Thomas Heatherwick is in talks with a government minister over plans for a memorial to honor the victims of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a report in The Times newspaper, after the English designer met Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith at the beginning of this year to discuss the proposal, prime minister Boris Johnson supported these plans for a memorial at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, expressing it was the “nation’s solemn duty” to honor the victims of the pandemic.
“Like many across this chamber, I was deeply moved when I visited the Covid Memorial Wall opposite Parliament, and I wholeheartedly support the plan for a memorial in St Paul’s Cathedral, which will provide a fitting place of reflection in the heart of our capital.” said prime minister Johnson in the House of Commons.
Boris Jonson worked previously with Thomas Heatherwick when the former was mayor of London, as he commissioned Heatherwick to re-imagine the Routemaster Bus. In addition, the prime minister admired the designer’s Garden Bridge across the Thames that never got realized, marking one of the major project failures in the UK.
Rendered Imaged of Heatherwick’s Garden Bridge – Courtesy of Heatherwick Studio
Thomas Heatherwick is one of Britain’s most significant designers. He is the founder of Heatherwick Studio. The London-based design studio creates buildings, spaces, masterplans, objects, and infrastructures, focusing on large-scale projects and prioritizing positive social impact.
Toqa Mostafa is a dedicated editor at Arch2O, bringing a sharp editorial perspective to architectural storytelling. Based in Egypt, she curates and refines content that showcases innovative design and urban solutions. Her work at Arch2O highlights her ability to engage readers with compelling narratives, bridging architectural creativity and critical discourse. Toqa’s editorial expertise contributes significantly to Arch2O’s mission of exploring the intersection of design, technology, and sustainability.