Planning,+provision+and+perpetuity+of+deathscapes—Past+and+future+trends+and+the+impact+for+city+planners

Davies,P.J.,Bennett, G.. Planning, provision and perpetuity of deathscapes—Past and future trends and the impact for city planners. Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia, 2015.

This Academic article touches on the complexities and controversy surrounding deathscapes, the use of land for them, and the impact it has in regard to city planning and development, specifically in Sydney, Australia. In detail, the authors of the article talk of both the pragmatic physical connotations of perpetually relying on burial grounds, as well as the social aspects such as religious or cultural influence. The overall social relevance of cemeteries and the effects newer trends of body disposal have on the sector build the bulk of this article.

I found the information regarding the scarcity involved with cemetery space particularly intriguing, as always commodities are scarce and land is no different. With there being a demand for burial space that is only becoming more difficult to supply, there has been a trend change from the traditional burial methods that are largely based on British influence and Christianity, many people in Australia and countries around the world have adopted the method of cremation as a highly popular alternative. In addition to the the issue regarding land, the pragmatic subject of cost was also addressed. With burial costs,on average, being much higher than the crematoria counterparts, it remains a highly favorable alternative to burial as it lessens the burden on the living. However, perhaps the most interesting topic touched on was that of renewable tenure, where the graves of the deceased are more or less recycled. The way it works is that after a certain period of time, it varies depending where you are located,a body may be either removed from a grave or deposited deeper underground while a newer body is placed atop. Overall, the article was insightful and full of statistical relevant material.