Can a Cemetery Also be a Learning Facility?

Qing Lana Luo (Oklahoma State University)

Traditionally, a cemetery has only one purpose - burials. In the 19th century, cemeteries evolved to have a dual function as public open space after the success of Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts. While the modern society continues to revolute, can a cemetery have a third function – a learning facility? This study reveals the answer to the above question.

The study was carried out via a design-led research process. A 150-acre site in Oklahoma was used as the case study site, and a design process was implemented in four steps: I) Feasibility study, II) Interactive design, III) Design outcomes, and IV) Discussions and conclusion. Among the four steps, the second phase is the core. In this stage, the design follows the following three design guidelines of: a) the National Cemetery Administration, b) public open spaces, and c) educational campus outdoor spaces. All the above components were consolidated into an integrated master plan. The programs of the master plan include a military museum, a memorial, an auditorium, classrooms, a flag plaza, memorial walk, columbarium, scattering garden, forested area, bird watch station, lakes, forested areas, five branch military gardens, artworks, burial grounds, and special honored burials.

The design-led process has shown the results that the veterans cemetery is not only the place to pay respect for the permanent residents of veterans but also an education campus. In this cemetery, children and students can learn multiple subjects including patriotism, history, natural resources, birds, stormwater,hydrology, and sustainability. This study has created a new model for cemetery development lending insights for design professionals, cemetery development, and city officials. This model can provide profound benefits for a broad public, the veteran communities, the municipal, college students, and youth communities.