An Urban Cemetery: Weaving an Architectural Thread between the Sacred and the City

Identifier

1093

Author

Anthea J. Selkirk

Date

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Architecture

Major

Architecture

Committee Chair

Michael Chisamore

Committee Member

James F. Williamson

Committee Member

Tim E. Michael

Abstract

Death is a taboo subject in our society and our cemeteries are a reflection of our collective repression of the idea of death. Contemporary culture has desacralized our built enviroment by moving our sacred cemeteries from the center of the city, to the outskirts where they are forgotten about. Is there still a place for the cemetery in everyday life? If so, how does one create a place that speaks equally to the aspects of life and death? This thesis is based on the conviction that burial grounds can be integrated into everyday life, and that there should be a place for the sacred in the increasingly secular city. The site is in the South Main Arts District of Memphis, Tennessee, on the grounds of a former cemetery.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Recommended Citation

Selkirk, Anthea J., "An Urban Cemetery: Weaving an Architectural Thread between the Sacred and the City" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 928.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/928