A London Underground line, national art gallery, Council-led housing, inclusive rural retreat and two major regeneration projects have been recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), forming the shortlist for the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize.
The six projects in the running for the UK’s highest accolade in architecture, are:
Chowdhury Walk, London by Al-Jawad Pike
An exemplary blueprint for social housing: Built on a plot previously occupied by garages and ad-hoc parking, these 11 homes – of which 7 are social rented - herald the development of a new generation of ambitious council housing in Hackney, East London. A 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. Clever sequencing creates a meaningful route through the development and provides privacy from overlooking neighbours, while also supporting passive solar gain.
The Elizabeth Line, London Underground by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and AtkinsRéalis
A transport tour de force: A mammoth feat of construction and collaboration, The Elizabeth Line creates a familiar yet significantly improved experience for the 200 million passengers it is expected to carry each year. A slick line-wide identity manifests at platform level though the application of consistent cladding, lighting, and signage, creating a decluttered and accessible environment. The result is a major infrastructure project that sets a new standard for inner-city transport.
King’s Cross Masterplan, London by Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates
A successful piece of city-making: 20 years in the making, the redevelopment of King’s Cross is the result of remarkable reintegration and regeneration of this former industrial wasteland in the heart of London. New streets, squares, offices, schools, university facilities and accommodation sit alongside thoughtfully restored historic structures, transforming the area into a thriving hub of activity. Further celebrating the site’s industrial legacy, the architects have reopened the Regent’s Canal to the public and created an ‘urban beach’ – a vibrant, valuable addition to London’s public realm and another clever thread in stitching a previously cut-off part of the city back into the wider urban fabric.
National Portrait Gallery, London by Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell
Reimagining a historic cultural institution: A seamless blend of contemporary design and conservation of historical elements reinvigorate this Grade I* listed cultural institution. Visitor experience is enhanced by a welcoming new entrance of bronze doors featuring hand-drawn portraits by Tracey Emin, along with a light-filled learning centre and accessible public space carved from former offices. The entrance reorientates the gallery towards the bustling West End on which its back was previously turned, while crucial accessibility alterations have opened the building to all, including an entrance ramp and wider doorways. Careful interventions, such as using original windows to form new doorways, exemplify a harmony between heritage and adaptability.
Park Hill Phase 2, Sheffield by Mikhail Riches
Revitalising a Brutalist landmark: The second phase of an ongoing regeneration of Europe’s largest listed structure which sits on a prominent hillside overlooking Sheffield City Centre. Internal spaces are modernised through open plan designs and the addition of balconies, while thermal imaging has allowed sustainability experts to identify and improve energy efficiency. A fresh colour palette referencing the nearby Peak District blends with the estate's original concrete, preserves its design heritage, while tree and wildflower plantings cleverly soften the exterior.
Wraxall Yard, Dorset by Clementine Blakemore Architects
An inclusive and accessible rural retreat: A dilapidated Dorset dairy farm has been sensitively repaired and converted into highly accessible holiday accommodation, with public spaces aimed at boosting engagement with wildlife and farming. Motivated by frustration at the standard of available wheelchair accessible accommodation across the UK, the development offers extensive yet discreet accessible features, providing disabled guests – particularly wheelchair users – with a high degree of independence. Clever landscaping removes the need for ramps and obvious handrails. At the same time, a mix of polished concrete floors and exposed doorframes reduced drag and mitigate bumps for wheelchairs, widening access to this previously inaccessible site.
RIBA President Muyiwa Oki, said:
"These projects demonstrate the ingenuity and diversity of architecture today. From major national infrastructure to brave and brilliant council-led housing, these varied schemes are united in making sensitive contributions to elevating everyday life.
Whether raising the bar for social housing, upgrading city transportation or repurposing dilapidated buildings to create heritage-conscious urban and rural developments, each scheme thoughtfully adapts elements of our existing built environment.
At a time when the need to preserve our planet’s resources is greater than ever, these projects are to be commended for placing regeneration and restoration front and centre, transforming well and lesser-known landmarks to create highly sustainable places for future generations.
This is purposeful yet unassuming architecture – architecture that brings joy to people’s lives and strengthens the fabric of our society.”
Amy Bunszel, EVP of architecture, engineering, and construction solutions at Autodesk, said:
“Congratulations to the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist winners, whose projects illustrate how design brings local communities together. The architecture industry has an important role in solving the big challenges we face; to house and support growing populations with a built environment that is more resilient and sustainable. The shortlist winners are inspiring examples of how architects can design and make a more inclusive future for our homes, workplaces, and communities.”
The winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced live at London’s Roundhouse on 16 October 2024, sponsored by Autodesk.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Max.Heptonstall@riba.org
- Images and jury comments can be downloaded here.
- First awarded in 1996, the RIBA Stirling Prize is the UK’s most prestigious architecture award. Given to the architect of the building thought to be the most significant of the year for the evolution of architecture and the built environment, the RIBA Stirling Prize is judged on a range of criteria including design vision, innovation and originality, capacity to stimulate engage and delight occupants and visitors, accessibility and sustainability, how fit the building is for its purpose and the level of client satisfaction.
- Previous winners of the RIBA Stirling Prize include: The John Morden Centre by Mæ (2023); The New Library, Magdalene College in Cambridge by Níall McLaughlin Architects (2022); Kingston University London - Town House by Grafton Architects (2021); Goldsmith Street by Mikhail Riches (2019); Bloomberg by Foster + Partners (2018); Hastings Pier by dRMM (2017); Newport Street Gallery by Caruso St John (2016); Burntwood School, London by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) (2015); Liverpool Everyman Theatre by Haworth Tompkins (2014); Astley Castle by Witherford Watson Mann (2013).
- This is the first time Clementine Blakemore Architects and Al-Jawad Pike have been shortlisted for the Stirling Prize. Mikhail Riches has previously won, in 2019 for Goldsmith Street. Allies & Morrison was shortlisted in 2008 for Royal Festival Hall and in 2012 for New Court Rothschild Bank. Jamie Fobert was shortlisted in 2018 for New Tate St Ives and Grimshaw in 2019 for London Bridge Station.
- The RIBA Awards have been running since 1966. No matter the shape, size, budget or location, RIBA Award winning schemes set the standard for great architecture all across the country. RIBA Awards are for buildings in the UK by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows. Entries are to be submitted to the region or nation in which the building is situated.
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates
- The 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize is supported by our headline sponsor Autodesk. Autodesk is changing how the world is designed and made. Its technology spans architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media and entertainment, empowering innovators everywhere to solve challenges big and small. From greener buildings to smarter products to mesmerising blockbusters, Autodesk software helps customers to design and make a better world for all.
