UK Selects Glass Bridge Design for Queen Elizabeth II Memorial in London

Norman Foster and his firm Foster + Partners have been awarded the project to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in London's St James's Park, featuring a new translucent glass bridge inspired by the Queen's wedding tiara. The design includes statues of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, a new Prince Philip Gate, commemorative gardens representing the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and meandering paths, all aimed at honoring her legacy with a blend of tradition and modernity. Foster described the bridge as symbolic of the Queen as a unifying force and emphasized a design approach that preserves the park's familiar feel while enhancing its contemplative and reflective atmosphere. The project, which replaces the existing Blue Bridge near Buckingham Palace, is planned to be finalized by April 2026, coinciding with what would have been the Queen's 100th birthday, with completion expected one to two years later. Foster, who personally knew the Queen and was appointed to the Order of Merit by her in 1997, sought to create a memorial that balances formal and informal qualities, reflecting the Queen's life and values. This memorial is part of a broader legacy program to commemorate Queen Elizabeth nationwide.