Honourable Mention
Diamond Schmitt Architects

With Ralph Appelbaum Associates, Martha Schwartz Partners and Arup

Diamond Schmitt Architects concept render: aerial view from Victoria Tower of a black ring-shaped memorial set into the lawn of Victoria Tower Gardens
Diamond Schmitt Architects concept render: a foggy night view of a tilted, inscribed dark memorial wall with steps leading up to it
Diamond Schmitt Architects concept render: dusk exterior view of the ring-shaped memorial inscribed with camp names and the words 'United Kingdom Holocaust Memorial'
Diamond Schmitt Architects concept render: looking up through the memorial's circular opening at camp names inscribed on the sloped inner wall, with Victoria Tower visible above
Diamond Schmitt Architects concept render: a dark curved underground chamber inscribed with a quote from Elie Wiesel, lit by a single oculus
Diamond Schmitt Architects concept render: an underground rotunda inscribed with human-rights texts, visitors gathered around a central circular display
Diamond Schmitt Architects presentation board 1
Diamond Schmitt Architects presentation board 2
Diamond Schmitt Architects presentation board 3
Diamond Schmitt Architects presentation board 4
Diamond Schmitt Architects presentation board 5
Diamond Schmitt Architects presentation board 6

The subtlety of the design of the UKHM gradually reveals the power of the opposing forces that created the descent into a horror of hitherto unimaginable scale, and a humanity of unlimited compassion and selfless commitment.

To create a memorial that is commensurate with its prominent site, and appropriate to content of such gravity, the architecture most suitable to serve the purposes of remembrance and caution against the repeat of intolerance, is one of restraint, yet notable form.

Expressing the magnitude of the tragedy and the consequences of indifference to intolerance will have achieved the purposes of the UKHM and Britain’s promise to remember.

The inclusiveness of this memorial is also intended to rekindle hope for all those threatened, regardless of belief, ethnicity or gender, for it is manifestly clear that the bell tolls for all of us, even if at times it seems to toll only for others.

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