In February, a shortlist of five firms was announced to design the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial in St. James’s Park, London. Chosen by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, the interdisciplinary teams have now unveiled their design proposals. The shortlisted teams are: Foster + Partners, Heatherwick Studio, J&L Gibbons, Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects, and WilkinsonEyre. Planned for a prominent location near Buckingham Palace, within St. James’s Park, each proposed concept draws inspiration from the park’s original layout by architect John Nash. These designs seek to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II by honoring her enduring legacy throughout the British Commonwealth and her lifelong commitment to unity. Central to all proposals are gently curving pathways that wind through St. James’s Park, linking The Mall with Birdcage Walk. A key feature of the plans includes a reimagining of the Blue Bridge, which spans the lake at the heart of the park. While the individual concepts vary in aesthetic and architectural approach, each one is united by the goal of paying tribute to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and creating a contemplative space dedicated to her “life of service”. The proposed designs from the five competing firms are below:  Foster + Partners’ design features two new community gardens linked by a simple “Unity Bridge.” (Rendering by Foster + Partners/Courtesy Malcom Reading Consultants) Foster + Partners with Yinka Shonibare and Michel Desvigne Paysagiste Foster + Partners’ design centers on unity, blending John Nash’s romantic vision for St. James’s Park with two new community gardens linked by a simple “Unity Bridge.” A winding path connects Marlborough Gate, with a sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II, to Prince Philip Gate, with a sculpture of her husband. The U.K.-based firm envisions audio installations and inscriptions honoring the Queen’s legacy along the path. Also featured is a contemporary art piece titled The Wind Sculpture designed by artist Yinka Shonibare. The work celebrates the Queen’s love of flowers. Heatherwick Studio with Halima Cassell, MRG Studio, Webb Yates, and Arup At the center Heatherwick Studio’s design is a commitment to sustainability, durability, and accessibility. The proposed concept is a memorial walk made up of 70 stone lily pads, each representing a year of her reign and adorned with quotes from across the Commonwealth speaking to her profound impact around the globe. At the center, a limestone sculpture of the Queen will stand beneath a canopy of sculptural lilies, a symbol of Queen Elizabeth II’s “quiet strength and grace.” The proposed plan by J&L Gibbons centers on a simple stone bridge, spanning natural terrain and water. (Rendering by J&L Gibbons/Courtesy Malcom Reading Consultants) J&L Gibbons with Michael Levine, William Matthews Associates, Structure Workshop, and Arup The proposed plan by J&L Gibbons centers on a stone bridge, both functional and symbolic, crafted from materials sourced across the U.K. The bridge spans natural terrain and water, in an effort to integrate seamlessly with the environment. Its minimalist design highlights wildlife, while reflecting a deep understanding of the park’s landscape and its seasonal shifts. Tom Stuart-Smith’s design proposes a bronze cast of an oak tree from Windsor Great Park surrounded by other bronze casts of objects from the Queen’s life. (Rendering by Tom Stuart-Smith/Courtesy Malcom Reading Consultants) Tom Stuart-Smith with Jamie Fobert Architects, Adam Lowe (Factum Arte) and Structure Workshop The proposed Queen Elizabeth II memorial designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, honors the late monarch’s legacy through personal objects and natural symbolism. Central to the design is a bronze cast of an oak tree from Windsor Great Park, mounted on a podium in the lake and surrounded by a curved stone bridge that symbolizes strength and tradition. Accompanying this the design team envisions a path of stones sourced from across Britain and bronze casts of objects from the Queen’s  life. A soundscape of voices will recall her impact, while the memorial’s flowing design encourages quiet reflection. WilkinsonEyre’s proposal for the memorial to Queen Elizabeth II takes advantage of the St James’s Park site with a pair of bridges framing views of the park, royal palaces, and the London skyline. (Rendering by WilkinsonEyre/Courtesy Malcom Reading Consultants) WilkinsonEyre with Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clark, Andy Sturgeon Design, Atelier One and Hilson Moran WilkinsonEyre’s proposal for the memorial to Queen Elizabeth II is inspired by the enduring themes of her life–reign, faith, Commonwealth, values, nature, family, and Prince Philip. Like the other design proposals the memorial design takes advantage of the St James’s Park site, using a  series of pathways and landscapes to create a contemplative journey that reflects her seven decades of service. At its heart, a pair of bridges will span the lake, framing views of the park, royal palaces, and the London skyline. The winning design team will be chosen by summer 2025. A final design will be announced in April 2026, close to what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday. The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee invites the public to share their thoughts on the proposed designs through an online survey, ensuring the final tribute reflects a broad range of voices.