NEO Bankside shortlisted for Stirling Prize
16 July 2015
The RIBA Stirling Prize is the UK’s most prestigious architecture prize. Every year it is presented to the architects of the building that has made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture in the past year.
NEO Bankside is a residential development adjacent to Tate Modern in London. It is comprised of 217 apartments across four buildings ranging from 12 to 24 storeys and set within a generous public realm animated by retail at ground level. Landscaped groves define two clear public routes through the site which extend the existing landscape from the riverside gardens through to Southwark Street and will act as a catalyst for creating a lively and vibrant environment around the base of the buildings throughout the year.
The form and positioning of the blocks was dictated by views and permeability, ensuring each apartment has the best views, without any overlooking. The distinctive external bracing removed the need for internal structural walls, creating highly flexible internal spaces and the winter gardens act as enclosed terraces which extend the living space.
As part of the wider scheme, the NEO Bankside development will deliver 132 affordable housing units, of which 125 have already been completed and occupied, with 7 more homes currently under construction by Family Mosaic Association due to complete by the end of 2015. Overall, there will be 349 homes delivered by the NEO Bankside development, of which 38% are affordable. In addition, as part of the section 106 agreement, a new area of public realm to the north of NEO Bankside has been gifted to the Tate Modern for inclusion in their open space.
RIBA president Stephen Hodder said.“Every one of the six shortlisted buildings illustrates why great architecture is so valuable – it has the power to delight, inspire and comfort us at all stages of our lives, The shortlisted projects are each surprising new additions to urban locations ... but their stand-out common quality is their exceptionally executed, crafted detail.
“From the simple palette of materials used on the Maggie’s Centre, to the huge repeating facades of NEO Bankside, every detail on every building, both internally and externally, is well-executed,” he continued. “Not only are these the best new housing projects, school, university, cultural and health buildings in the country today, they are game-changers that other architects, clients and local authorities should aspire to.”
The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the RIBA’s London headquarters on 15 October.