Traditional memorial landscapes are single use spaces filled with objects that far exceed the lifetime of the person they are memorialising. This means cluttered spaces where it’s unacceptable for kids to play.
Back when I was a landscape architect I proposed a product called “Seed” which reimagined burial in a sustainable and joyful way.
Seed is a biodegradable ash urn made with wildflower seeds. when placed in a corresponding memorial park it breaks down to remove soil concomitants and improve biodiversity. It's also linked to an online hub, where data from regular surveys gives a live picture of how the urn is helping to restore the landscape, even long after it has disappeared.
The landscape can then be used as a community and recreational space, the maintenance of which is funded by the program. Meaning a loved one’s death directly contributes to a landscape full of life.
This was the concept design for Failsworth Memorial Park. Unfortunately 'Seed' was a bit ahead of it’s time for Oldham Council and Failsworth Cemetery remains... well not full of life.