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

Bibliographic Data

ID13627826
AuthorsHarald Klingemann (0000-0003-0957-7220, Bern University of Applied Sciences, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume93
Issue2
Pages302228241263133-302228241263133
Publication date2024-06-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00302228241263133
PMID38901456
OpenAlexW4399841960
LanguageEN
References cited23

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

Archaeology · Environmental planning · Ethnology · Geography · Perception · Public park · Public space · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Engineering · History · Place Attachment and Urban Studies · Psychology · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Urban Green Space and Health

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