Some Thoughts On The Role Played By Architecture In The Design Of Mausoleums
Written by Tom Tree   
Sunday, 30 May 2010 07:41
Since about the middle of the last century, the design of mausoleums has been an increasingly popular way to remember the unique characteristics of a family or community. While mausoleums provide important functional features, their design has moved steadily beyond those functional features. More and more, people are interested in the aesthetic aspects of architecture in mausoleum design.
by TomTree


Since about the middle of the last century, the design of mausoleums has been an increasingly popular way to remember the unique characteristics of a family or community. While mausoleums provide important functional features, their design has moved steadily beyond those functional features. More and more, people are interested in the aesthetic aspects of architecture in mausoleum design.

The functional features of mausoleums are significant. Mausoleums use less land, required less labor once built, and require less seasonal maintenance than ground burials. For many years, modern mausoleum architecture had reflected the functionality of mausoleums more than the specific unique characteristics of their communities. By about fifty years ago, the dominant trend in mausoleum design, while inoffensive and tasteful to be sure, was basic, plain, and carefully uncharacteristic.

There is a long history of grand architecture associated with mausoleum design. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, source of the modern word "mausoleum, " is among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as are the Pyramids of Egypt, which served essentially as mausoleums as well. In ancient China, mausoleum architecture was among the most important and influential cultural developments. And the Taj Mahal is generally considered the finest example of Near Eastern architecture ever constructed.

Modern communities do not, however, have to design and construct mausoleums on such a grand scale to establish lasting monuments to their members. Still, they can find inspiration in those great works. Many of today's modern mausoleums are being built with an eye for the impact and expressiveness of thoughtful architectural design.

There are many ways a mausoleum can honor the character of its community. A mausoleum can be designed to exemplify or even establish the theme of a cemetery or memorial park. It can honor family or community characteristics in subtle ways, or it could be a focal point all on its own, inspiring patrons and community members and providing them with meditative and reflective focus.

There has been a long tradition of architecture in mausoleum design. But the modern mausoleum does not need to be build on the colossal scale of their most famous ancient counterparts to be meaningful and unique. Architectural principles can be both functional and aesthetic in the design of today's mausoleum.

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