Walking Among The Dead

Government officials in Britain are calling on planners and designers to put more emphasis on re-visioning cemeteries as public parks.

1 minute read

November 4, 2007, 9:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"In Britain, using cemeteries as places of recreation and relaxation could be an idea whose time has come."

"The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment said Wednesday that the potential health, leisure and environmental benefits of cemeteries are not being exploited, due to a lack of design, planning and ambition."

"'Cemeteries should not be considered solely as resting places for the dead, they should be designed with the living in mind, too,' Sarah Gaventa, a CABE director, said in a statement. 'The great Victorian cemeteries were designed and maintained as beautiful public parks for the enjoyment of all. Every local authority should have them in their green-space strategy and ensure that their full value is realized.'"

Friday, November 2, 2007 in The Globe & Mail

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