Medieval cathedrals, Georgian stately homes and Victorian halls tend to hog the spotlight when we talk about the UK’s most beautiful buildings. But the newbies deserve their share of recognition, too.
That’s where the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) comes in. The organisation has already handed out awards to what it deems the best new buildings in the UK, but it’s yet to give out its highest accolade — the Stirling Prize.
Earlier this week RIBA revealed its pick of six buildings in the running for the coveted award. These aren’t just pretty buildings. Each nominee has been selected for its innovation, originality and ‘sensitive contributions to elevating everyday life’.
Four out of six of the nominees, including Elizabeth line, are in London. Outside of the capital, the shortlist includes Park Hill Phase 2, housing scheme in Sheffield (a building so good, it inspired a West End musical) and Wraxall Yard, a dairy farm turned highly accessible holiday accomodation in Dorset.
The former created 195 new flats and 2,000 square metres of commercial space for the Park Hill estate. Judges said: ‘While preserving as much of the original building’s structure and character as possible, it creates a modern, energy-efficient environment.’
The judging panel praised the Wraxhall Yard for offering ’extensive yet discreet accessible features, providing disabled guests – particularly wheelchair users – with a high degree of independence'.
Speaking on all six nominees, Muyiwa Oki, RIBA President, said: ‘This is purposeful yet unassuming architecture – architecture that brings joy to people’s lives and strengthens the fabric of our society.’
The full shortlist for the 2024 RIBA Stirling prize
- Chowdhury Walk, London (Al-Jawad Pike)
- The Elizabeth line, London (Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and Atkins)
- King’s Cross Masterplan, London (Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates)
- National Portrait Gallery, London (Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell)
- Park Hill Phase 2, Sheffield (Mikhail Riches)
- Wraxall Yard, Dorset (Clementine Blakemore Architects)
The winner will be decided at a ceremony in London’s Roundhouse in October. We'll be checking back in then!
Did you see that this incredible Scottish bog is the UK’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Plus: This hotel has just been crowned the best in the UK for 2024.
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