RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist 2013

AWARDS _ The shortlist for the prestigious 2013 RIBA Stirling Prize for the best new building has been announced today.

This year’s RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist features some ‘fresh’ architecture talent - five of the six practices are on the list for the first time, beating-off competition from previous winners including Sir David Chipperfield and Dame Zaha Hadid.

The six architecture practices competing for this year's title are:

Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre, Northern Ireland by heneghan peng architects. 

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. Having ‘tuned in’ so perfectly to the environment, the visitor centre acts as the perfect prologue for the main event.

Park Hill, Sheffield by Hawkins\Brown with Studio Egret West

Reinvention of the loved and loathed Grade II* listed 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 housing, Harlow by Alison Brooks Architects

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. A new model for British housing?

Astley Castle, Warwickshire by Witherford Witherford Watson Mann Architects

Beautiful contemporary Landmark Trust 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

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 Oxfordshire by Niall McLaughlin Architects

An uplifting spiritual space of great potency that the client has described as ‘what we dreamed of but didn’t think we would get’. An incredible showcase for modern British craftsmanship.

The six shortlisted buildings range dramatically in size and purpose, but all will be judged by the same criteria: their design excellence and their significance to the evolution of architecture and the built environment.

he evening of Thursday 26 September at Central Saint Martins, King’s Cross, designed by last year’s RIBA Stirling Prize winner Stanton Williams.