Changes in the Perception of Cemeteries as Public Spaces: Swiss Cemetery Visitors From 2002 to 2021

Klingemann, Harald (2024). Changes in the Perception of Cemeteries as Public Spaces: Swiss Cemetery Visitors From 2002 to 2021 OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying Sage 10.1177/00302228241263133

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Background: A process of “emptying” can be observed in Swiss cemeteries. Urn burials are increasingly preferred to traditional interments, requiring much less space. Consequently, cemeteries are gradually transforming into park-like areas, triggering debates about proactive ways to use them as public spaces, rather than mourning sites. Objectives and Method: The study presented here probes for changes in the public perception of Bern cemeteries during the last two decades. The long-term analysis is based on a secondary analysis of interviews with 383 cemetery visitors in 2002 and a representative survey among 519 inhabitants of the city of Bern. Results: Tolerance for alternative land use increased further: Motivations for cemetery visits have shifted with a decline from 80% who mentioned ‘grave visit’ to 63% in 2021; ‘leisurely walk’ increased from 63% to 83%. High satisfaction with what cemeteries have to offer is mirrored in high values for perceived restorativeness in 2021.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	Bern Academy of the Arts Bern Academy of the Arts > Institute of Design Research Bern Academy of the Arts > Institute of Design Research > Environmental Communication Design
Name:	Klingemann, Harald0000-0003-0957-7220
ISSN:	0030-2228
Publisher:	Sage
Language:	English
Submitter:	Marie-Eve von Allmen
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2024 15:27
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2024 15:28
Publisher DOI:	10.1177/00302228241263133
Uncontrolled Keywords:	cultural differences, diversity, burial, alternative landuse, user perspective, green space, long-term comparison
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.22500
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/22500