RIBA Stirling Prize: 20, The

The Stirling Prize is among the world’s most prestigious architectural awards. Named after the British post-war architect Sir James Stirling (1926–1992), the prize is awarded annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to the architects of the building that has made the most significant contribution in the past year to the evolution of architecture and the built environment. The list of shortlisted and winning buildings since the prize began in 1996 – including such diverse projects as the Media Centre at Lord’s Cricket Ground by Future Systems, Herzog & de Meuron’s Laban dance centre in Deptford, and the Maxxi National Museum, Rome, by Zaha Hadid Architects – reads like a primer to the very best of contemporary British architecture. Written by Tony Chapman, the RIBA’s former Head of Awards, this book honours all shortlisted and winning buildings from the first 20 years of the prize. Detailed commentaries explain how each winning building was planned and constructed, and reveal the thoughts of the Stirling jury; commentaries are also provided for the shortlisted buildings from the most recent decade of the prize, 2006–15. Chapman’s introduction considers the award’s history from its low-key beginnings to the present day, when the prize, indeed architecture in general, has a far higher public profile. Illustrated throughout with photographs, plans and drawings, The RIBA Stirling Prize: 20 is a true celebration of British architectural talent.