What do you call a recess or space in a columbarium dedicated to the permanent placing of cremated remains?

A niche is specifically designed to hold cremated remains within a columbarium. This term is widely used in funeral and cemetery operations to refer to the individual compartments or spaces where urns containing ashes can be safely placed. Niche designs vary in size and style, offering families a respectful and permanent location for memorialization.

In contrast, a vault is typically a burial structure that encases a casket, providing protection from the elements and preventing the ground from settling. A recess generally refers to any indentation or hollowed-out space but does not specifically indicate a dedicated space for cremated remains. A crypt usually denotes a chamber or vault for entire caskets, often located below ground, further distinguishing it from a niche meant for cremated remains. Thus, the correct term for the space in a columbarium is indeed a niche.