Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
A ‘garden of remembrance’ rather than a distinct grave marker
The Junikowo Cemetery in the Polish city of Poznan has fenced off a small section of its wooded area to create a ‘Forest of Remembrance’. The idea for this plot, which otherwise has not been tampered with in any other way, is to let relatives of deceased and cremated people to scatter the ashes or bury them in biodegradable urns.
The space, which is some 180 square metres of surface, is quite unassuming and that is the whole point. It lets people be buried in a more non-traditional and eco-friendly way by returning their remains immediately to the embrace of Mother Nature.
The minimalistic design also means that there will be no tombstones or grave markers of any kind. Not even bouquets or wreaths will be allowed. Looking at it, you wouldn’t even think that this is a burial plot.
That kind of non-traditional approach to burials has long been a mainstay of new age and alternative subcultures, but with the mainstream rise in sustainability mindset among the general society, it has started to become more commonplace.
Instead of tombstones, there are two stone boulders placed at the entrance of the fenced-off plot. It’s on these that the names of the deceased will be carved on special request. Should people wish to leave flowers or candles, they will be able to do so at these ornamental rocks.
“The Forest of Remembrance will enable contemplation and visitors will be able to remember the dead among the rustle of the trees. Falling leaves and foliage will form the natural décor of this special place of memory, whilst the natural arrangement of the plot will mean it will not require cleaning, corrections or any additional decorations,” says an official statement from the cemetery, as quoted by The First News.
Forest burials are thus both more ecologically responsible and philosophically satisfying, as long as one can accept the anonymous nature of the process. It’s about turning from grieving to remembrance.
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The previous mayor was forced out of office following a no-confidence vote in the city council
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The facility will replace the need to have water supplied by tankers from Valencia
Modern traffic lights do more than regulate the flow of vehicles at crossroads, they also collect enormous amounts of data
Everyone’s invited free of charge, but only after registration
Italian cities and regions continue experimenting with creative proposals to curb overtourism effects
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
Italian cities and regions continue experimenting with creative proposals to curb overtourism effects
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
You can see it in a church in the city’s northern districts and it’s larger than a basketball court
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team