In selecting this year's contenders, the judges have been spoilt for choice

This is one of the strongest Stirling shortlists for years, with, tellingly, five of the six buildings publicly funded. As you’ll see below, it’s a game of three halves. The six buildings vying for the top prize in architecture, to be announced on October 16, are, in alphabetical order of practice name:

Manchester Metropolitan University School of Art, by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

Everyman Theatre, Liverpool, by Haworth Tompkins

Library of Birmingham, by Mecanoo

Saw Swee Hock Student Centre at the London School of Economics, by O’Donnell + Tuomey

The Shard, London Bridge, by Renzo Piano Building Workshop

Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Park, London, by  Zaha Hadid Architects

Library of Birmingham, by Mecanoo.

Everyman Theatre, Liverpool, by Haworth Tompkins.Credit: Philip Vile

Saw Swee Hock Student Centre at the LSE, by O'Donnell + Tuomey Credit: Dennis Gilbert

Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Park, London, by Zaha Hadid Architects.Credit: Hufton + Crow

Manchester Metropolitan University School of Art, by Feilden Clegg Bradley.Credit: Hufton + Crow

The Shard, London Bridge, by Renzo Piano Building Workshop.Credit: William Matthews

Half of the shortlisted practices are led by women (Francine Houben of Mecanoo, Sheila O’Donnell as  equal partner with John Tuomey, and Zaha); half are non-UK practices; and half of the buildings are outside London – or in London, if you prefer.

There are two international star architects on the list: previous double Stirling winner Zaha Hadid, and Renzo Piano in his first appearance here. Then come two high-profile overseas architects in the form of Mecanoo from the Netherlands, and – with multiple previous shortlist appearances, but never yet the top prize - O’Donnell +Tuomey of Dublin. ...Continue Reading

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