Berkshire railway line shortlisted for top award
The Elizabeth line could win UK's leading architectural award
The Elizabeth Line - which runs between Reading and Shenfield in Essex - is among the projects up for a top architecture prize awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba).
Six structures are in the running for the UK’s leading architecture award, the Riba Stirling Prize 2024.
Design team Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and Atkins are nominated for their work on the major infrastructure project, which officially opened in 2022, following a number of setbacks and construction delays, in part due to difficulties installing complex signalling systems.
The jury who selected the shortlist said “the passenger experience feels significantly different from other tube lines” and added that the carriages are “decluttered and calm”.
Elsewhere, Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell are nominated for their work on the National Portrait Gallery, which was re-opened by the Princess of Wales in June 2023 following its three-year £41.3 million refurbishment.
Award-winning British artist Dame Tracey Emin created 45 hand-drawn female portraits that were cast in bronze as artwork for the gallery’s new entrance doors.
The jury said the project “reaffirms the Gallery’s position as a cultural landmark in the heart of London, poised to continue its legacy of storytelling and connection with the public”.
Among the other nominees is Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates for the King’s Cross Masterplan.
The regeneration has seen the creation of new streets, squares, offices, schools, university facilities and accommodation sit alongside restored historic structures.
The architects have also re-opened Regent’s Canal to the public and created an “urban beach”.
This summer there is a free-to-enter Team GB fanzone at Lewis Cubitt Square, where the public can watch the Paris Olympics on a big screen.
The jury said the project is “a global exemplar in how to make a community of places which supports human activity, maintains an urban identity, and is supple enough to accommodate inevitable change”.
Commended
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.”
Prize
The prize is given to the architect of the building thought to be the most significant of the year and is judged on a range of criteria including design vision, innovation and originality.
The winner of the 2024 Riba Stirling Prize will be announced live at London’s Roundhouse on October 16.