Cemeteries and Urban Planning in Vienna

Source abstract

(1) Background: As social infrastructures, cemeteries have always played a central role in various human cultures. The changing function of cemeteries and the recognition of their potential as green spaces have resulted in the fact that cemeteries are a subject of considerable urban planning research. However, there still is a knowledge gap for the case of Vienna. In this study, from the perspective of urban planning and the city of Vienna as an operator of interdenominational cemeteries on the one hand, and of operators of denominational cemeteries on the other hand, consideration of cemeteries in strategic urban planning is discussed, and prospects for the future are outlined. (2) Methods: A qualitative content analysis of relevant strategic planning documents and a qualitative theme-centred stakeholder survey using guideline interviews were conducted. The results were put into the context of the international literature. (3) Results: Cemeteries are an integral part of urban morphology and fabric. Interdenominational cemeteries serve multiple purposes, for example, as places of remembrance, leisure and recreation. In addition, the growing importance of interdenominational cemeteries in particular as green infrastructure for the public is evident. (4) Conclusions: Despite population growth and the associated pressure on land and densification, no changes such as the decommissioning of cemeteries are to be expected in the medium term.