The restoration of the iconic Big Ben tower in London has been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding architectural achievements in the UK. The ยฃ80 million restoration project took five years to complete and included repairs to the clock mechanism, changes to the color scheme on the four clock faces, and accessibility improvements like a new lift.
The Elizabeth Tower’s nomination is alongside other notable projects, including the Appleby Blue Almshouse, a social housing development in Southwark, south London, designed to reduce social isolation for older generations; Hastings House, a late 19th-century detached hillside house in East Sussex, extended with timber-framed rooms and industrial exterior features; the London College of Fashion, a 17-storey headquarters in Stratford, east London, featuring dramatic staircases and a shared “heart space” to encourage collaboration; Niwa House, a Japanese-inspired home in south London, built on a previously derelict plot, with large full-height sliding doors and glazed walls that blend indoors and outdoors; and The Discovery Centre, AstraZeneca’s medical research center in Cambridge, featuring cutting-edge laboratories and welcoming public spaces.
RIBA president Chris Williamson praised the shortlisted projects, saying they demonstrate architecture’s ability to address urgent challenges and enrich society. The winner of the Stirling Prize will be recognized for their design vision, innovation, and originality.
Image Courtesy: BBC
