Urban planners often focus on housing, transportation, and infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population—but rarely discuss how cities plan for the deceased. In this two-session workshop, you will explore the field of deathscapes and cemetery planning within urban and regional contexts. You will learn about the social, cultural, environmental, and regulatory dimensions that shape how communities plan for end-of-life spaces.

Sessions: Oct 20 & 27, 2026

Key topics include:

• laws, policies, and regulations governing cemetery development and land use;
• demographic and needs assessments;
• the integration of burial and memorial sites into broader citywide planning strategies. 

We will also touch on the history and evolution of burial practices, principles of site planning and landscape design for cemeteries, memorial parks, and alternative burial grounds.

Who is this workshop for?

• Planners at any stage of their career
• Planning students or others considering a career in Planning