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RIBA’s shortlist for this year’s Stirling Prize is made up of six British buildings that are «purposeful yet unassuming».
ADVERTISEMENTThe Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced six nominees for its prestigious Stirling Prize, which honours excellence in architecture.
Four of this year’s finalists are based in London. Among them is the sleek and futuristic Elizabeth Line and the newly revitalised National Portrait Gallery. Also among the contenders are a converted dairy farm in Dorset and the ongoing regeneration of the Grade II-listed, Brutalist Park Hill estate in Sheffield.
Last year’s Stirling Prize was awarded to the John Morden Centre, a retirement day care facility in London.
The 2024 winner will be unveiled in a live ceremony at London’s Roundhouse on 16 October 2024.
Here’s a closer look at all six of the nominees:
Chowdhury Walk, London, by Al-Jawad Pike
Chowdhury Walk is part of a new 11 home housing programme by Hackney Council to develop small, underused sites.
The RIBA panel describes the project as «an exemplary blueprint for social housing» and that «sculptural form gives a strong, confident presence to the staggered two-story terrace that weaves along a newly created public thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists».
The Elizabeth line, London, by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and Atkins
The Elizabeth Line has already been awarded RIBA’s London Building of the Year, and it is now in contention for the prestigious Stirling Prize.
Officially opened on 17 May 2022 by Queen Elizabeth II, the transport line is a remarkable addition to London’s travel network, bringing daylight and fresh air to platform level, in contrast with most underground stations.
King’s Cross Masterplan, London, by Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates
King’s Cross is one of London’s largest and most successful redevelopments. Over the past 20 years, an underused industrial site has been transformed with new streets, squares, parks, homes, shops, offices, galleries, bars, restaurants, schools, and even a university.
From the outset, the project team established ‘principles for a human city,’ emphasising character, variety, choice, and a sense of belonging.
National Portrait Gallery, London, by Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell
London’s National Portrait Gallery, located off Trafalgar Square, has undergone a major 3-year renovation project to enhance the visitor experience and revitalise its historic spaces.
Jamie Fobert Architects introduced key changes, including a new public entrance and forecourt, a learning centre, and the conversion of office spaces into public areas.
The gallery reopened in June 2023 to widespread acclaim from both the press and the public.
Park Hill Phase 2, Sheffield, by Mikhail Riches
This project is part of the ongoing regeneration of the Grade II listed, Brutalist Park Hill estate, located on a prominent hillside overlooking Sheffield city centre.
ADVERTISEMENTOriginally built by Sheffield City Council in the 1950s as a social housing scheme, the iconic building is Europe’s largest listed structure. The second phase of the regeneration has created 195 flats and 2,000 square metres of commercial space.
This isn’t Park Hill’s first recognition from RIBA; the first phase received the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2013.
Wraxall Yard, Dorset, by Clementine Blakemore Architects
Clementine Blakemore Architects has transformed a disused dairy farm in Dorset into a «highly accessible holiday accommodation» that caters to people with disabilities.
The architect team collaborated with the Centre for Accessible Environments and consulted with disabled people to better understand their needs and preferences.
ADVERTISEMENTThis collaborative approach led to a landscape design that eliminates the need for ramps or rails.
The winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced live at London’s Roundhouse on 16 October 2024.
