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Norman Foster's Design for Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Includes Glass Unity Bridge and Statue of Late Monarch

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new design for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, created by Norman Foster, includes a translucent glass "unity bridge" inspired by the late monarch's wedding tiara. The bridge is part of a larger transformation of St James's Park in central London, featuring a statue of the queen in a new civic space and a Prince Philip gate with a statue of the prince. Foster said being awarded the project was an honor, and he has sought to reflect the queen's qualities of formality and informality in the design.

Key Takeaways:

  • The memorial design features a glass unity bridge, inspired by the Queen Elizabeth II's wedding tiara, which will replace the existing blue bridge in St James's Park.
  • The bridge is part of a larger transformation of the park, including a statue of the late queen in a new civic space and a Prince Philip gate with a statue of the prince.
  • Norman Foster's design aims to reflect the queen's qualities of formality and informality, creating a unifying force that brings together nations, countries, and the Commonwealth.
  • The proposal includes a "family of gardens" and meandering paths, designed to have a minimum impact on the nature and biodiversity of the park.
  • The project has been commissioned by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, with feedback taken from a public vote, stakeholders, and cultural experts.
  • The competition was won by Foster + Partners, with the artist Yinka Shonibare, ecologist Prof Nigel Dunnett, and landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste as part of the winning team.

Statistics:

  • 47 bars of diamonds inspired the design of the Queen Mary fringe tiara worn by Elizabeth on her wedding day in 1947.
  • 5 shortlisted designs were considered for the memorial competition, with Foster + Partners being selected the winner.
  • 10 years would have passed between the unveiling of the memorial and the queen's 100th birthday year.

Sources:

  • "Norman Foster: Queen Elizabeth II memorial to include translucent glass bridge and statue of late monarch" - The Guardian, July 21, 2023
  • Press release from Foster + Partners, July 2023

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