Freehaus Chosen to Design Memorial Honoring Grenfell Tower Fire Victims

London-based architectural firm Freehaus has been selected to design a permanent memorial for the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. This choice comes after a rigorous selection process that involved five shortlisted teams as part of an international RIBA competition. The design project aims to honor those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

Design Team and Collaboration

Freehaus will lead a multidisciplinary team that includes:

• BCAL (landscape architect)
• Tibbalds (planning consultant)
• Elliott Wood (structural and civil engineer)
• Appleyard and Trew (cost consultant)
• The Fire Surgery (fire engineer)
• Michael Grubb Studio (lighting designer)

Additionally, they will collaborate with Nigerian British writer and poet Yomi Şode. The unveiling of the memorial is scheduled for 2027.

Community Engagement in the Design Process

The design elements have been shaped through discussions with the Grenfell community. Key features include:

• Height
• Water
• Light
• Artwork
• Names of the victims
• Incorporation of materials from the tower’s remains

The Grenfell community, including bereaved families and survivors, will play a vital role in the design process. An evaluation panel, comprising community representatives, Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission advisors, and architectural experts, selected Freehaus for this project.

Expert Opinions and Statements

Jane Duncan, an advisor for the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, praised Freehaus as an “exceptional multi-disciplinary design team.” She highlighted their leadership qualities and commitment to community engagement. The commission expressed confidence in Freehaus’s ability to create a meaningful tribute that reflects the community’s hopes and memories.

Freehaus directors Jonathan Hagos and Tom Bell shared their honor at being chosen for this responsibility. They emphasized the importance of the community’s involvement in the design process and the need to respect the memories of those lost.

Background of Freehaus

Founded by Jonathan Hagos and Tom Bell, Freehaus has a portfolio that includes various community-focused projects. Their past works feature:

• The refurbishment of the Africa Centre headquarters in Southwark
• The Rising Green Youth Hub in Wood Green
• The 639 Community Enterprise Centre in Tottenham

Hagos is also known as a design advocate for the Mayor of London, highlighting his commitment to impactful community projects.

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission

The commission is composed of diverse members, including:

• Six bereaved family members
• Three former residents who lost their homes
• Three local residents from Lancaster West Estate
• One representative from the immediate community

This unique composition ensures that the voices of those most affected by the tragedy will guide the memorial’s design.

As Freehaus embarks on this meaningful journey, they acknowledge the years of advocacy by the Grenfell community that made this project possible. The design of the Grenfell Tower memorial is not merely a task; it is a commitment to honor the memory of 72 lives lost in a tragic event. The collaboration between Freehaus and the Grenfell community promises to create a lasting tribute that captures both sorrow and resilience.