2014 RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist is revealed

It's that time of year again. Six buildings were just announced for the 2014 shortlist of the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize for best new building in the UK. Each contender will be judged particularly for its design excellence and its significance in the evolution of architecture and the built environment.

They are:

• Everyman Theatre, Liverpool by Haworth Tompkins
• Library of Birmingham by Mecanoo
• London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects
• London Bridge Tower (The Shard) by Renzo Piano Building Workshop
• London School of Economics - Saw Swee Hock Student Centre by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects
• Manchester School of Art by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

The 2014 Stirling Prize jury will visit each building and select the winner on October 16.

Check out the buildings right below.

London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects 

"This world-class building was a fitting backdrop for the 2012 Olympic Games. Inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion, the undulating roof sweeps up from the ground like a wave to fold over the building and define two separate pools.  It is very beautiful; sensual with a generosity of space. The pure and powerful form is conceptually flawless; it will be a favourite venue for Londoners for generations to come."

Everyman Theatre, Liverpool by Haworth Tompkins

"After nine years gestation, Liverpool has a brand new purpose-built theatre of outstanding quality. The selection and use of materials has created an exceptionally tactile building.  This is a building that will age gracefully, continually enriched by the patina of daily use. It will both reassure and delight its loyal audience and those discovering this gem for the first time."

Library of Birmingham by Mecanoo

"Three stacked boxes adorned with a glittering filigree screen are the signature of this landmark, which makes a bold and transformative addition to the city. With formal and informal spaces for reading, relaxing, playing and participating in the library’s programme of events, it has shaken the traditional perception of a library, turning it to a place where families and readers can spend a whole day learning and engaging."

London School of Economics - Saw Swee Hock Student Centre by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects

"This is an object lesson in creating a surprising and startlingly original building on a difficult urban site. Every angled facet responds to the rights of light of its neighbours.  Formed as a continuous spiral rising upwards, the outer brick walls slope and twist, gouged with cuts and cracks that give light and form. The floors take up complex shapes, yet all the spaces feel natural and functional. This is a building showing a high degree of craftsmanship."

Manchester School of Art by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

"The major refurbishment of a 1960s tower and the creation of a new building with open studios and workshops has been executed with great skill and innovation.  Design excellence has been coupled with a visionary brief calling for staff and students to break traditional course divisions and work across disciplines. This is a building where the exploration of design and creativity will flourish."

London Bridge Tower (The Shard) by Renzo Piano Building Workshop

"1.2 million square feet of accommodation has been built on a small parcel of land directly next to one of London's major transport hubs. To make a tower on such a tight site a thing of great beauty is a rare achievement. Six uses occupy multiple floors: health clinic, offices, restaurants, hotel, residential apartments and public viewing gallery; to create a ‘vertical village’. The building is omnipresent in London and has added immeasurably to the city."

2014 Stirling prize Jury:

• Spencer de Grey – Chair (Foster and Partners)
• MJ Long (Long and Kentish architects)
• Cindy Walters (Walters and Cohen)
• Stephen Kieran (Kieran Timberlake)
• Sir Timothy Sainsbury

Previous winners of the RIBA Stirling Prize include: Astley Castle by Witherford Watson Mann (2013); Sainsbury Laboratory by Stanton Williams (2012); Evelyn Grace Academy (2011) and MAXXI Museum, Rome (2010) both by Zaha Hadid Architects; Maggie’s Centre at Charing Cross Hospital, London by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (2009); Accordia housing development by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios/Alison Brooks Architects/Maccreanor Lavington (2008); The Museum of Modern Literature, Marbach am Neckar, Germany by David Chipperfield Architects (2007).