Six new building designs will be battling it out over the next few weeks for the keenly-contested Royal Institute of British Architects’ Stirling Prize.
The six architecture practices competing for this year’s title, their odds according to bookmakers William Hill, together with RIBA’s descriptions are:
Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Northern Ireland by heneghan peng architects.
William Hill odds: 3/1
“Breaks the mould of the traditional visitor centre that tends to hide from the limelight or make a statement, this highly imaginative and sculptural piece of ‘land art’ offers visitors an experience that is physical and interactive, like the causeway itself.”
Park Hill Phase 1, Sheffield by Hawkins\Brown with Studio Egret West
William Hill odds: 9/1
“Reinvention of the 1960s housing estate. The structure of the building remained in place whilst key features were changed – interior layout, windows, security and much more. It stands as a beacon
for imaginative regeneration, quality mass housing and the bold reuse of a listed building.”
Newhall Be, Harlow by Alison Brooks Architects
William Hill odds: 3/1
“The radical re-thinking of the shape and interior of the UK house is tackled masterfully with these 84 new homes in suburban Essex that clearly illustrate that good design quality and committed developers
can transform peoples’ lives.”
Astley Castle, Nuneaton, Warwickshire by Witherford Watson Mann Architects
William Hill odds: 6/1
“Beautiful contemporary holiday home installed in the ruined walls of a 12th century manor. Unique example of the recovery of an ancient building – it is a prototype for a bold new attitude to
restoration and reuse.”
University of Limerick Medical School by Grafton Architects
William Hill odds: 6/1
“Exceptional example of how to create a vibrant new public space through the careful design and placement of buildings. High-quality, beautiful and dramatic buildings that punch far above their rock-bottom budget.”
Bishop Edward King Chapel, Ripon College, Oxfordshire by Niall McLaughlin
Architects
William Hill odds: 9/4
“An uplifting spiritual space of great potency that the client has described as ‘what we dreamed of but didn’t think we would get’.”
Angela Brady, RIBA President, said: “The shortlist is sending out the clear message that creative vision improves our lives.”
The winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize will be
announced on the evening of Thursday September 26.
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