Exemplary architecture from across the world
Projects from right across the globe have been selected for a prestigious award for architecture, the RIBA International Prize.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has revealed the 22 buildings that are now in the running for the fourth RIBA International Prize, which will be announced in November.
From private homes and subway stations, to museums and schools, each project is an example of the highest calibre of architectural response to social, cultural and environmental challenges, according to the organisation.
Showcasing architectural excellence across four continents, key themes illustrated include:
Climate resilience and connection to nature:
Examples include: Bundanon Art Museum and Bridge (Australia) by Kerstin Thompson Architects, in which a bridge housing a creative learning centre sits lightly above a wet gully, resilient to seasonal flood; Green Field Factory (Bangladesh) by Nakshabid Architects, which establishes a close bond between humans and nature while supporting the eco-system of the building’s surroundings; and Liknon (Greece) by K-Studio, which celebrates the ancient vineyard and natural landscape by allowing the intervention to embrace the sloping typography.
Creative reinvention and extension of existing architecture:
Examples include: Morland Mixité Capitale (France) by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin and CALQ, which transforms a previously introverted building complex into an open and accessible urban campus; Six Bricolage-houses (China) by ARCity Office, which renovated six houses to create a new typology of ‘bricolage architecture’ by inserting mini public spaces into the dwellings; and Veemgebouw (Netherlands) by Caruso St John Architects, which converted an industrial building, originally designed for storage, into a public asset with a mixture of uses.
Space for wellness, mindfulness and community through design:
Examples include: Punchbowl Mosque (Australia) by Angelo Candalepas and Associates, which inspired an entire city to use its rare public interior as a meeting place for all people; Sharanam Centre for Rural Development (India) by Jateen Lad, which creates a refuge of dignity and wellbeing for the poorest of the rural poor; and Shah Muhammad Mohsin Khan Mausoleum (Bangladesh) by Sthapotik, which endeavours to establish social harmony among all religions and groups through communal spaces that promote shared understanding.
Established in 2015, the RIBA International Prize is one of architecture’s highest global accolades, awarded to a building that demonstrates visionary thinking, originality, excellence of execution, and makes a distinct contribution to its users, surrounding environment and communities.
The bi-annual prize is one of the world’s most rigorously judged architecture awards, with every shortlisted building visited by a group of international design experts.
RIBA president Muyiwa Oki said: “Supporting and working with architects and practices around the globe to promote excellence in architecture is central to RIBA’s purpose.
“Now in its fourth iteration as an established part of the RIBA Awards calendar, the International Awards recognise and celebrate ambitious and impactful buildings across the world that create meaningful change.
“It is a privilege for us to reward this collection of the world’s most exceptional buildings.”
Simon Henley, chair of the RIBA Awards Group, said: “Each of these projects makes an exceptional contribution to its local area and demonstrates a stimulating architectural response to RIBA’s stringent social, environmental and design values.
“On behalf of the RIBA Awards Group, I am delighted to award and celebrate these exceptional buildings, their architects and clients across the world.”