public space, it is essential to understand an Australian public space.

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The study of Docklands Park helps to understand the process of creating a public space within the Australian context. It also reflects the activities that could be incorporated in a public space while considering the user type, age, gender, and how it functions during the different times of the day and week. Dockland park study gives a clear vision of how people use the space as per their convenience.

Figure 7: 11 Principles of Place Making; Sournce: The Collage is created on Photoshop Using the 11 Principles of making Great Public Spaces by Project for Public Spaces

Docklands Park is designed by MALA studio, started in 2015, that links the space to the community buildings, multi-purpose courts, and garden area (Studio, 2017). The triangular piece of land was one of the last underdeveloped public spaces of Docklands. The design aimed to build a connection between the site and the surroundings with the help of green spaces, utilizing and enhancing the existing elements and by creating new spaces for activities (Studio, 2017).

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The precinct was designed in two stages. In the first stage, MPavilion precinct was completed and in the next stage, CLEC site was developed. In the second stage of development, certain activities such as a multi-purpose sports court, new ping pong tables, day beds, furniture and seating, exercise spaces, and more green areas were incorporated (Studio, 2017). People responded to space since day one, during the day as well as the night. People use the space in the morning for dog walks, running, exercise, also certain training groups come here for drills, etc. Meanwhile, during the noon hours people utilize the park for eating lunch, working out, they also use the daybeds, play ping pong and rest on the lawn. The multi-purpose courts are utilized for playing several sports such as basketball, soccer, netball, etc. and on the other hand, MPavilion hosts several events (Studio, 2017).

Figure 8: Fitness Drills during the early morning hours at Docklands Park; Source: http://landezine.com/index.php/2017/12/clec-site-docklands-park-stage-2-by-mala-studio/

Figure 9: People using the courts for sports activities at Docklands Park in the evening; Source: http://landezine.com/index.php/2017/12/clec-site-docklands-park-stage-2-by-mala-studio/

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VIII.

CASE STUDIES

The four cases of Oakland Cemetery (1850, USA), Assistens Cemetery (1757, Denmark, Europe), Congressional Cemetery (1807, Washington DC, USA) and Melbourne General Cemetery (1853, Australia) are selected with different background, and are from the USA, Denmark and Australia.

The case studies are conducted to analyze the process and the limitations faced by the cemeteries while transforming into a public space. They also provide supporting evidence and prove that a cemetery can be accepted by the people as a recreation space. The respective cemeteries that are selected hold a strong common factor with most of the Australian Cemeteries i.e. ‘Religion’. The majority of the people who use these cemeteries are Christians, both Protestants, and the Romans. Apart from that, the three cemeteries have some comparable public activities such as dog park, cemetery tourism, strolling, cycling, night open movie theatre, etc. that are compatible with the Australian context. The case studies also help to decode how they managed to break the stereotype of the people towards the cemetery.

The following studies that are chosen are examples that strike the balance of people’s perception towards a cemetery and the changes introduced in the cemeteries. The changes they have brought about are a result of a thorough understanding of the space and its history, its connections to the neighborhood, limitations, opportunities, and the relationship they hold between the community and space. These cemeteries have successfully reimagined their roots and reused them to recreate a successful public space of their respective city. i.

Oakland Cemetery

History and Evolution Oakland Cemetery was built in 1850, to suffice the increasing demand for the burial ground of the city. It is one of the oldest and the most active government-owned cemeteries (Williams, 2014). Initially, the cemetery covered a land of 6 acres and later it expanded to 88 acres in seven stages within 17 years (Flowers, 2007). Oakland cemetery was initially called ‘City Cemetery’ or ‘Atlanta Cemetery’, later it was renamed in 1872 due to the oak trees found on-site in a majority (Flowers, 2007). Oakland cemetery is located in the south-east part of the city, which is dominated by industrial use with sparse residential development (Cemetery, 2020). Oakland cemetery is linked by the spine of the city which also bisects Atlanta i. n the west. Whereas, on the east, it has Cabbagetown that mostly has a working-class population. The southern side of the cemetery has Grant Park and the North has industrial rail line sand MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) tracks (Flowers, 2007). Oakland cemetery was segregated since the beginning as it was initially used to bury the African-Americans and was called ‘Slave Square’ (Dow, Macintyre, Bolter, & Gandy, 2005). By 1860, Jewish Atlantans had a separate section 21 | P a g e

within the cemetery, also termed as ‘Jew Hil’ and ‘Jew Flat’ in the older cemetery map. Another section of land called the ‘Potter field’ was designated for the poor or underprivileged Atlantans.

Besides, a separate 6 acres of land was allotted as ‘Confederate Burial’ (Dow, Macintyre, Bolter, & Gandy, 2005).

In the late 19th century, Atlanta’s neighborhoods were segregated by the color, through streets.

The residential area of the black Americans was often surrounded by the land which was considered as unfavorable for development by the white community (Flowers, 2007). These lands were often provided with a buffer between the black and the white community neighborhood (Flowers, 2007). Oakland Cemetery is an extensive example, as it is bounded by these ‘buffer elements’ such as rail lines, freeways, and major arterial roads (Dow, Macintyre, Bolter, & Gandy, 2005). Oakland cemetery holds more than 70,000 graves till date (Cemetery, 2020). The cemetery accepts a considerably low number of graves, i.e. 15-17 graves a year (Cemetery, 2020).

Figure 10: Oakland Cemetery Plan; Source: https://oaklandcemetery.com/oakland/wpcontent/uploads/2018/12/oakland-map-downloadable-for-web-new-coloring-test.jpg

During the 20th century, Atlanta city’s priorities of development including the roadways were used to define racial segregation and were treated as buffer and mode of control (Flowers, 2007). Oakland cemetery was designed as a miniature version of Atlanta’s urban segregation pattern, especially the dividing roadways that restricted the easy movement from one section to another. Due to the lack of adequate roadways towards the North and South part of the cemetery the movement restricted (Flowers, 2007). While on the east and the western side of the cemetery, road networks serve uninterrupted movement (Flowers, 2007). The circulation 22 | P a g e

pattern is very much similar to the city. Due to the segregation of the spaces, segregation of lives was obliged to happen (Flowers, 2007). A line of division was sketched between the people of color and the white people, urban and personal spheres in terms of intimacy, segregation, crime, violence, and power (Flowers, 2007).

A cemetery is often compared to a museum due to its rich history, monumental graves, or the distinctive landscape design, but it does not restrict the scope of its uses (Johnson, 2016). A cemetery can eventually adapt to the changing generations and their culture in favor of social and political agendas. Oakland Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries and among the oldest public spaces of Atlanta. It is owned by Atlanta’s Park Department while run by the Oakland Cemetery Foundation (Cemetery, 2020). During the 1970s, the cemetery was neglected due to the unpleasant neighborhood. Along with a group of few visionaries, Mayor Maynard Jackson came forward to renew it. (Cemetery, 2020). As per the executive director of the Oakland Cemetery Foundation, the cemetery is a part of the Victorian rural garden movement, where families accepted the place as a public park while considering the honor of the space (Calagary, 2019). The Oakland Cemetery Foundation promoted the cemetery exactly the way it was pictured by the Victorians (Calagary, 2019). Victorians envisioned the cemeteries as a place where people can enjoy, have fun, visit to understand the meaning of life and death and to respect and honor the dead (Calagary, 2019). The city started inviting people since late 1970 for public events which they called ‘Sunday Parks’ that had music, food, tours, etc. This new approach of using a cemetery as a public space surprisingly, sparked usage of the space for public recreation (Calagary, 2019). The cemetery provides an ‘intangible aura’ through the beautiful landscape, community engagement that makes the visitors curious to know more about the space, hereby giving a ‘sense of place’. (Dow & Wyche, Designing for Place in Urban Cemeteries, 2008).

Current Scenario The cemetery offers its features such as roads, walkways, headstones along with the other elements, furniture, gardens, and a small building for various events (Harnik & Merolli, 2010).

Various activities such as strolling, jogging, picnic, dog walk, cycling, etc. are catered in the cemetery. Small gathering events such as cemetery tours, photography classes, charity events, Halloween celebrations, with music and food and artifact stalls are encouraged in the space (Cemetery, 2020). The main agenda behind the Halloween celebration is, “Enlighten, don’t frighten”, which was initially aversed by the families of the deceased but eventually it was well accepted by the people (Harnik & Merolli, 2010). The popularity of the event demanded more time and now it runs for 3 nights a year. The cemetery focuses mainly on inviting people to the cemetery and not on the burials as it reached its limit of accommodating the dead, hence, it allows only 12-15 burials a year.

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A new gate for the Oakland cemetery has been proposed at the intersection of Boulevard and the Memorial Drive. Oakland Cemetery Foundation has contributed $85,000 for the preservation and restoration of the East Hill part of the cemetery. The activation of the cemetery has also led to the rapid development of Memorial drive street and Atlanta Beltline (fig 6), resulting in a rise in employment (Bagby, 2020). Many developers and builders have invested in the new residential and commercial projects in Cabbagetown and Reynolds town which were amongst the neglected part of the city. The new East gate of the cemetery will also develop a direct link to these neighborhood communities (Bagby, 2020).

Figure 11: Land use pattern of neighbourhood of Oakland cemetery; Map SOurce: Open Street Maps; Edited on photoshop

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Figure 13: Roads and Networks of Oakland Cemetery; Map Source: Open street map; Edited on Photoshop

Figure 15: Sunday Park at Oakland Cemetery; Source: https://oaklandcemetery.com/event/sunday-in-the-park/

Figure 14: Halloween Celebration; Source: https://oaklandcemetery.com/oakland/wpcontent/uploads/218/11/Halloween-tours-2-by-DannyPrice-sq-web.jpg

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Figure 16: Sunday Tours at Oakland Cemetery; Source: https://oaklandcemetery.com/tours/

Discussion and Relevance Oakland cemetery is a prominent example of how space can make a neighborhood better. The cemetery lied on the underdeveloped and unsafe side of Atlanta’s neighborhood, which again was a consequence of the racial ‘urban segregation’ that took place during the 19 th century.

Although the cemetery has a link to the main arterial road of the city, the roadways and the linkages are quite limited. Such urban isolation made the area prone to several illegal activities and made the locals neglect the cemetery until few locals came forward or its restoration. The general mindset of people towards a cemetery makes it difficult for people to accept it as a public space. A smart way of attracting people was used by the Oakland cemetery foundation which introduced general activities such as a dog park, to make the locals visit the place and see the beauty of the cemetery. This not only made the people reuse the abandoned cemetery but also broke the isolation of the space for the betterment of the neighborhood and eventually the city. Memorial Drive, the street across the cemetery is now one of the most active streets of the city. After activating the cemetery, many supporting recreational activities such as restaurants and cafes were opened on the same street.

The study helps to understand the process of making people accept the cemetery by introducing 26 | P a g e

activities, step by step. It also helps to understand how important it is to consider what people like and what they will accept immediately rather than just imposing several activities on them, to break the isolation and to change their perspective towards space. It is very important to create a connection between the space and the people, which was done by the cemetery by introducing a simple activity which is loved and accepted by everyone; dog walking. This particular approach is applicable in any part of the world, Australia is no exception, as space gets its identity through its users. Apart from this, the study proves that an ‘active cemetery’ is capable of ‘activating a neighborhood’ and creating a safe and liveable neighborhood, which is another aspect that will be worth using and considering in the research. ii.

Assistens Cemetery

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark History and Evolution By the end of the 18th century, entire Europe was facing a crisis of graveyards as all the churchyards and the vaults started becoming heavily congested (Blakemore, 2015). To somehow overcome this situation of Copenhagen, a new cemetery was created by the municipality. It was located in the farmland where the settlement was minimal, and it was around at a distance of 2kms from the city center towards the North (Anthony, Materialising Modern Cemeteries, 2016). The name Assistens cemetery has been coined from the word ‘Assistance’, as it assisted to accommodate more graves of the city (Oosten, Schats, Fast, & Boumeester, 2018). The cemetery is an example of a European Landscape Cemetery that was later expanded in 1805 and a small section of the north-east part of the cemetery was reserved for burials from an individual parish, ‘Trinity’ (Anthony, Materialising Modern Cemeteries, 2016).

‘Trinity’ was first established in 1656, in the center of the city as a university but later it was used as a parish church (Anthony, Materialising Modern Cemeteries, 2016). Eventually, the area surrounding the cemetery started densifying after 1860 (Anthony, Materialising Modern Cemeteries, 2016). The reserved area for the single parish burials, now also called as ‘Division G’, held a visually significant corner with an intersection of two major routes of the city; Nonretrograde and Jagtvej (Anthony, Materialized Genealogy: From Anonymous Cemetery, 2018).. There has been a considerable decline in the burials after the 19th century which is why a part of the cemetery, ‘DivisionG’, was designated for the metro station. ‘Division G’ was utilized for cremation until 1980 (Anthony, Materialising Modern Cemeteries, 2016). The burials are accepted in the cemetery but in a very limited number as the cemetery has now been divided into a Museum, a cemetery, and a parkland (Blakemore, 2015). Division G was excavated and is now being used as a Metro station while the rest of the cemetery is bounded by a high brick wall (Anthony, Materialized Genealogy: From Anonymous Cemetery, 2018).

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Assistens Cemetery is considered as one of the most beautiful cemeteries of Europe (Trskon, 2019). It follows the pattern of a Garden Cemetery and is published with a romantic concept of death and the afterlife (al, 2020). Assistens cemetery belongs to the time when casually visiting and picnicking in a cemetery was entirely acceptable (Dow & Wyche, Designing for Place in Urban Cemeteries, 2008). The grave monuments of the cemetery are well organized along with trees and shrubs. Assistens cemetery is known for cherishing the dead by celebrating their memory within the cemetery (al, 2020). The cemeteries' mature trees create a microclimate and act as a buffer to the city’s pollution and harsh sun (al, 2020).

Figure 17: Assistens Cemetery boundary; Source: Assistens KirkegĂĽrd

Current Scenario The cemetery is also among the most popular burial site in Denmark since the 19 th Century. The cemetery was first established in 1760 for the poor. Now the cemetery is not just a burial ground 28 | P a g e

for the dead, it also serves as a cultural and public park, (Seferou, 2018). For several decades people have visited the place for several recreational activities, the activities changes as per change in the era. There are no prescribed activities by the cemetery, people use the space as they prefer, that changes as per the age and time. During the summer, the cemetery is filled with people along with their families and friends who come to stroll, relax, or just for picnicking.

Many times young people come alone or with friends to study under the peaceful shade of the huge green trees of the cemetery. It has become a highly popular ‘hanging out spot’ . Sports enthusiasts also visit the place for jogging, relaxing with their family and friends, even tourists visit the cemetery with enthusiasm (Seferou, 2018). Apart from these activities, the cemetery also permits to conduct various events such as cemetery tours, Sunday parks, educational tours for students, and theatre shows throughout the year (Seferou, 2018).

Figure 18: People using the cemetery as a picninc spot; Source: https://live.staticflickr.com/3827/13226581573_12a2a1525a_b.jpg

Figure 19: People relaxing at the Assistens Cemetery; Source: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/denmark/articles/why-assistens-cemetery-is-a-popular-relaxinglocation-in-denmark/

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Figure 20: : Landuse pattern of neighbourhood of Assistens Cemetery; Map Source: Open Street Map; Edited on Photoshop

Figure 21: Roads and Networks of Assistens Cemetery; Map Source: Open Street Maps; Edited on Photoshop

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Discussion and Relevance Assistens cemetery gives another example of a successful public space with the European context. Unlike other cemeteries, Assistens cemetery retained the recreation function of the Victorian cemeteries of accepting space as a public park. The recreation activities are not forced on the people, they started using the space as per their convenience. The cemetery used a bottom-up process of development. The cemetery has been used for recreation for decades and has been adapting to the changing generations and their changing era of recreation. The cemetery designated a part of its area for a park within its premises where people of different ages come and have their way of relaxation. Some come to walk, jog, cycle, read, study and some come to have a picnic time with their families. The activities which are catered in the Assistens cemetery are decided by the users themselves and not by the designers. The bottomup process adopted by the Assistens cemetery with a user-oriented approach can be efficiently adopted in the Australian cemeteries while transforming them into public spaces by focusing on the respective user group of the people. iii.

Congressional Cemetery

Location: Washington DC, USA History and Evolution Congressional Cemetery is a land of 35 acres, situated at Capitol Hill in the city of Washington D.C. The main entrance of the cemetery is at 1801 E Street, South-East, Washington D.C. E Street and Potomac Avenue is at its northern side. 17 th street covers the western part, while a stepped boundary covers east and follows towards the South along 20 th street (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000).

A private corporation owned by the citizens of Washington D.C. first created the cemetery in the year 1807 with the intention of a churchyard in the name of social service (SWILLER, 2011).

Later the cemetery developed links with the federal government and was used to bury the congressmen that led to the erection of the monumental graves (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000). After the government started funding the cemetery, it was termed as ‘National Burial ground’ or ‘Congressional Cemetery’ (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000). The cemetery is directly linked to Capitol via a graded and graveled route. A large number of plots within the cemetery were owned by the federal government. The private corporation of the citizens was owned by the elite group of people. Hence, an upper-class environment was maintained within the cemetery premises through its landscape design (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000).

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Figure 22: Direct link of the Congressional cemetery to the Capitol; Source: Google Maps

The landscape design of the Congressional cemetery had a strong essence of the Washington society. The upper-class owned most of the plots of the cemetery and pushed the indigents, African-Americans as well as the people with no background or identity towards the outside of the cemetery wall (Firma, 2011). The landscape of death of the cemetery was shaped by its monumental graves, its direct link to the Capitol and the social organization of the cemetery (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000). The cemetery is now surrounded by Capitol Hill’s urban fabric and sloes of the Anacostia River. The cemetery became popular in the 19 th century due to its landscape and the location (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000). The landscape of the cemetery was a fusion of vernacular style and creative design of the locals, where this cemetery holds a significant place in American history (Firma, 2011).

The cemetery faced some serious funding issues between 1950 and 1970 with the decline of parish membership. New hope in 1969 emerged as the cemetery merged with the church and was officially registered as a National Historic Place (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000). The listing made the government provide funds to the cemetery to preserve and maintain the landscape and other aspects of the cemetery. Despite this, the cemetery faced many challenges such as monument thefts, dying landscape and breaking of the external wall due to the lack of maintenance of the cemetery. After a struggle of two decades, in 1997, the cemetery was put on the National list of Historic Prevention that eventually brought sufficient funding and started coming back on the road of survival (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000).

The cemetery became a tourist attraction in the 19 th century and started regaining its National prominence with help of its rich history, monumental headstones and landscape design (Firma, 2011). Apart from this, the cemetery also started a community gathering center with a dog walking membership plan (Bry, 2019). The membership immediately attracted many locals with their dogs and neighbors to enjoy the essence of the Victorian landscape, which eventually 32 | P a g e

broke the isolation of the space and people started accepting the space (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000). With the growing interest and demand of the people, the cemetery later installed more ‘park-like’ elements in the mid-19th century to make the cemetery adapt as an urban park that illustrates the step-by-step process of transforming the cemetery into a functioning public park (Historic American Landscapes Survey, 2000).

Current Scenario Congressional Cemetery, also known as Washington Parish Burial ground, is considered to have ‘sacred’ land as it is believed that the land has been blessed, since the beginning (Bayard, 2017).

The cemetery currently holds around 67000 burials and it is still an active cemetery. Although it is just a 10-12 mins walk from the Capitol, the cemetery is quite unknown to the nearby residents.

Until the American Civil War, the Cemetery was reserved only for the public figures (Bayard, 2017). Congressional Cemetery is known as one of the liveliest places in the town. The cemetery welcomes dog lovers and their pets to use the area (Bry, 2019). A dog park and the cemetery were merged in 2017 which grabbed the attention of a lot of people. The activities are practices with the consideration of the dead and have several rules. Surprisingly this new concept of a cemetery use was well accepted by the people making the space more lively and resulted in community awareness and a safe neighborhood (Bry, 2019). The Congressional cemetery has created a diversity of uses in the neighborhood that generated many external activities and have boosted the number of users hereby giving a safer environment. The cemetery caters to various recreational activities such as, running, walking, picnic, sledding, night open movie theatre, and even a few concerts a year (Harnik & Merolli, 2010).

Figure 23: Wedding ceremony at Congressional Cemetery with Voodoo theme; Source: https://swoonsoiree.com/2018/09/voodoo-wedding-at-thecongressional-cemetery-washington-dc/

Figure 24: Dog Park, Congressional Cemetery; Source: https://wamu.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/11/20181025_Cemetery_Turner_ 01.jpg

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Figure 25: Congressional Cemetery, Open Movie Theatre; Source: https://www.pps.org/article/how-six-cemeteriesare-reclaiming-their-role-as-public-spaces

Figure 26: Land use pattern of the neighbourhood of COngressional cemetery

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Figure 27: Roads and Networks; Map Source: Open Street Map; Edited in Photoshop by Author.

Discussion and Relevance The transformation of the cemetery as a public space was triggered by the financial crisis faced by the cemetery. The Congressional cemetery was dominantly used by the elites of Washington DC. The cemetery later went through various changes but has managed to retain its historical importance. The proximity and the direct link to the Capitol, its thriving landscape and the historical significance made it to the list of National Heritage and eventually became a tourist attraction.

Envisioning the cemetery as a public space was carried in stages similar to that of Oakland cemetery. They step-by-step introduced the public recreational activities to attract more people that also solved its funding crisis. Locals started loving the escape from the urban jungle to the cemetery. With the rise in popularity and demand, the cemetery added more park-like features to the cemetery and now it successfully serves as one of the liveliest places of the city (Bry, 2019). The active public space, Congressional cemetery, had some very positive consequences, it activated the neighborhood, by making it more user friendly and safe for the people, even during the late hours (BRY, 2019). Activating a space or a street with various types of uses boosts the footfall in diversity creating a ‘sense of safety’. Australia actively focuses on making its cities 35 | P a g e

safer and more liveable for the people. The Congressional cemetery approach of creating safer environments could be adopted in the Australian context.

The entire process deals with the perspective and acceptance of the people who are going to use the place and the people who have their loved ones resting in the place. The cemetery was not forced on the people as a public park rather a butterfly effect was introduced to make a bigger change.

iv.

Figure 28: Entrance of Congressional Cemetery; Source: https://savingplaces.org/stories/the-graveyard-shiftcongressional-cemetery-washington-dc#.X1bI-HkzaM

Summary

Usually when one thinks of visiting a park, a cemetery never crosses their mind. But the above three cemeteries have successfully amended the rules and now function as public parks.

Although the cemeteries have different historical backgrounds, they adopted a similar approach. The cemeteries mentioned in the above studies were shaped and were located as per their history, social norms of the era when they were established, the purpose of their establishment, and the city’s urban development. Oakland and Assistens cemeteries were designed for the poor and the neglected class of the society. The planning and circulation of the Oakland cemetery reflect Atlanta’s racial segregation of the society and Urban development of the 19th an 20th century. Whereas, Congressional cemetery was owned by the elites and was used dominantly by the upper class of Washington DC and is located at the Capitol Hill with a direct link to the Capitol. The cemeteries kept adapting to the changing generations and their customs to survive as they provided a flexible space for the people and their changing needs.

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All three cemeteries are based on the concept of Victorian cemeteries or Garden Cemeteries, and they try to retain the basic principle envisioned by the Victorians while designing them.

Assistens cemetery was the first among the three which was used as a public park. People of Copenhagen easily accepted the cemetery as recreational space by embracing its natural beauty. On the other hand, Oakland cemetery and Congressional cemetery followed another smart way of breaking the psychological and physical barrier between a cemetery and the society. They analyzed their targeted users and prioritized the activities which they will accept easily. Their main aim was to make people enter the space to make them feel connected and this was achieved by promoting the ‘Dog walk’ program. Locals responded to the change positively and later due to the high demand and popularity of the ‘new public park’ further changes and activities were introduced to the site.

Cemeteries are often visualized as ‘dead space’ or a ‘neglected space’, but cemeteries not only changed the perspective of the people but also broke the urban isolation which was created back in history. Oakland cemetery was abandoned for decades due to the negative influence of its neighborhood, but after its transformation, the streets along the cemetery were also activated and the entire place can now be considered as a ‘safe urban environment’. The congressional cemetery also promotes a safe neighborhood and has created safety awareness amongst the locals. Thereby, in the conclusion, some of the strategies which should be considered in recreating cemetery into public spaces are mentioned below.

IX.

LESSONS LEARNED

Understand the history of a cemetery The reason behind the planning and the location of the above three cemeteries could be traced through their history. Similarly, in the Australian context, before making any changes, it is essential to understand the complex history of the Melbourne General Cemetery. While facilitating the cemetery as a public space, respecting the history must be handled sensitively.

Respect the souls resting in the place While transforming the Melbourne General Cemetery, the primary use of the cemetery should be considered with utmost priority. The balance must be maintained between the role of a cemetery where people come to visit their loved ones and the people who visit to cherish the space. The additional recreational activities must not create any hindrance or any disrespect towards the dead.

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Understand people’s needs and follow the ‘bottom-up’ process As per the case studies, the bottom-up process is an effective way of engaging people in the respective cemetery. To make Melbourne General Cemetery a successful public place, it is essential to understand the needs of the targeted users. Congressional cemetery introduced a simple activity that was easily acceptable within the context and by the people, by analyzing the most common recreational activities amongst the people.

One step at a time Public spaces from all around the world that are successful are user oriented. Public spaces act as a platform with a suitable environment provided as a stimulant. In the case of Assistens Cemetery, the ambiance and the landscape attract more people. Whereas, in the case of Congressional Cemetery, dog walking programs acted as a stimulant. Once the people entered the space and became comfortable, they started using it as per their convenience. To make people more comfortable, they eventually introduced more parklike elements. Unlike other public places, cemeteries are more complex in terms of cultural and psychological factors. These installations of activities make the place more approachable to the public. A similar approach needs to be adopted for Melbourne General Cemetery. With a thorough understanding of the people’s perspectives, activities could be introduced in a step-by-step manner. Once people start using the space, analysis has to be done on how they use the space and more elements could be later introduced to make the use more convenient.

Make cemeteries adapt to the changes Space goes through several changes with the ever-changing urban environment and urban development. In order to survive, the place needs to blend within the changing context of its surrounding. Similarly, in the case of a cemetery, once the cemetery is full, people have no reason to visit the place and eventually, the cemeteries are left abandoned. To keep the Melbourne General Cemetery alive, the functioning of the place must be flexible to the upcoming changes. Additional uses must be incorporated in the cemeteries so that people will keep using it even after reaching its saturation point.

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X.

MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERY “We need an approach that will see our cities repurposed by getting more from less: a retimetabling rather than the grand engineering projects of the twentieth century.” — Rob Adams, Director City Design, City of Melbourne Australia is considered as one of the most urbanized nations of the world, where Melbourne is its fastest-growing city (Adams, 2018). Melbourne was announced as the most liveable city of the word for seven years consistently (Adams, 2018). Like all other cities, even Melbourne went through several changes over the time. In 1970 a sudden decline was faced by Melbourne CBD due to the relocation of the residents and their local businesses to the suburbs and the convenience of commuting by car (Oberklaid, 2015). The city center was getting empty after the working hours, new developments started eradicating the heritage buildings. These changes started dominating the city and the laneways creating several underused pockets that were used for not more than garbage disposal (Oberklaid, 2015). This grave concern of the city condition was raised by the architect Norman Day in the year of 1978. In 1980 the situation became worse as the CBD experienced a sharp downfall in its population which later resulted in vacant land within the city (Oberklaid, 2015). These growing urban concerns of the city were recognized by the city leaders, designers, developers, and the local business owners. They realized the importance and the need for re-activating the spaces to bring the city’s glory back on the track (Oberklaid, 2015). To tackle these issues, The City of Melbourne developed various strategies to reactivate the CBD called the Strategy Plan (1985). The goal was set to increase the population of the Central city by 8000 people within 15 years for which they started investing in the enhancement of the public realm.

During current times, Melbourne is considered as a growing international city, expected to reach a count of 5 million residents by the year 2030 (Government, 2019). With the growing population, demand for land and other resources is also expected to rise. With the current rate of growth of population consistent urban development is expected. (Deogaonkar, 2014) In such a situation, the priority of land is expected to be very strict (Deogaonkar, 2014) (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2017). Land use will change from single-use to multi-functional use to make a sustainable approach towards land usage. In such a situation, providing acres of land which serves a sole purpose of a burial ground will be following an opposite road to sustainability (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2017) (Quinton & Duinker, 2018). Cemeteries are huge urban voids within a city just like a huge parking lot, abandoned buildings or land, the area under flyovers, negative urban pockets, etc. (Quinton & Duinker, 2018) (Fracasso, 2015). Initially, cemeteries are located at the urban periphery, but as the development takes place it tends to enter the city limits eventually becoming a part of the city (Basmajian & Coutts, 2010). Despite the inclusion, 39 | P a g e

historical and cultural beliefs towards a cemetery create a barrier between the living and the dead, creating a huge void in the urban fabric (Fracasso, 2015) (BRY, 2019).

Figure 29: Proximity of Melbourne General Cemetery to important landmarks; Map Source: Open Street Maps, edited on Adobe Photoshop

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The site chosen for the research is Melbourne General Cemetery, located approximately 2.6 km from the Melbourne CBD. The cemetery has Princess park at a distance of 400 m and the Melbourne zoo at 500 m to its west. Towards the east of the cemetery, Edinburgh gardens are located at 1.7 km and the Melbourne University and Melbourne museum are towards its South.

Melbourne General Cemetery was designed as a huge public park and now has an exquisite Melbourne city backdrop. The cemetery holds a prominent historical and social importance due to its notable interments that include few Prime Ministers of Australia; Sir Robert Menzies, James Scullin, and Sir John Gorton and various other significant entities (Trust, n.d.). The proximity of the cemetery to the CBD and other landmarks plays a key role in giving importance to its location. A land of 106 acres within a city, with a prime location, beautiful landscape, significant history, and high potential of a public space dominated by the residential area from north and east as well the proximity to the educational institutes including Melbourne University, has been left underused and abandoned by the eyes of the people. The research will utilize these factors considering the limitations which are stated below to transform into a great public space with the help of the guidelines derived from the literature review and the

case studies. i.

Background and history

Melbourne stands on the shores of Port Philip and Victoria’s capital with a culturally diverse population of 3.5 million (Lever, 2009). Melbourne General Cemetery is Melbourne’s oldest cemetery, located at a distance of 2km from the City Centre (Lever, 2009). The cemetery was established in 1853 and was run by the Christian interdenominational board along with one Jewish trustee (Chambers, The Melbourne General Cemetery, 2003). Victoria had no designated burial ground until 1830 soon after the permanent settlement of Melbourne in 1835, the city had the first burial for a small European settlement, which is now known as the ‘Flagstaff Gardens’ also known as ‘Burial Hill’ (Hutchinson, 2014). Apart from this, two more burial grounds were established in Melbourne. Moreover, many small private cemeteries and lone graves were formed in Victoria during the 19 th century (Hutchinson, 2014). As the population started growing, Melbourne was in the need of a cemetery. It led to the establishment of the city’s official burial ground, known as ‘Old Melbourne Cemetery’ in 1837, currently occupied by Queen Victoria Market (Hutchinson, 2014). Later in 1854, it was closed due to the inadequacy of the expanding Melbourne city, though it still continued accommodating few burials until 1917 (Hutchinson, 2014). In 1922, a lot of its human remains and monuments were moved to Fawner and other cemeteries as they demolished Old Melbourne Cemetery for the expansion of Queen Victoria Market 41 | P a g e

(Hutchinson, 2014). Old Melbourne Cemetery was replaced by Melbourne General Cemetery in 1853 and was also declared as the first modern cemetery of the state (Trust, n.d.). The cemetery design resembled a huge public park with wide walkways, evergreen trees, shrubs, etc. The cemetery was established during the time when the foreign social reformers considered burial grounds as unsanitary and unhygienic, as they strongly supported the idea of huge garden cemeteries that are located outside the city boundaries. The cemetery also has some notable monumental graves, historic buildings, and structures.

Initially, Melbourne General Cemetery occupied land of 27 acres which was later expanded to 100 acres in the late 1850s (Chambers, The Melbourne General Cemetery, 2003). The landscape design of the cemetery reflected a formal but romantic style that was popular amongst the Western cemeteries during the 19th century. The design incorporated curved roads, a large fountain at the entrance, gatehouses, and mortuary chapels took over the old temporary buildings of 1850, in 1854 (Hutchinson, 2014). From 1860, the cemetery was supplied with 9000 plant by the government botanist, Sir Ferdinand von Mueller, although unfortunately due to the lack of space in the cemetery, the plantation ideas were altered. After the 1890s, the cemetery

Figure 30: Melbourne General Cemetery Plan; Source:https://geneagraphie.com/headstones/melbourne%20cem%20map.JPG

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started overcrowding and people started complaining about the poor maintenance of the cemetery as it raised concerns regarding health and hygiene that led to the shutting down of the cemetery from Dec 1903 to November 1927 (Hutchinson, 2014). After its closure, the cemetery’s situation started deteriorating even more, headstones, graves collapsed and broke, trees and plants were overgrown (Hutchinson, 2014). The trustees of the cemetery convinced the government to reopen the cemetery to receive some funds for the cemetery maintenance (Hutchinson, 2014). The cemetery made around 2500 lots available for the new burials. During the period from 1927 to 1970s, a lot of changes took place in the cemetery with the new burial spaces that were allotted along the 5 minor internal cemetery roads. The time of the Great Depression during the 1930s offered a great opportunity to expand the size of the cemetery with a new entrance towards the south-west corner with an addition of 3500 graves (Hutchinson, 2014). Structures such as gatekeepers lodges and the office buildings were demolished and the salvaged materials were reused to construct a new administration and residential blocks (Chambers, The Melbourne General cemetery, 2003). The population growth of Melbourne put the cemetery under pressure as a large number of migrants from Europe were willing to get a space in the local cemeteries. Europeans that constructed the graves with their distinct graves with marble and granite changed the appearance of the cemetery. Since the 1950s, grave areas were increased, many vaults were constructed, lawns for the graves increased. The cemetery started thriving and its income issues were sufficed after the construction of three mausoleums during late 1990 (Trust, n.d.). At present, the cemetery holds around 300000 graves and represents people from several cultural groups (Trust, n.d.).

Figure 31: Landuse pattern of neighbourhood of Melbourne General Cemetery; Source: Northern Central City Corridor Study

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Figure 33: Roads and Connections of Melbourne General Cemetery; Map source: Open Street Maps; Edited on Adobe Photoshop

Figure 32: Public transport routes around Melbbourne General Cemetery; Map Source: Open Street Maps; Edited on Adobe Photoshop

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Most of the cemeteries of the western countries, including Australia, hold a history, built on a vast land. Initially, they were built outside the city premises but now they have become a part of the city. Despite being a part of the city, they are isolated due to the cultural and psychological beliefs and have become a huge urban void. The void which is just like a hole in the heart, if left untreated or if it grows in size, will have some adverse effects on the heart. Similarly, the cemeteries that have reached its limit of accommodating the dead are often left abandoned as people, except for the families of the deceased, have no reason to visit the place. The abandonment makes the cemetery vulnerable as they struggle to get sufficient revenue for its maintenance.

Figure 34: Source: Image Generated in Adobe Photoshop

Melbourne General Cemetery is also expected to run out of space in the next few decades. Once it reaches its limit, a land of 100 acres in the fastest growing city with a prominent location and proximity to the Melbourne CBD, will be left abandoned. With the fast-paced growing population of Melbourne, the hustle of land priorities for commercial and residential uses has already begun. With the help of the existing public spaces, significant landmarks in the neighborhood and the efficient public transport facilities, Melbourne General Cemetery could be transformed into a successful public space by following the guidelines that were derived earlier.

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STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

Efficient location with the proximity to some prominent landmarks Diversity in the neighborhood (University, Residences, Public Places) Significant History and Monumental structures Existing park-like structures Efficient Public Transport

Less Vegetated Place Scale, area of 100 acres Hedging on the boundary that keeps the cemetery in isolation Neighboring Public Parks

The case studies performed in the thesis helps to understand the process of transformation of the cemetery into a public space. Cemeteries are different from any other public space in our surroundings, it has a complex background, and to alter its activities, it important to have a thorough understanding of its many related aspects, such as the users, activities, context, cultural background and its history.

To achieve that, a set of 3 guidelines has been derived from the 3 cases of Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, USA, Assistens Cemetery, Denmark, and Congressional Cemetery, Washington DC. ii.

Respect the History

Cemeteries tend to have a complex history. In terms of Melbourne General cemetery, it went through several changes that are mentioned earlier. The monumental graves and their materials that attract many tourists reflect the diversity of cultures and their history. For example, the granite and the marble headstones reflect the European influence on the cemetery. The history and evolution of the space are one of the important factors of the context study while creating a public place. Melbourne General Cemetery belonged to an era of the modern gardencemeteries designed on a vast piece of land with extraordinary landscapes and graves. Tourists are attracted to the Melbourne General Cemetery every year to learn more about its historical background. While transforming the cemetery, its historical background is needed to study to preserve its identity.

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Figure 35: Melbourne General Cemetery Tourism; Source:https://www.weekendnotes.com/im/000/07/cemeterytourscemetery-tours-melbournemelbourne-ce21.jpg

iii.

Respecting the Dead

The primary use of a cemetery is its burial space, where people come to bid a final goodbye to their loved ones and to mourn for them. It is important to consider the people resting in the place and their family’s emotions while adding recreational activities to the cemetery. In the case of Congressional cemetery, many re-known and respected personalities as well as the family members of the residents are buried. Despite this, the cemetery serves as a highly active public space and an active cemetery. This was achieved by the cemetery by setting some rules and guidelines while adding the activities. Melbourne General cemetery also accommodates many prominent and significant people that includes Australia’s few Prime Ministers as well as people from various backgrounds and cultures. Before intervening in the space, a survey could be conducted among the users that are directly connected to space, such as families of the deceased. The survey will include questions to know their perspective regarding the cemetery, their frequency of use, visits per year, their views and opinions towards the changes to be incorporated in the cemetery, etc. the outcome of the survey could be used to set the limitations and rules while activating the cemetery. For starters, tourist attraction will help the cemetery to grow its revenue that can be contributed to its maintenance and the for the future developments.

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Figure 36: Monumental Grave of Melbourne General Cemetery; Source: https://media.timeout.com/images/105289958/image.jpg

iv.

One Step at a Time

In the three cases, the cemeteries adopted a bottom-up process to activate the cemetery. They started with the most common and most commonly used activity by the people of the neighborhood to break the isolation of the place. As the people entered the cemetery, they were immediately drawn towards its rich landscape and calm atmosphere. Australia is a diverse country, accommodates different communities with different cultures (Australia, 2020). With its vast natural landscapes, Australians are very much drawn towards outdoor activities.

Melbourne General Cemetery is a vast land with a variety of land-use patterns in its neighborhood. In order to draw people to the place and to break the isolation, it is important to understand the community’s needs. By identifying the community needs and insights on the functioning area and the critical issues, it helps to create a sense of community ownership. The bottom-up process will not focus on the design first but on creating a ‘place’. After understanding the community involvement, it is also important to understand the place.

Cemeteries, in general, being of a complex nature, a thorough understanding through observation with its SWOT analysis is to be achieved.

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Figure 37: Recreation Activities of Australia, Age-wise; Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

A targeted set of user groups need to be identified to survey to understand how they perceive the space and how they want the space in the future. Melbourne General Cemetery is surrounded by Educational Institutes, Public Places, and Residential zone. A vision for the cemetery could be obtained from the communities of the neighborhood and the families of the deceased. Transforming a cemetery could be a little challenging because of religious and cultural barriers. Hence, the process could start with a short-term experiment that includes lighter, quicker, and cheaper (LQC) solutions. With a survey and self-observation, a list of outdoor activities in the neighborhood of Melbourne General Cemetery could be made. With the help of a simple yet most commonly used activity by the people such as dog walks, running tracks, walking trails, etc. could be introduced in the cemetery, on an experimental basis. v.

Adapting to the changes

The fourth step entirely depends on the outcomes of step 3. The results of the short-term experiments are recorded to understand how people perceive the changes made to the cemetery. Once the isolation is broken and people start accepting the place, new additions could be introduced. In this step, a larger audience could be targeted. More supporting public activities with respect to the context could be introduced, for eg. If people are coming for dog walks or cycling or running, defined pathways, cycle and running tracks could be introduced.

Small resting places or street furniture could also be incorporated. This entire process would be a step by step process. Each time more additions and activities could be added to offer people what they need, in a long run. Multifunctional space, not only creates a lively environment for 49 | P a g e

the community but also enhances the safety and economic development of the neighborhood.

Apart from that, a place needs to adapt to the changes taking place in the present and the changes that could happen in the future. In the case of Assistens cemetery, the place has been used as a public park for several decades while the cemetery kept adapting to the changing generations and their changing needs.

A successful public space is a never-ending process, it is never completed. Constant attention and maintenance is required to keep the place thriving and inviting.

XI.

CONCLUSION

Cemeteries carry an identity of a complex place in social and cultural factors. Despite being an important part of society, people treat them differently from other green spaces of the city.

These huge pieces of land are often identified as abandoned and underused parts of the city. It seems difficult to include these cemeteries in our daily lives, but it sure is possible. Australia, being a land of many diverse cultures, belongs to the list of the most urbanized nations of the world (Adams, 2018)where Melbourne is the fastest growing city in the state of Victoria (Adams, 2018). As per the report released in 2002, Metropolitan 2030: Planning sustainable growth, Melbourne’s population is expected to grow up to 1 million by 2030. With this rise, the hustle of land priority to the commercial and residential uses will also increase. This population growth will also trigger several urban issues such as peripherisation, land affordability, local employment, environment concerns, social issues, lack of green spaces, etc. (Davenport, The Future of Cemeteries in Australia: A Matter of Life and Death, 2014). Moreover, Melbourne cemeteries are expected to run out of space in the coming decades (Ross, 2018). In such a situation, designers and planners will play a vital role in seeking a solution to these issues. With the projected population, the land of the city will be prioritized for housing, commercial activities, public and recreational spaces, and other institutional purposes like schools and hospitals (Ketchell, 2016). Considering the land crisis that Melbourne is expected to face in the coming future, these huge burial grounds should not be ignored anymore. The research focuses on the case of the Melbourne General Cemetery and concludes a process of transforming it into a healthy public space.

Cemeteries belong to a sensitive background hence, not every person is expected to accept the place positively. Cemeteries have also fallen prey to the historical beliefs and superstitions that are passed on for generations (Pardoe, 1988). It is difficult to accept a place like a cemetery where family members and the loved ones of many are resting in peace, as a recreational space.

A sudden change to the activities of a cemetery might come as a shock to many people.

Therefore, a subtle series of changes should be incorporated. To understand the process of change, the research has undertaken a study of three existing examples of the cemeteries that also function as active urban parks. To introduce any change in the cemetery, it is necessary to 50 | P a g e

understand the space, its connections to the neighborhood, meaning, opportunities, limitations, and its relationship with the users. The guidelines that are deduced from the literature and case studies help to build a better understanding of Melbourne General Cemetery in terms of the aspects mentioned above.

Cemeteries are definitely not like our neighborhood parks, they are much more than that. Our beliefs towards a graveyard have isolated them from the rest of the city. With the ever-growing urbanization, leaving these huge burial grounds untreated will affect the city adversely. It is certainly not a task that is achieved overnight, but with a thorough understanding of the place and with the help of a proper process, it could be made possible.

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XII.

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