Student project

Reimagining the cemetery experience for children

Designer
Ellen van Meerbeeck
Education
Master
Subject area
Industrial Design
Focus area
Design for Play
Year
2025
Collaboration partners
Horsens Sund By
Background
As a catalyst for a more compassionate and welcoming grief culture

Reimagining the cemetery experience for children

Cemeteries can feel overwhelming and unwelcoming to children, leaving them passive and emotionally disconnected. This design transforms that experience by giving children ownership, comfort, and gentle structure during visits. It includes a bag and inspiration cards that guide children to bring meaningful items and create personal rituals. The bag unfolds into a cozy blanket with a pillow, offering a safe, comforting space. Co-created with grieving children, it challenges rigid norms and helps create a warmer, more inclusive approach to mourning.