Land+Living: Memorial by Kathryn Gustafson and Neil Porter Completed

Memorial by Kathryn Gustafson and Neil Porter Completed

Landscape — June 29, 2004 Posted by James

Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain to be dedicated next week

The delayed and (naturally) controversial memorial to Princess Diana has been completed and will be officially dedicated July 6th by Queen Elizabeth. The design by American landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson was selected by the memorial committee in a design competition. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has described the memorial as such: "Like the Princess herself, the fountain is open and approachable. In some areas it offers a welcoming space for families and paddling children, in others a shady spot for quiet contemplation."

Link: BBC News
Link: The Guardian
Link: Royal Parks Press Room (detailed description of design and construction process)
Firm: Gustafson Porter

The memorial is set in Hyde Park, London. The fountain is an oblong oval constructed of granite, with water flowing in two directions from the highest point; one side is a gently sloped smooth channel, while the other side is more turbulent and active. The two sides meet at the bottom of the slope in a tranquil pool.

5 comments

Comments (5)

Martha — July 6, 2004
Memorial Fountain

The Princess of Wales memorial fountain is an elegant and engaging design and concept. Lovely, fresh, simple, and symbolic.

John Burnett — September 25, 2005
A Quiet Space

I recently visited the memorial and found it to by an appropriate rememberance of a complex woman. In use it offered relief from a hot summers day, a complement to the architect and a fitting place to reflect on the memory of Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. The juxtaposition of smooth quiet pools and babbling brook / dynamic wave forms, carved granite and flowing water, demand comparison to her life and impact on British society. Thank You.

alex cunningham — November 27, 2005
hi

you need stuff to do with Kathryn Gustafson. Not just pics and explaning what it is you need to explain who she is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- — September 30, 2006
BEAUTIFUL

IT IS BEAUTIFUL

Ivor Hall — November 12, 2007
A disaster

The concept design admirable but it was 150+% over budget, not constructed on the competition site and is now, for safety reasons surrounded by a 1.4M high, 450 meters in length which encloses 3.5 acres of the open spaced of Hyde Park. How can that be called a success?