Att möta en saknad. Gestaltning av en askgravlund i Mariestad

Abstract

This degree project is my final paper of my education in Gardening and Garden Design at the University of Gothenburg. The cementery administration in Mariestad has plans of making a new ash grave grove at Södra begravningsplatsen. A less anonymous memorial place where the ash from a beloved one can be buried. This paper analyzes how this ash grave grove can be designed with the questions. Which place conditions such as habitat, availability, and relationship with the surrounding area must be met when designing the ash grave grove in Mariestad? Which design aspects such as colour, shape and symbols, can be used to design a ash grave grove, which purpose is to, if possible, help the relatives in their grieving process? To come to these results the paper is primal based on studies in literature and by a place related study. Also with respect to the wishes and needs that Kerstin Lindberg, cementery manager at the cementery administration in Mariestad, has explained. The result of the paper is a design proposition for the ash grave grove in Mariestad. Both with the place conditions in mind, to create a unity with the surroundings. And with consideration to design element that can help to create a peaceful and comfortable place where the visitors can feel safe to grieve. A place for the visitors: to miss and to meet.