The Remember Me memorial portico at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, is a memorial to all those who died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Entered via the cathedral’s north transept, it houses the online book of remembrance. Designed by Caroe Architecture with Connolly Wellingham, the portico is a beautiful, elliptical structure crafted in the UK and featuring several GEZE doors.
As visitors enter the cathedral from the north transept they pass through a pair of swing doors powered by GEZE Powerturn automatic swing door operators. The operators were chosen for their ability to open both large and heavy doors. They also provide the flexibility of allowing the doors to be used manually and automatically thanks to GEZE’s Smart swing function.
Above the doors, etched into the structure in gold are the words ‘Remembering all who died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic’. Once inside the portico, visitors can view the online Remember Me memorial, search for and view the tribute to their loved one, light a candle and take a moment to pause and reflect in this tranquil space. The online book is open to all people, whatever their faith or if they have none.
From the memorial portico the main entrance into the cathedral is through GEZE’s TSA 325 NT, a manual revolving door with four leaves. This was chosen for its ability to minimise air flow into the cathedral, as only one quadrant is open at a time.
A GEZE Slimdrive SCR curved automatic sliding door was installed opposite the revolving door, enabling those who are less able, or people with children in buggies to visit the memorial and access the cathedral. The Slimdrive SCR is controlled by wave sensors to ensure the doors only open when requested. This is part of the portico’s design to minimise air flow. Written across the glass in the doors are the words, ‘we will always remember’ and ‘never forget’.
The Remember Me memorial portico is a poignant tribute to those who died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and is the most significant change to St Paul’s Cathedral in 300 years. Following the public response to the online memorial, and in partnership with the Daily Mail, over £2m was raised to give the Remember Me memorial a physical home within the Cathedral.
GEZE’s National Specification Manager, Richard Richardson-Derry commented, ‘We were honoured to play a part in the construction of the Remember Me memorial. The combined challenges of minimising air flow, ensuring equal access, and creating a beautiful structure to recognise those lives lost has been successfully achieved.’
For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk
