Designing for Life and Death was an event designed to present and discuss feasible solutions to the scarcity of cemetery space, resource consumption, changes in the role of faith, and the need for memorialization among 21st century urban residents. The discussions engaged relevant stakeholders in a productive dialogue about the opportunities and challenges of realizing innovative solutions to the disposition of human remains and the design of respectful, public spaces of remembrance. 

Designing for Life and Death, was a joint venture between Columbia University GSAPP, The University Seminars, The Earth Institute, and The Institute for Religion, Culture and Public Life.