A small niche holds not only the ashes of the departed but also reflects diverse cultural understandings of life, death, and eternity.

At a funeral home in Jiangxi, Master Li begins his day with a morning round through the ash hall. With practiced ease, he uses a smart management system—swiping a card and following voice prompts that guide him to specific sections. Here, thousands of urns rest in an orderly manner within metal structures.

A visitor from France once remarked in surprise, “In our culture, we often scatter ashes in nature or place them in church cemeteries. This centralized and smart approach to storage is both space-efficient and dignified. It shows deep respect for the deceased.”

 01 Cultural Differences: Various Forms of Ash Storage

As an important part of funeral customs, the **columbarium** carries rich symbolic meaning and traditions across cultures. From Buddhist practices in Asia, Catholic traditions in Europe, to indigenous beliefs in Africa, these structures serve not only as a final resting place for the physical remains but also as vessels for emotions and memories of the living.

In Chinese culture, columbaria are often located in temples or pagodas, symbolizing peace and eternity for the departed. During traditional festivals like Qingming, families visit to pay respects and honor their ancestors. In Taoist tradition, designs often incorporate elements associated with immortals, reflecting a belief in transcendence and eternal life.

In contrast, Catholic cultures in Europe typically place columbaria in churches or cemeteries, viewing them as sacred spaces for the soul’s repose. Some European countries also practice scattering ashes in the sea or forests, symbolizing freedom and timelessness.

In African indigenous beliefs, ash storage is closely tied to family totems and ancestral worship. Families place the ashes of loved ones in clan burial grounds or near symbolic pillars, showing reverence and continuity with past generations.

02 Smart Systems: Where Technology Meets Tradition

Modern **columbarium** systems are far more than simple storage—they integrate automation, computing, and network technologies into sophisticated products. Using advanced LAN RS485 communication, PLC controllers, and embedded systems, these installations are visually refined, functionally complete, and reliably built.

The intelligent management system offers dual-card authentication for security. Upon entry, users swipe a card and receive voice and display guidance to the correct location. At the unit, swiping the card again triggers a color LCD display of user information and the opening of the compartment.

The system also includes voice assistance, accurately announcing floor, hall, and unit details to help the elderly and visually impaired locate their loved ones’ niches.

During busy ceremonial periods, misplaced urns trigger automatic LED flashing and an audible alert—a precise example of fault detection in action.

 03 The Art of Space: Unlimited Possibilities Within Limits

A core value of the columbarium lies in its space efficiency. Through thoughtful design and layout, these structures can hold a large number of urns while preserving an atmosphere of dignity and solemnity.

Compared to traditional storage methods, modern systems greatly improve spatial efficiency. Multi-level designs and rational zoning allow hundreds or even thousands of urns to be stored in areas that once held only a few.

Each urn compartment is clearly numbered, simplifying maintenance and management for staff, reducing errors, and improving workflow.

Today’s columbarium designs also emphasize aesthetics and practicality. Many ash halls adopt modern architectural styles and materials, making them not only places of memory and mourning but also part of the urban cultural landscape.

04 Human-Centered Design: Warmth Behind the Technology

Intelligent columbaria focus not only on innovation but also on human experience.

The system includes considerate features such as SMS reminders. Users can set up to five customized alerts for special dates, and the system will automatically send messages to their phones.

If renewal procedures are overdue, the user’s card is automatically locked—a strict yet necessary control function.

There is also extensive monitoring: the management system can integrate with onsite cameras, providing real-time surveillance. Abnormal door openings trigger automatic switching to the relevant camera feed, allowing staff to respond promptly and ensure security.

With the growth of internet technology and ongoing funeral reforms, online memorials are gradually emerging in China. The web—with its timeless reach and boundless space—offers new ways to express emotion and continue the legacy of life.

### 05 A Global Perspective: Views on Life and Death Across Cultures

As places that safeguard the ashes of the departed, columbaria carry deep cultural significance. They are sites where family heritage is sustained and spiritual values are honored.

Chinese tradition emphasizes “fallen leaves returning to the root”—a belief that the deceased should return to nature and become one with the earth. Wooden caskets, being natural, are seen as connected to the earth and consistent with this world view. Wood is also thought to absorb yang energy, helping the soul rest peacefully and bringing blessings to descendants.

By contrast, in Western cultures, metal caskets are often preferred. Influenced by modern culture and religious beliefs, there is greater emphasis on preserving the body and preventing decay. Metal, being human-made and sealed, aligns with a protective attitude toward the deceased.

These cultural differences are reflected in the design and use of columbaria. Variations in style and structure across regions are directly shaped by local funeral customs and spiritual beliefs.

 06 The Future: Blending Technology and Tradition

As understanding and recognition of funeral culture continue to grow, the role of the columbarium is becoming more important. More families are choosing to place the ashes of loved ones in these halls, allowing for ongoing remembrance and memorial.

At the same time, technological advancement and changing aesthetic tastes are leading to more diverse and personalized designs. Modern columbaria increasingly emphasize both beauty and function. Many use contemporary architecture and materials, allowing them to serve not only as places of memory but also as part of the cultural fabric of the city.

There is also greater attention to personalization and user-centered design. Families can select different styles and decorative elements according to their preferences, expressing unique respect and affection for the deceased.

With the rise of environmental awareness and the promotion of green burial practices, more families are opting for sustainable funeral methods. This presents both opportunities and challenges for the future of columbaria. Tomorrow’s ash halls will likely focus even more on eco-friendly and sustainable development, offering greener, healthier resting places for the departed.

In a newly built smart ash hall in one Chinese city, a middle-aged man is paying respects to his father. He swipes a card and follows voice guidance through corridors lined with orderly structures.

Upon reaching the designated spot, he swipes again. A small door opens slowly, revealing his father’s urn. A display screen above automatically shows the biography of the deceased, while simulated candle lights cast a soft glow.

After a visit, several European funeral experts shared their impressions: “This model not only addresses the challenge of scarce burial space in cities but also preserves the cultural essence of traditional memorials through smart technology. It opens new possibilities for honoring life—a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.”