Covid Memorial Park

Challenge

To transform 100 square-metre park in the centre of Newham to a reflective space to remember those who lost their lives in the pandemic.

Community involvement

Two library consultations for locals – “Not depressing”,  “for the whole community” “sensory” and “colourful” were comments.

Solution and response

The park area was full of birdsong, in a glade of trees. I designed three totems to illustrate Support, Community and Regrowth using the tree life as a metaphor. I worked closely with a wood sculptor to create these out of oak, and painted them with bright enamel paints. The garden was featured on BBC News, and has been very popular since opening.