In this episode of the Can You Dig It podcast, Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the Cascade Mausoleum at Bellefontaine Cemetery with architect Tom Wall. Wall shares his journey, inspired by his father, Mitchell Wall, and the family business. The mausoleum, designed with a forced perspective and solar alignment, features a 30,000-pound granite slab cut at a precise angle to illuminate a cross on a specific day. The design incorporates elements of life, death, and afterlife, and is meant to be interactive for the living. The podcast also highlights the importance of architects on the cemetery's board and the diverse architectural styles present at Bellefontaine.

OutlineCascade Mausoleum Introduction and Podcast Setup

• Dan and Joe introduce the Can You Dig It podcast, focusing on the history and architecture of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum.
• Joe announces the guest, Tom Wall, an architect and board member at Bellefontaine Cemetery.
• Tom Wall shares his journey as an architect, starting with his father, Mitchell Wall, and his involvement in the family business.
• Dan highlights the importance of having an architect on the board for reviewing and approving new projects at the cemetery.

• Joe discusses the importance of a diverse board of trustees in historic cemeteries, mentioning Bellefontaine's nonprofit status and the role of the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery.
• Tom Wall talks about his role on the board and the diverse backgrounds of other board members, emphasizing the value of different perspectives.
• Joe shares his passion for mausoleums and the extensive inventory of above-ground structures at Bellefontaine Cemetery.
• Dan and Joe discuss the influence of various architects on the cemetery's design, including George I. Barnett and Tom Wall.

• Tom Wall explains the design process for Cascade Mausoleum, including extensive research and inspiration from historical mausoleums.
• He describes the concept of forced perspective and how it was incorporated into the mausoleum's design.
• Dan and Joe discuss the significance of the mausoleum's size and its placement by Cascade Lake.
• Tom shares the story of Byron Shinkle's burial and the historical context of mausoleum construction at Bellefontaine Cemetery.

• Tom Wall delves into the symbolic elements of Cascade Mausoleum, including the three-dimensional design inspired by a Rubik's cube.
• He explains the significance of the site selection and the earth berming to create an Acropolis-like feel.
• The mausoleum's design is described as a journey from life to death to afterlife, with specific architectural elements representing each stage.
• Tom highlights the use of stained glass by Emil Fry Stained Glass Studio and the solar alignment feature of the mausoleum.

• Tom Wall discusses the solar alignment feature of Cascade Mausoleum, which creates a cross of light on a specific day at a specific time.
• He shares the emotional impact of seeing the alignment and the importance of the design's accuracy.
• Joe and Dan talk about the significance of the alignment and the challenges of achieving it.
• Tom reflects on the emotional response of his wife and friends to the completed mausoleum, emphasizing the personal connection to the project.

• Tom Wall reflects on his design philosophy and the importance of creating meaningful and interactive architecture.
• He discusses the potential for future mausoleum projects and the possibility of exploring different design directions.
• Dan and Joe highlight the importance of visiting Cascade Mausoleum and engaging with its architectural elements.
• Joe shares his passion for guiding tours and the unique features of Bellefontaine Cemetery, including its diverse architectural styles and historical significance.

• Dan and Joe invite listeners to visit Bellefontaine Cemetery and experience the Cascade Mausoleum in person.

• Joe shares his enthusiasm for guiding tours and the unique aspects of Bellefontaine Cemetery's architecture.