LONDON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Six new buildings were short-listed Thursday for one of the most prestigious accolades in British architecture -- the 2017 Stirling Prize.
The award is given by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for what is judged to be Britain's best new building of the year.
The shortlist includes a development of six apartments in east London's Barrett's Grove, a subterranean extension of the British Museum World Conservation and Exhibitions Center, the redevelopment of Chatham Historic Dockyard, a new campus at City of Glasgow College, a restored pier on the south coast (Hastings Pier), and a new photography studio for German photographer Juergen Teller in west London.
"This year's shortlisted schemes show exceptionally creative, beautifully considered and carefully detailed buildings that have made every single penny count," said RIBA president Jane Duncan.
"Commissioned at the end of the recession, they are an accolade to a creative profession at the top of its game. Each of these outstanding projects has transformed their local area," added Duncan.
Duncan said half of the shortlisted buildings are visitor destinations, while the other half are intelligent responses to challenging urban sites.
"This year's shortlist typifies everything that is special about UK architecture: this is not just a collection of exceptionally well-designed buildings, but spaces and places of pure beauty, surprise and delight," said Duncan.
The winner of the architectural prize will be announced on Oct. 31 in London.
Now in its 22nd year, the Stirling Prize was launched in honor of one of Britain's best known 20th century architects, James Stirling.
