This week the shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize was announced. For those of you who don’t follow architecture awards this is the Oscars for British Architecture. When I heard the shortlist I was delighted to hear that The Hepworth Wakefield, by David Chipperfield Architects, was not only on the list but the current bookies favourite.
Ever since I saw the designs for The Hepworth I have been a big fan of the building, although it is fair to say that not all Wakefield residents are such fans. If the building wins this prestigious award will it change their mind? I doubt it but maybe it will add a little justification to the hefty price tag and somewhat controversial stark concrete exterior.
So who is it up against?
Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge UniversityTop of Form by Stanton Williams
A science research centre for 120 scientists set in the university’s listed botanic gardens. For me this is good as science research buildings go with a nice modern look but with little drama or excitement to it. And as I just used the word “nice” to describe it it isn’t a winner to me.
Lyric Theatre by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects
The theatre accommodates an auditorium of 390 seats, a 150 seat experimental studio space and a rehearsal room for actors and local communities. The external forms created are expressive with great use of local bricks. Internally I love how the brickwork continues and the use of dark stained timber looks beautiful in the auditorium. This building could easily win the prize.
New Court, Rothschild Bank headquarters by OMA
This is the headquarters for Rothschild Bank on St. Swithin’s Lane in the heart of the City of London. Personally I am not sure why this is on the shortlist (maybe because its by famous architects). It’s a 10 storey glass and steel office block, sure its fine as new office block goes but it’s not exactly moving British architecture forward.
Maggie’s Centre by OMA
This care centre provides practical and emotional support for people suffering with cancer, along with their families and friends, in Glasgow. There have been a few Maggie’s centres built in recent years and they have all been beautifully designed and responsive to the caring nature of the buildings function, the Maggie’s Centre at Charing Cross won the 2009 Stirling Prize. This is no different. It has an intimate about it with strong use of materials and links with its external landscape. It doesn’t surprise me it is on the shortlist and could easily be a winner.
Olympic Stadium by Populous
Well if you are not aware of this building you have clearly been on mars for the last year or 2! For me stadiums are often a bit of a letdown as exciting architecture and more of a back drop for the sporting entertainment. This is not a bad stadium at all and set in the Olympic park will be a great venue to visit. The use of recycled materials must also be commended on a scheme of this scale. Will it win? Maybe I think it may depend on how well it copes over the next few weeks hosting the Olympics.
So that’s your shortlist. Is The Hepworth Wakefield the best piece of recent architecture? For me it is but then I don’t choose the winners. Like many things it is all subjective and what you look for in a building may be very different to me. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
The winner will be announced on 13th October.
You can read by building review of the Hepworth from when it was just finishing construction here.