The Part Played By Architecture In Mausoleum Design
For the past fifty years or so, the design and construction of a mausoleum has become
an increasingly popular way for families and communities to honor the unique characteristics of its members. While mausoleums still serve many important functional needs, their design has steadily moved beyond mere function. Increasingly, people are considering aesthetics, construction, and architecture in mausoleum design.The functional advantages of mausoleums are significant. They use less land than ground burial, require less labor once constructed, and reduce the need for seasonal maintenance. Typically, mausoleum architecture has reflected these functional attributes more than the attributes of the people it serves. By the middle of the 20th century, mausoleum design, while tasteful and inoffensive, tended to be plain, uncharacteristic, and functional.
There is, of course, a long and celebrated history of mausoleum architecture. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World include The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which is the source of our word "mausoleum, " as well as the Pyramids of Egypt. In ancient China, mausoleum architecture was among the most important cultural products, and the Taj Mahal is still considered by most to be the greatest example of architecture from the Near East.
But modern communities do not have to build grand wonders in order to create lasting memorials for their members. They, however, find inspiration in them. Many of today's mausoleums are being constructed with the intent have impact of that thoughtful architectural design and bring.
A mausoleum can honor the unique character of its community in a number of ways. It can be designed to fit in with the theme of a surrounding cemetery or memorial park, or to create a theme. It can modestly reflect the family or community in subtle ways, or be a featured work of art in its own right, providing inspiration and meditative focus to patrons and community members.
The history of architecture in mausoleum design dates back to the ancient world. But today's modern mausoleum does not need to achieve a magnitude of scale like that of their ancient forerunners to be unique, expressive, and meaningful. Architectural design principles can enhance bot the functional and expressive aspects of the design of the modern mausoleum.
by: Tom Tree