The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has opened its selection process for architects around the world to submit their design ideas for a permanent memorial that will honour those who died in the Grenfell Tower fire.
The international design team selection process is now open for teams to submit their ideas for a “respectful, bold, lasting, and sustainable” memorial that will pay tribute to the 72 victims who lost their lives on 14 June 2017. Forming phase one of the memorial project, the selection process will be managed and administered by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on behalf of the commission and the Grenfell community.
The vision for the Grenfell Tower memorial, as set out by the commission’s 10 community representatives, is to “create a sensitive and fitting place that will serve as a permanent way to remember those who have lost their lives and those who have been affected by the tragedy”. In a November 2023 report, the commission said that, following the wishes of the Grenfell community, key components of the memorial should include a “garden, a monument or other structure, and options for commemorating the names of those lost, featuring art, water, and light”.
To inform their designs, teams should be guided by the following four themes: peaceful and reflective, respectful and remembrance, hope and positive, and community and love. As explained in a detailed design brief published on 10 July 2024: “Design teams are asked to use these four themes to directly shape the design and atmosphere of the Grenfell memorial. Particular attention should be given to ‘peaceful and reflective’ and ‘respectful and remembrance’, as these were the most prominent themes that emerged from the early and continuing engagement with the Grenfell community. They are the heart of this vision statement and the foundation upon which the Grenfell memorial will stand.”
Speaking to the RIBA Journal, co-chair for the commission, Paul Boateng said: “What we expect of this design process is to produce something that is unique, and a reflection of the community. It’s not a question of taking a bit from here, a bit from there. We expect the competition, and ultimately the whole process, to produce a design that will reflect the experience of a marginalised and disrespected community who have been the victims of the most appalling and systemic neglect, and a failure to protect them. That’s why this memorial has to be impactful, a place of peace and memory. And it has to be a place that is quite literally a monument to a towering injustice.”
RIBA Competitions Architect Adviser and Past-President and Chair of RIBA’s Fire Safety Expert Advisory Group, Jane Duncan OBE said: "Any selection process to design a memorial is a huge challenge, but the Grenfell Tower tragedy struck a blow so deeply sad, so shocking, and so intense into hearts all around the globe, that to find the right design team, able to draw upon their deepest streams of empathy and delicacy, is a tricky task.
“This incredible and unique design team selection process sits naturally on an international stage, just as the tragedy resonated far across the globe.
“I ask all architects and designers, wherever you may be, to consider if you have the right skills and experience in dealing with many and diverse stakeholders, in sensitivity of approach and compassion, as well as the innovation and creativity to interpret and deliver a wonderful design to meet a very personal and touching brief.
“This selection process is a wonderful opportunity to present your most well-rounded team, and express your capabilities, your openness, your imagination, and actually, also, your humanity. We look forward to hearing from you."
Five design teams will be shortlisted and continue to phase two of the design process, where they will be asked to “prepare the design approach they would take if appointed”. RIBA adds that the final chosen team will be announced in spring 2025, with a planning application in place for 2027.
The deadline for phase one submissions is 18 September 2024.
Further information can be found here.