Between Silence and Strolling : The case of the Woodland Cemetery

Sammanfattning

This thesis explores how the Woodland Cemetery functions as a multifunctional urban green space, serving as both a site for mourning and a space for recreation. Urban densification has drawn attention to cemeteries as overlooked urban green infrastructure. Although previous research has recognized the recreational potential of cemeteries, the utilization and experience of these spaces in the Swedish context remain underexplored. This research combines policy document analysis, observations, and semi-structured interviews with visitors and cemetery stakeholders. The aim is to investigate the potential of cemeteries, specifically the Woodland Cemetery, as multifunctional urban green spaces that serve both as places of mourning and recreational areas. The analysis draws on theories of deathscapes, sense of place, and multifunctional urban space. Results indicate that visitors often describe the site as peaceful and beautiful, using it for walking, reflection, or daily routines while adapting their behavior to the cemetery’s symbolic atmosphere. Institutional actors acknowledge this everyday use but emphasize its primary role as a site for mourning. The study demonstrates how cemeteries can provide ecological, social, and symbolic value in urban life. It contributes to urban planning by highlighting how meaning is negotiated in emotionally charged, multifunctional spaces within the city.