大象传媒

14 October 2021

Kingston University London – Town House has been announced as the winner of the 25th Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize. The building, designed by Grafton Architects, was praised by the jury as a "highly original work of architecture.... a theatre for life – a warehouse of ideas". Read on to discover more about this dynamic construction in south-west London as well as the five other magnificent structures which were shortlisted for the prestigious award.

Grafton Architects were faced with a challenging brief, being asked create a building containing both a dance studio and a library.

Their response has been commended by the RIBA jury as having a "warm, dynamic energy that truly captures the spirit of learning... a rich, beautiful canvas against which to set young creative minds free."

The Vice-Chancellor of Kingston University, Professor Steven Spier, believes embracing a bold vision has paid off.

He said: "It's a fitting foil to the aspirations of our students, many of whom are the first in their families to go to university. It is invigorating to witness the creativity, collaboration and shared learning this open, inviting space fosters. Our students have embraced Town House, relishing the opportunity to find their place within it and make its many spaces their own."

The other buildings nominated for 2021 RIBA Stirling Prize were:

• 15 Clerkenwell Close
• Cambridge Central Mosque
• Key Worker Housing development in Eddington, Cambridge
• Tintagel Bridge, Cornwall
• Windermere Jetty Museum

This seven storey building, designed by Groupwork + Amin Taha Architects to house their own studio as well as flats above, sits on a site in London that once housed a c.11th Century Norman Abbey.

It has been commended by the RIBA jury as being "brave, ambitious, highly innovative and bespoke, where risks have been taken and have paid off, resulting in a truly imaginative, intriguing and astonishing work of architecture."

Marks Barfield Architects designed this building capable of welcoming 1,000 worshippers for the Cambridge Mosque Trust.

A notable internal feature of the mosque is the timber 'trees' which provide structural support for the roof and lights. These were developed through the work of geometric artist Keith Critchlow.

The building has been heralded by the jury for demonstrating "how architecture can embody religious and cultural philosophy and traditions while utilising sustainable and contemporary materials".

This 10-building scheme, designed by Stanton Williams, includes a number of interconnected courtyards to create a delightful series of spaces. Interaction between neighbours is encouraged, with the external roof and ground level spaces being almost entirely communal, rather than using private areas like balconies.

The jury declared this development to be "emerging as a fascinating example of place creation and urban planning and this Key Worker Housing scheme has helped to establish a high benchmark for forthcoming phases."

This spectacular bridge, designed by Ney & Partners and William Matthews Associates for English Heritage, creates a link to a medieval castle on the Cornish coast.

The jury praised it as being "beautifully executed at all scales, from the way it respects the silhouette of the landforms it abuts, down to the tactile detail of its path, made from slate on edge."

Lakeland Arts commissioned this major development to house the Windermere Jetty Museum from architects Carmody Groarke.

Given the sensitive location, on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere within a national park, the jury said that the museum should be celebrated for having a "restrained and simple beauty that is boldly confident in its design and delivery."

The 2021 RIBA Stirling Prize winner was announced on Thursday 14 October 2021 at Coventry Cathedral, as part of the UK City of Culture 2021 celebrations. You can watch coverage of the ceremony again via the 大象传媒 News Channel on 大象传媒 iPlayer.