Never one to turn down the chance to bang on about how brilliant London is; I come bearing the news that our beloved capital city is back up to its old overachieving tricks. Six buildings from across the UK have been shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize (AKA the highest architectural accolade in the country). And out of those six shortlisted structures, four of them are in London. Not bad, hey?
First dished out in 1996, the annual award is given to the brains behind what’s thought to be the country’s most significant building of the year. Shining a light on the structures that are raising the UK’s architectural bar; buildings are judged on a variety of criteriaincluding design vision, innovation and originality, accessibility and sustainability, and client satisfaction.
Last year, London’s shiny new Lizzy Line nabbed the crown. And we can only hope that its successor will be just as close to home. So, without further ado, these are the legendary London buildings that have managed to earn themself a comfy spot on this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist.
Appleby Blue Almhouse, Bermondsey
Constructed on the site of a former disused care home, Appleby Blue has reimagined the idea of a traditional almshouse. Witherford Watson Mann Architects have created a space that sets new standards for high-quality social housing in later life, using thoughtful design details to put community, connection, and interaction at its heart.
Home to London’s beloved Big Ben bell; the Elizabeth Tower is one of the capital’s truly timeless treasures. The tower has recently undergone its ‘most comprehensive restoration’ in 160 years, with Purcell Architecture sourcing traditional materials and bespoke craftspeople to honour the tower’s original design. A series of careful details and subtle improvements have restored Elizabeth Tower to its former glory, and made the monument more accessible to a broader audience for the first time ever.
London College of Fashion, Stratford
The shiny and oh-so stylish new home of the London College of Fashion comes courtesy of ‘architects and urbanists’, Allies and Morrison. Located in the heart of Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Park; the site brings together the institute’s 6000 staff and students under one (rather gorgeous) roof. The building is 17 storeys high, and comes complete with dramatic staircases, flexible workspaces, and a somewhat stripped-back palette of materials to act as a ‘blank canvas’ for the building’s creative occupants.
Niwa House is an open-plan (and utterly stunning) accessible house that’s been built on a previously-derelict site in south London. Takero Shimazaki Architects have created an inclusive space which is both functional and elegant, demonstrating a ‘masterclass in craftsmanship and restraint’. The floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the house in natural light, and the courtyard garden offers a space of peace and serenity.
RIBA President, Chris Williamsonsaid: “These projects demonstrate architecture’s unique ability to address some of the most urgent challenges of our time, responding with creativity, adaptability and care. From a monumental civic building that champions investment in arts and culture, to the sensitive restoration of one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks, and a cutting-edge medical research facility, each offers a blueprint for how architecture can enrich society.”
The winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize 2025 will be announced live at London’s Roundhouse on October 16. If you fancy attending, you can snap up a ticket here.
