2024 RIBA Stirling Prize Shortlist Revealed

Similar to last year's shortlist, which saw five of the six finalists in London, four of this year's six shortlisted projects are located in the capital of England; the other two projects are elsewhere in England: Sheffield and Dorset. With a wide diversity of scales and typologies, uniting this year's shortlisted projects is how “each scheme thoughtfully adapts elements of our existing built environment,” this according to RIBA President Muyiwa Oki.

At one end of the spectrum are a trio of conservation, regeneration, and adaptive-reuse projects, while at the other end are new social housing, a massive infrastructure project, and a mixed-use masterplan. With such a diverging selection of projects in the running, the jury* has its work cut out for it; or as Oliver Wainwright's article on the shortlist asks, “Can a tiny dairy farm beat the epic Elizabeth line?”

Here is the list, in alphabetical order by name:

1. Chowdhury Walk, London by Al-Jawad Pike
2. The Elizabeth Line, London Underground by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and Atkins 
3. King’s Cross Masterplan, London by Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates 
4. National Portrait Gallery, London by Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell
5. Park Hill Phase 2, Sheffield by Mikhail Riches 
6. Wraxall Yard, Dorset by Clementine Blakemore Architects

Photos of the shortlisted projects follow, with brief descriptions courtesy of RIBA. The winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced during the Stirling Prize ceremony taking place at the Roundhouse in London on October 16, 2024.

“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 neighbors, while also supporting passive solar gain.”

“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.”

“Twenty 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.”

“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 center 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.”

“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 modernized through open plan designs and the addition of balconies, while thermal imaging has allowed sustainability experts to identify and improve energy efficiency. A fresh color 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.”

“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.”

• Alex Ely, Mae 
• Benedetta Tagliabue, EMBT
• David Light, Autodesk
• Minna Sunikka-Blank, Cambridge University
• Yanel Peel, Chanel