How Columbariums Have Changed over the Years

Columbariums have existed for centuries as a place to bury the remains of those who have been cremated. Although the idea is not new, it wasn’t until just a few years ago that cremation overtook traditional burial as the most common end-of-life choice for Americans. In our modern culture, there are church or cemetery columbariums with countless options for personalized and meaningful memorialization. Columbarium Planners is at the forefront of designing and building these permanent structures today, but let’s take a look at how they have changed through the years.

The Architectural Design

Years ago, a columbarium would have likely been much plainer with a basic design aesthetic. Today, there are endless ways to customize and personalize the columbarium. We've had clients include a peaceful garden space with benches, memorial plaques personalized with favorite scriptures or quotes, labyrinths for peaceful and prayerful reflection, and more. We strive to design these in a way that helps grieving loved ones to experience joy and peace as they reminisce on the life that was lived.

The Materials Used

The early columbariums may have been crafted from bricks or stucco, and some were even housed underground. We've been able to learn over the years what materials will most effectively stand up to the elements and last for generations, even though some builders will, unfortunately, cut corners and use cheap materials. Columbarium Planners is very meticulous in choosing the materials used in our building process and will ensure no oxidizing materials are ever exposed to the elements. Our engineers will design a structure that will stand the test of time.

Community Accessibility

The rules regulating who could be laid to rest within certain columbariums have changed throughout history based on cultures and other extenuating circumstances. In today's world, we build columbariums in cemeteries for the community or at churches for their congregation. We construct both indoor and outdoor columbariums, and no two designs are the same. This makes it possible for those with limited resources to have a spiritually meaningful final resting place.

Request More Information

At Columbarium Planners, we understand that honoring a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. We feel honored to design and build columbariums to honor the memories and house the urns of those who have passed on. Please contact us at (910) 295-8328 for more information about us or request information now, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Located in North Carolina, we build columbariums in the eastern half of the United States, including South Carolina, Virginia, and beyond.