Stirling Prize longlist announced
22nd June 2012
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has unveiled the longlist for the 2012 Stirling Prize for architectural excellence, with 50 buildings across Britain in contention for the GBP 20,000 award.
This year's longlist includes the London 2012 Olympic Stadium in east London, the McLaren Production Centre in Surrey and Brockholes nature reserve visitor centre near Preston in Lancashire.
Each year, the prize is awarded to a building that has made the greatest contribution to British architecture over the past 12 months.
The entrants are not limited to the UK, with any building across the EU eligible, providing the architect is a RIBA member.
This year, nine buildings outside Britain are in contention, including the PJ Carroll factory in Dundalk, Ireland, the Solid 11 building in Amsterdam and Las Arenas in Barcelona, which was designed by Rogers Stirk.
RIBA president Angela Brady said the diverse range of great buildings illustrates the 'value of quality' in architecture and will guarantee an exciting Stirling Prize shortlist later in the year.
'What really stands out is that even in times of austerity, we can still deliver amazingly clever, high quality buildings that reflect the needs of today and enhance our daily lives,' she commented.
'The judges were delighted to see so many well considered, crafted and innovative projects, and the use of beautiful materials; these projects are truly exciting and inspiring.'
The shortlist for the 2012 Stirling Prize will be unveiled in late summer, with the winner announced on October 13th.