I always find the Stirling Prize interesting, partly as a way of following what is going on in architecture.
This year’s shortlist is going to set the final judges a nearly impossible task:-
The Queen Elizabeth Line is a massive infrastructure development, magnificent, on a huge scale, spacious and calm. Quite a remarkable achievement (although it still annoys me that they axed the second entrance at Whitechapel and disabled access is too complicated).
I am a great admirer of the King’s Cross development, laid out long ago and worked on over the last decade by multiple different architects to create a new urban quarter. Argent, the developer, deserve a prize.
Then, the new National Portrait Gallery is also very successful in the way it opens up the northern façade to create a new and much more generous public entrance on the Charing Cross road.
I like the look of the new housing in Hackney. I must go and look at it.
Only two projects outside London. Nothing in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales. Is architectural practice really so skewed towards London ? No private houses ?
How are they going to choose ? Maybe there are category awards, as there probably need to be. But publicity will want one winner overall.
I wonder if the bookmakers are taking bets. I think I would put my money on the social housing scheme.
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
While I applaud most of the redesign of the National Portrait Gallery, the new north entrance, while impressive from the outside, suddenly goes into a dark, narrow, confusing cavern where there had been a beautiful light and airy welcome hall.
Dear Richard, An intriguing comment ! Yes, I think there are some losses, as well as considerable gains in the new scheme. Charles