The Novo Cemetery: Interpretation Board

  • Lee Simmons

'We worked in collaboration with Lee on our project at the Novo Cemetery, situated within the campus of Queen Mary, University of London in Mile End. Our brief was to integrate the site into the fabric of the University so as to improve the circulation of pedestrian traffic. At the same time, we needed a scheme that would raise awareness of the Cemetery as a cultural asset within the campus. Lee’s work in tying together both the interpretive panels and various graphic elements embedded within the architectural fabric of the scheme, meant that the site as a whole successfully revealed its story to a constantly changing audience in subtle and effective ways. As testament to the work that Lee was a key part of, in 2014 English Heritage granted Grade II listed status to the site, including the new perimeter works, thereby protecting it for generations to come. The process of working with Lee was professional, inspiring and enjoyable from beginning to end, and we would happily recommend her on that basis, as well as looking forward ourselves to working with her again.'