The finalists include emerging talent Freehaus, which was among the last cohort of AJ 40 under 40 practices in 2020; Paris and Brussels-based New South, which was shortlisted in last years AR Emerging awards; and Office Sian, which featured in the Architecture Foundations 2021 publication, New Architects 4. Selected by the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, the list is completed by George King Architects, which designed the 2023 Sheffield Covid memorial sculpture, and education and community specialists Curl La Tourelle Head Architecture.The five were chosen from 28 multidisciplinary design entrants into the competition, launched in July last year, which aims to find a bold, fitting and lasting memorial to remember the 72 victims who lost their lives in the 2017 tragedy.AdvertisementAn exact timeline for developing the west London memorial depends on factors beyond the control of the commission, such as the governments decision about the future of the 24-storey Grenfell Tower itself, which is expected next month.However, a final team is expected to be announced in summer this year, ahead of a planning application in late 2026.The shortlisted teams will now face a second round of evaluation, which will include meeting the bereaved families, survivors and the community around Grenfell Tower.According to the competitions backers, significant due diligence checks were carried out on all the shortlisted practices to make sure that any team, organisation or individual potentially working on the memorial did not bear any potential responsibility for the tragedy.Over the next six months, the teams will be asked to show their relevant professional and specialist expertise, including architecture, landscape architecture and structural and mechanical engineering.AdvertisementThe organisers said the designers must also present their strong experience of working collaboratively with communities.The shortlistCurl La Tourelle Head ArchitectureFreehausGeorge King Architects with Grow to KnowNew SouthOffice SianSpeaking today (21 January), the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission said: Having a shortlist of teams brings us another step closer to turning the Grenfell communitys memorial vision into a physical reality.Through this process, we intend to identify and appoint a specialist and worthy design team, one that has proven experience of working on sensitive and community-focused projects, and who can leave no doubt in our minds about the integrity with which they will approach the vital task of designing a beautiful and fitting future memorial.Our 72 loved ones, and our community, deserve nothing less.Thelma Stober and Paul Boateng, co-chairs of the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, said: We have given our word, from the outset, that the voices of the entire Grenfell community must take priority in the memorial decision-making process, both now and in the future.The voices of the Grenfell community must take priority in the memorial decision-making processWe hope that bereaved families, survivors and those living close to Grenfell Tower will feel able to participate in the selection of a design team and, later on, contribute to the co-design of the memorial, in whichever way feels appropriate and meaningful for them.They added: This will ensure that the final design embodies a profound tribute to the 72 lives lost and provides a lasting place for loved ones to pay their respects, mourn, and feel connected to their memories.Each of the shortlisted teams is expected to receive a 20,000 honorarium to participate in the competitions second round.In 2021, survivors and relatives of those who died in the fire accused the government of trying to demolish the tower blocks remains without consulting them. Three years later, frustrated at the lack of progress, survivors and representatives of family members of victims criticised the years-long wait for a resolution, with the tower remaining under wrapping. The 340 million cost of maintaining the structure and delivering a memorial, as revealed in a government report published in 2022, was also slammed.Q&A at the launch of the contest in July 2024Paul Boateng, co-chair of the Grenfell Tower Memorial CommissionPaul BoatengWhy are you launching an open search for a design team to work with the Grenfell community to create a new memorial?At the heart of this international design team selection process is a desire to acknowledge the catastrophic events of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and to remember the lives of those that were lost. Through the power of design, our wish is to create a place where people can gather. Where together, or individually, they can reflect on the tragedy, gain strength, and honour the memories of their loved ones.Whether you are from London, from across the United Kingdom or based overseas, the Commissions community representatives, Thelma [Stober] and I strongly encourage you to consider building a team. Please describe your motivation for submitting your expression of interest to design a respectful, bold and lasting memorial to those who lost their lives. We are hopeful that prospective teams will feel honoured and inspired to submit an initial proposal for this highly significant and sensitive design commission.What is the commissions and Grenfell communitys vision for the future form the memorial could take?Our fundamental pledge, from the outset, has been to prioritise the voices and wishes of the entire Grenfell community in the memorial decision-making process, both now and in the future. The Grenfell communitys most frequently-mentioned suggestion is for a landscaped garden to be the memorials central element. This will also be complemented with a building or structure that provides shelter and space for reflection. Additionally, there is a hope to include a monument or artwork.The physical memorial must prominently display and incorporate: the names of the 72 victims; a sense of height; light, and water. We also need to see reflections of the diverse mix of faiths and cultural backgrounds to which those taken from us, and those who survived, belong.Together, these physical features will enrich the memorial to make it truly meaningful, bold and fitting for Grenfell. This must be a place where respect and remembrance resonate in every aspect and detail.What sort of teams would you like to see step forward for this important opportunity? This community deserves, and should get, nothing but the best. Grenfell was a unique tragedy and the memorial, and the successful design team, must be equally unique. Prospective teams should be multi-disciplinary, sensitive, and diverse. We absolutely want to see demonstrable previous experience of working collaboratively with communities. The required professional expertise includes lead design consultancy, landscape architecture, and structural and building services engineering. You may also consider including other areas of expertise such as artists and lighting specialists.This is an opportunity for the successful team to create a globally significant memorial of lasting beauty and impact, which faithfully incorporates the aspirations of a too-often neglected community for a place of remembrance, reflection and restoration.We do hope that the design profession will seize this moment to play a part in healing the wounds of a deadly and systemic failure, brought about by those responsible for the construction and management of the built environment at Grenfell.2025-01-21Richard Waitecomment and share