CEMETERY LANDSCAPE

Wollongong Memorial Gardens Masterplan

Apr 6, 2018

In late 2014, Wollongong City Council embarked on a masterplanning exercise for 2 of its key interment sites, Wollongong Lawn Cemetery in Kembla Grange and Wollongong Memorial Gardens in Berkeley. Its aim was to ascertain growth opportunities, maximise the use of the location and identify areas for improvements whilst providing a financial and environmentally sustainable operation. Our practice put together a team of sub-consultants including Changing Places (operations advice), RSM Bird Cameron (Financial modelling), IGNITE (Architects), Triaxial Consulting (Engineers) and Biosis (Ecologists).
The tasks:

Analyse both the operations and the physical site
Conduct stakeholder’s consultation
Create a vision for both sites
Present recommendations for operational, landscape and building issues
Prepare a staging plan for the implementation of the above recommendations
Prepare a financial model for selected implementation scenarios. The project was delivered over a period of 6 months.

Wollongong Memorial Gardens Masterplan

Client
Wollongong City Council

Location
Berkeley, Wollongong, NSW

Size
7.5 Ha

Consultancy Type
Lead- Small multi-disciplinary team

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Mount Isa Cemetery

Apr 5, 2018

The Vision for the site is based on the belief that a cemetery can be an inviting open-space for remembrance and contemplation for all to enjoy, in perpetuity. Due to the harshness of the climate, it is crucial that it is universally accessible and provided with ample shade.

The Design is inspired by the local patterns within the surrounding landscape: The circular pits of open-cut mines and the intrinsically Outback Australian “drifts” created by vegetation groups, rock formations and run-off patterns which shape the land, also often represented in the local Indigenous Art. A covered walkway which provides seating and shelter from the sun links new burial sections, the Children Section and Pet cemetery. Along its course, a Heritage trail depicts key historically significant graves and celebrates the rich history of Mount Isa.

Mount Isa Cemetery

Client
Mount Isa City Council

Location
Mount Isa

Size
14 Hectares

Consultancy Type
Consultancy Lead

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Mona Vale Tree Grove Memorial Garden

Apr 4, 2018

With limited ash memorialisation left and a grove of existing Eucalyptus trees-the only land left in the cemetery- the Council sought some ideas on creating a Bushland Memorial Garden around these majestic and much-loved trees.
With stringent constraints around root impact and accessibility for tree management works, the proposed layout is a series of spaces with Artwork and secluded contemplation areas.
Stage 1 is due for construction mid- 2018.

Mona Vale Tree Grove Memorial Garden

Client
Mona Vale, NSW

Location
Campbelltown, NSW

Size
1,800 m2

Consultancy Type
Lead- Small multi-disciplinary team

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Young cemetery Masterplan

Apr 3, 2018

Having purchased additional land in the vicinity of the existing cemetery, Council embarked on a Masterplanning exercise, ahead of running out of time, knowing that the development of a new site can take up to 5 years of planning and construction.
With difficult constraints in topography and ecology, the site had a multitude of challenges.
Our services started with public and stakeholder consultation: first at the onset of the project and later, after the formulation of a preliminary Masterplan.
The Final Masterplan, which incorporated community feedback, offers a clear staging plan providing the full range of memorialisation and burial options, outdoor chapel, road network and parking facilities for a progressive and affordable implementation.

Young cemetery Masterplan

Client
Hilltops Council

Location
Young, NSW

Size
9 Ha

Consultancy Type
Lead- Small multi-disciplinary team

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Mongolian Cemeteries

Apr 2, 2018

Statue in East West cemetery in Mongolia

Indoor view of East West cemetery in Mongolia

Our company was entrusted with the Masterplan of both the east and west Ulaanbaatar cemeteries, the first private cemeteries in Mongolia.
The “New Mind Group LLC” established their sites in 2012 and 2007 respectively, laying them out in a traditional grid pattern around a central Buddha figure. Unhappy with the result and the barren landscape, they sought guidance for improvements.
After experiencing the funeral procedures and understanding their cultural and religious beliefs, we were able to workshop the solutions with their staff and generate a landscape masterplan which responds to the harsh environment (40 C in summer and minus 35 C in winter) and the restricted plant palette of a 1500m altitude.
It became one of the most fulfilling projects of our practice, working with one the most spiritual and welcoming culture in the world.

East and West cemeteries, Mongolia

Client
New Mind Group LLC

Location
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Size
2 Ha each

Consultancy Type
Lead

Achievement
First in Mongolia

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