Love a big, weird, cool building? Well, here are six of the best of them. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced its nominees for the Stirling prize, the most prestigious award in British architecture – and the shortlist is as spectacular as ever.
RIBA’s six nominees range from university libraries and city-centre office blocks to affordable housing projects. The winner of the prize will be announced in October, but in the meantime below you’ll find each shortlisted building, along with who designed it and what exactly each one is.
100 Liverpool Street, London
Who’s it by? Hopkins Architects.
What is it? A ‘net-zero’ renovation and extension of an old office block.
Forth Valley College – Falkirk Campus, Scotland
Who’s it by? Reiach and Hall Architects.
What is it? Three dazzling education facilities connected by courtyards and huge open spaces.
Hackney New Primary School and 333 Kingsland Road, London
Who’s it by? Henley Halebrown.
What is it? A beautiful big red thing that combines affordable housing with a new primary school.
Orchard Gardens, Elephant Park, London
Who’s it by? Panter Hudspith Architects.
What is it? A new block of homes and retail spaces, all wrapped around a communal garden.
Sands End Arts and Community Centre, London
Who’s it by? Mæ Architects.
What is it? A single-storey building arranged around a disused lodge, with activity spaces and a community café.
The New Library, Magdalene College, Cambridge
Who’s it by? Niall McLaughlin Architects.
What is it? A timber-framed library and study space.
You can find out more about each project on the RIBA website here.
ICYMI: this eerie British sea fort has just hit the market.
Plus: this UK city has just been named the ugliest in the world.