Niall McLaughlin Architects, the practice of Unit 17 tutor and Professor of Architectural Practice Niall McLaughlin, has been shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize for their building the Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre at Worcester College, Oxford.
The centre is a 'floating auditorium' crafted from classic Oxford stone and natural oak to blend into the established landscape of Worcester College. The RIBA's jury praised its 'classical spirit' and 'uncompromisingly modern style', its sensitive use of natural materials and elegant architectural design.
About the prize
The RIBA Stirling Prize, the RIBA's highest accolade, is awarded annually to the best building in the UK. It is judged against a range of criteria including design vision; innovation and originality; capacity to stimulate, engage and delight occupants and visitors; accessibility and sustainability; how fit the building is for its purpose and the level of client satisfaction. The winner will be announced on 10 October.
About Niall McLaughlin
Niall McLaughlin is Professor of Architectural Practice at The Bartlett, and unit tutor of Architecture MArch Unit 17 with Yeoryia Manolopoulou. He won Young British Architect of the Year in 1998, was one of the BBC's 'Rising Stars' in 2001 and his work represented Britain in the 2007 exhibition Gritty Brits at the Carnegie Mellon Museum.
His designs have won many awards in the UK, Ireland and the US, including RIAI Best Building in the Landscape and the RIBA Stephen Lawrence Award for the Best Building under £1million. His Bishop Edward King Chapel, Oxford was on the RIBA Stirling Shortlist in 2013.
Image: The Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre, photography by Nick Kane