In many parts of the world, burial space shortage is a pressing concern. As urbanization and population growth continue to accelerate globally, the demand for burial spaces far outweighs the supply. This has led to the emergence of innovative burial solutions, one of which is the vertical cemetery.
Vertical cemeteries are multi-story burial structures that are built upwards instead of outward. They offer an eco-friendly solution to the burial space shortage, and they are becoming increasingly popular across the world. This article explores everything you need to know about vertical cemeteries.
A vertical cemetery is a multi-story structure designed to hold the remains of the deceased. It is built upwards, unlike traditional cemeteries that are expansive and built outward. Vertical cemeteries can be several floors high, and each floor can accommodate multiple burial spaces.
The design of vertical cemeteries varies from one location to another, but they are generally built with eco-friendliness in mind. They are constructed with sustainable materials, such as natural stone, and they are designed to minimize the environmental impact of burials.
1. Efficient use of space
One of the primary advantages of vertical cemeteries is that they make efficient use of limited space. They allow more people to be buried in smaller areas, thus reducing the need for expansive cemeteries that take up valuable land.
2. Eco-friendly burials
Vertical cemeteries are designed with eco-friendliness in mind. They are constructed with sustainable materials and are built to minimize the environmental impact of burials. They use less land, require less maintenance, and emit fewer greenhouse gases than traditional cemeteries.
3. Lower costs
Vertical cemeteries are generally cheaper to build and maintain than traditional cemeteries. They require less space and fewer resources, resulting in lower costs for both burial sites and upkeep.
4. Personalization options
Vertical cemeteries offer a range of personalization options that can be tailored to the needs and preferences of the individual or family. This includes different burial niches, memorial features, and landscaping options.
1. Skyscraper cemetery in Hong Kong
The Fook Wai Ching She in Hong Kong is a 24-story skyscraper cemetery that opened in 2015. Each floor houses over 100,000 cremated urns, and the interior is decorated with Buddhist and Taoist-inspired designs.
2. Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica in Brazil
Located in Santos, Brazil, this 32-story tower is one of the tallest cemeteries in the world. Covering an area of 10,000 square meters, it has over 25,000 burial sites and is equipped with a helipad and chapel.
3. Green Tower in Spain
This 13-story tower is located in the town of Igualada, Spain, and is one of the first vertical cemeteries in Europe. It has space for 310 burial niches, and it features green walls, solar panels, and rainwater collection systems.
1. Is it legal to build vertical cemeteries in all countries?
No, the legality of vertical cemeteries varies from one country to another. In some countries, such as Brazil and Hong Kong, vertical cemeteries are widely accepted and regulated by the government. In other countries, such as the United States, there are still many regulatory hurdles to overcome.
2. Are vertical cemeteries safe in earthquake-prone areas?
Vertical cemeteries are generally safe in earthquake-prone areas, as they are designed with structural stability in mind. The materials used in construction and the methods of anchoring are carefully chosen to ensure that the structure can withstand seismic activity.
3. Can burial niches in vertical cemeteries be personalized?
Yes, burial niches in vertical cemeteries can be personalized. Families can choose from a range of memorial features and landscaping options to make the final resting place of their loved one unique and meaningful.
4. Is it more expensive to be buried in a vertical cemetery?
It depends on the location and the specific vertical cemetery. However, in general, vertical cemeteries are less expensive than traditional cemeteries, as they require less space and fewer resources to be maintained. This results in lower costs for burial sites and upkeep.
Vertical cemeteries are an eco-friendly solution to the burial space shortage that many countries face. They offer efficient use of limited space, lower costs, and a range of personalization options. With the increasing demand for burial solutions, vertical cemeteries are becoming more popular worldwide, with examples in Brazil, Spain, and Hong Kong.
