The RIBA reveals longlist for the world’s best building

We have been keenly following developments on the RIBA International Prize ever since its inaugural edition was launched in 2016. Spanning continents, building styles and typologies, this is the ultimate architectural recognition for design excellence across the globe – and Wallpaper* is partnering with the RIBA to follow the process and champion the worthy candidates once more.

The long list of nominees has just been announced, and it’s one that is varied, as it is rich. The prestigious award will explore buildings such as ‘a tranquil chapel wrapped within a forest canopy (the Sayama Forest Chapel in Japan) to the bold reimagining of a grain factory into a new contemporary art museum (Heatherwick Studio’s Zeitz MOCAA in Africa)’, explain the organisers.

There’s houses, such as the Cabbage Tree House by Peter Stutchbury in Australia; large-scale public works, such as King Fahad National Library in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by Gerber Architects; and commercial buildings, such as the BBVA Bancomer Tower in Mexico City, designed as a collaboration between Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Legorreta + Legorreta. The impressive list includes 62 masterpieces from almost 30 countries.

The award’s Grand Jury is headed this year by Elizabeth Diller, of New York-based Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The panel – also including Joshua Bolchover, co-founder of Rural Urban Frameworks and winner of the 2016 RIBA International Emerging Architect, and lay juror Wayne McGregor CBE – will now study carefully the candidates to create a shortlist, from which they will select the worthy winner late next year. The results of the RIBA International Prize will be announced in December 2018. We can’t wait.