Foster + Partners has been commissioned to design the National Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in St James’s Park, London. The project, led by the UK Government’s Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, aims to create a lasting tribute to the monarch’s legacy.
The design concept, developed in collaboration with artist Yinka Shonibare and landscape architect Michel Desvigne, features two commemorative gardens dedicated to the Commonwealth and UK communities. A translucent, cast-glass “Unity Bridge” will symbolize the Queen’s unifying role across nations and cultures.
Foster + Partners’ design philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, reflection, and civic presence. The project will prioritize landscape sensitivity, minimizing impact on existing biodiversity while enhancing ecological diversity. The firm will engage in extensive stakeholder collaboration, including historians, artists, and members of the public.
Norman Foster, Executive Chairman and Founder of Foster + Partners, emphasized the practice’s commitment to producing a design that is “inclusive, thoughtful, and dignified.” The project is expected to be completed by April 2026, coinciding with the Queen’s centenary.
Image Courtesy: Parametric Architecture
