New buildings pop up all the time – and plenty of ’em are really, truly brilliant. Whether it’s because of ambitious engineering, green innovation, clever design or some other factor, every year the UK sees the construction of tonnes of dazzling new structures.
And it’s exactly those kinds of spectacular buildings that are celebrated by the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Stirling Prize. The prestigious yearly award seeks out the cream of the crop in British architecture – and it has just revealed the shortlist for its 2023 edition.
RIBA’s six nominees range from university blocks and community centres to affordable housing projects and flexible workspaces. The winner of the prize will be announced on October 19, but until then have a look below at the shortlisted buildings, who designed them and what exactly they are.
A House For Artists, Barking, London
Who’s it by? Apparata.
What is it? A flexible workspace for 12 very arty people across five floors.
Courtauld Connects, Westminster, London
Who’s it by? Witherford Watson Mann Architects.
What is it? A beautifully transformed gallery located at the swanky Somerset House in London.
John Morden Centre, Blackheath, London
Who’s it by? Mae.
What is it? A daycare centre for older people with a delightful set of meandering spaces housed on the Grade I-listed old college site.
Lavender Hill Courtyard Housing, Clapham, London
Who’s it by? Sergison Bates.
What is it? A redevelopment of a former sheet-metal workshop into nine apartments surrounding a communal courtyard space.
University of Warwick Faculty of Arts, Coventry
Who’s it by? Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.
What is it? Four cool-looking pavilion buildings connected by an atrium and a timber larch stair, housing the departments of the faculty under one roof.
Central Somers Town Community Facilities and Housing, Camden, London
Who’s it by? Adam Khan Architects.
What is it? Several social housing units and a flexible community children’s community centre.
You can read more about the shortlist on the RIBA website here.
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