Mausoleums – What’s Trending in 2019?

Many people ask, “What is a mausoleum?” They might have heard the term but are unsure about its meaning. Simply put, a mausoleum (as opposed to a standard, in-ground gravesite) is any free-standing structure built to enclose a burial vault or interment space for one or more deceased persons. The textbook mausoleum definition typically notes that the structure houses a burial vault, death chamber or cremation niche.

Mausoleums can hold remains of any kind within its burial chamber, including cremation urns or caskets, either of which might be housed in yet another, smaller interment enclosure within the mausoleum itself. Individual, family and public mausoleums are quite common in the U.S., as are mausoleums built on private property for families who wish to memorialize their deceased in a truly personalized setting. A traditional family mausoleum can be quite elaborate while others tend to be minimalist, simple and plain.

Like housing, automotive and clothing styles, there are distinct trends in the burial industry. Interment styles often reflect the personal wishes of the deceased or surviving family members. Year after year.

Green is Evergreen

For nearly two decades, environmental concerns have become increasingly popular themes in the industry as more and more people choose earth-friendly materials, smaller spaces and mausoleums that match the natural surroundings. This trend lives on in 2019. People are choosing designs that include more plants, trees and outdoor-themed spaces.

Uniqueness and Personal Style

Did your deceased loved one enjoy a specific kind of music, art, architecture, literature, or lifestyle? Increasingly, those are the aspects of personality that can be memorialized within the mausoleum’s interior or on its exterior design. After centuries of more staid and uniform styling, newer mausoleums are breaking traditions with highly-personalized, and sometimes quite festive, memorial structures.

An Elaborate “Second Home”

Depending on one’s resources, mausoleums can be as large as needed. It’s becoming more common to see some structures that resemble full-scale houses, complete with large sitting areas for visitors, air-conditioning, video rooms and all the amenities of a standard residence. These massive memorials are out of reach for most people, but a handful of families and corporations are opting for mega-mausoleums that serve as stand-alone works of art.

Simplicity and “No Clutter”

Something of an industry counter-trend, the “less is more” theme has entered the design arena of final resting places. For those who want simple, elegant structures that memorialize a loved one without elaborate architecture, techno-enhancement and large enclosures, the idea that “simple is better” has begun to catch on in 2019.

The prevailing sentiment in this category means plain, streamlined structures that tend to blend in with the natural surroundings, take up little space, and contain minimal wording on plaques and stones. Practically every category of retail products are undergoing one or another version of this trend, and the burial industry is no exception.

More Statues and Likenesses

The technology of 3-D printing is making an everlasting mark on mausoleums all over the U.S. In the past, it might have cost thousands of dollars to erect a stone likeness of a loved one. Nowadays, a simple cement “sculpture” created from standard photographs fed into a 3-D print application allow virtually anyone to include full-scale replicas of loved ones. A statue of the deceased, smiling and in an “action pose” can transform an interior burial space into a place of happy remembrance.

Statue areas can be augmented by photo displays, videos and audio loops on special visitor days. Indeed, the entire industry is beginning to feel the effect of technology in profound ways. For those who wish to uniquely memorialize a loved one, a full- or partial-scale statue can be the perfect way to say, “We remember you fondly, as you were.”

Customized Niches

As national and international trends continue to favor cremation over traditional burial, many people are choosing to include niches (for cremated remains) within their mausoleums. And because urns take up much less space than coffins, even families of modest means can afford mausoleums that house multiple niches for cremated remains. One of the advantages of this arrangement includes personalization options. Each niche can feature not only nameplates but an area for photos, flowers, artwork and other memory items.

Technology Gains Ground

As in every other aspect of modern society, technology trends for mausoleums continue to forge ahead in 2019. What only recently was considered an oddity has become more commonplace as families and individuals are selecting permanent video displays, big screens and audio enhancement within mausoleums. Some people even hire professional videographers to produce long-form films that memorialize the life of an individual or act as a mini-documentary for an entire family.

This trend is related to the overall industry theme of personalization but includes technology in a unique way. Visitors can view full-length films that are both entertaining and uplifting, which means that an afternoon visit to Grandma’s or Grandpa’s entombment chamber can be fun for the whole family and a tear-free experience.

Family Themes

When families combine their financial resources, they often opt to build mausoleums that reflect a unique theme or architectural style. Some of these choices include design elements that demonstrate a collective love for a sports team, family activity (like sailing, hiking or bowling), or type of art. In 2019, the personalized family memorial is becoming popular among all economic strata. The addition of technology to the mix allows for even more options for families who want to express a special type of collective personality.

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step in Planning Your Mausoleum?

Whatever type of mausoleum you desire, Forever Legacy can create a custom-built interment space for you or your family. Our skilled artisans are among the world’s top designers and use only the best, most long-lasting materials. That means you get a mausoleum that is both beautiful and able to withstand the tests of time. The Forever Legacy eternal guarantee, unmatched customer service and superior craftsmanship offer peace of mind when you need it most.

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Mausoleum Trends in 2017

Unlike their occupants, mausoleum trends come and go.

Old world aesthetics continue to influence architecture for the dead. A massive number of mausoleums were designed in the classical era so it makes sense that a classical style impacts modern death designs. Besides, the designs please a wide range of people.

However, as times change, buildings do, too. This is true even of death chambers. Now, more people opt for the construction of private, personalized mausoleums. These personalized options provide privacy and a way to make an everlasting statement. Modern mausoleums often feature streamlined exteriors that reflect a contemporary style, with simple lines and less fanfare. This trend proves especially appealing if the mausoleum stands in an isolated area away from older styles of resting places.

Conceive and Grieve

Conceptional mausoleums take personalization even further. Some people even design cubes for their final resting place. It’s possible to dream-up a plethora of mausoleum creations as long as they violate no laws and there’s enough money to pay for the construction. One thing to consider when going this route is how the design will impact visitors. Keeping their physical comfort in mind helps ensure that the mausoleum functions as intended.

Eternally Green

Another trend pertains to the eco-friendlness of the resting place. Even Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan worry about maintaining a green final footprint. They’ve chose a smaller structure to house their cremated remains. This modernization caused controversey in Japan, but the couple made it clear that their services and resting places must not cause a fuss on any level, not even with the environment. In addition to reducing the size of their chamber, they want the materials used in its construction to treat the earth kindly.

Functional Art

Whatever the style of mausoleum, such structures continue to provide a valuable service to the dearly departed and their loved ones. The look of mausoleums change from era to era. But the services that mausoleums provide helps people the world over, even modern day emperors.

Three Strange Mausoleum Stories

Mausoleums are a symbol of remembrance and honor for many cultures. Over the years, exquisite mausoleums like the Taj Mahal have attracted tourists from all over the country to see its artistry. Other tombs like the three you will read about in this blog seem to lure people in by the mystery and strange stories around their design. Nevertheless, a mausoleum should be unique and have its own story to tell. A story that, sometimes, is stranger than fiction.