Sayart.net - Grenfell Tower Memorial Design Winner Announcement Delayed Until November

The announcement of the winning design for the Grenfell Tower memorial has been postponed until as late as November, marking another delay in the long-awaited project to honor the 72 victims of the 2017 fire tragedy. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)-run competition was originally scheduled to announce its winner this summer, following the January reveal of five promising design teams selected from 28 multidisciplinary entries. However, the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission published an updated timeline last month, citing the need for additional community engagement sessions, workshops, and final presentation submissions before making the announcement. As recently as the end of March, the commission's website had indicated that the winner would be named in spring or summer 2025, but this timeline has now been extended further. The commission explained that their work continues in accordance with the selection process and design brief published in July 2024, but acknowledged that a brief pause occurred earlier this year following Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's February announcement that the government would deconstruct the tower. "This pause was to give time for the Grenfell community to process the news before resuming their engagement with the community in April," the commission stated. "We continue to work in collaboration with the Grenfell community, to appoint the right team, who will work professionally, sensitively and thoughtfully with the Grenfell community." In February, Rayner informed survivors and the bereaved families that the 24-story block in west London would be taken down rather than preserved as a permanent reminder of the devastating fire that claimed 72 lives. The government released detailed plans for the deconstruction process on July 29, outlining that the work would begin this summer with the installation of an on-site crane. A demolition contractor is expected to begin bringing down the structure floor by floor over a two-year period. The government has committed to removing, preserving, and safely storing the architectural crown and other significant elements of the tower as agreed upon with the community. Officials emphasized their commitment to working with the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and the community to realize their vision for the memorial, though it remains unclear whether any remains of the tower will be incorporated into the final memorial design. The five finalist teams selected in January represent a diverse group of emerging architectural talent. Freehaus, which was featured among the last group of AJ 40 under 40 practices in 2020, brings fresh perspective to the competition. Paris and Brussels-based New South earned recognition after being shortlisted in last year's AR Emerging awards. Office Sian, which was highlighted in the Architecture Foundation's 2021 publication "New Architects 4," rounds out the innovative design teams. The competition also includes George King Architects, known for designing the 2023 Sheffield Covid memorial sculpture, and Curl La Tourelle Head Architecture, specialists in education and community-focused projects. These five teams were selected from the original 28 multidisciplinary design entries submitted to the competition, which aims to create "a bold, fitting and lasting memorial to remember the 72 victims who lost their lives in the 2017 tragedy." The memorial project has faced significant challenges and delays over the years. In 2021, survivors and relatives of those who died in the fire accused the government of attempting to demolish the tower block's remains without proper consultation. Three years later, frustration mounted among survivors and family members' representatives who criticized the prolonged wait for resolution while the tower remained wrapped and untouched. The extended timeline reflects the sensitive nature of the project and the importance of meaningful community engagement in the design process. The commission's approach emphasizes working closely with the Grenfell community to ensure that the chosen design team can work professionally, sensitively, and thoughtfully with those most affected by the tragedy. The memorial competition represents a crucial step in providing closure and remembrance for the victims of one of Britain's worst residential fires in recent history. The Grenfell Tower fire on June 14, 2017, exposed serious safety failures and led to widespread changes in building regulations and fire safety standards across the United Kingdom. As the community and the nation await the final selection, the emphasis remains on creating a memorial that truly honors the memory of those lost while serving the needs and wishes of the survivors and bereaved families who continue to seek justice and remembrance for their loved ones.