'The Burial of the Future': Modernist architecture and the cremationist movement in Wilhelmine Germany

The crematorium built in Hagen, Germany is micro-historically analysed in order to discuss crematoria as a design issue. A brief description of the history of German cremationism is followed by a discussion of how Hagen's cremation society came to accept a modernist design. Problems resulting from conflicting goals of design, speed, and economy are analysed to show the intertwining forces at work in the design of crematoria. The article concludes by highlighting how the crematorium building was used to create public familiarity with cremation process and rituals through its promotion as a premier tourist site for Hagen.