Great British Architecture: Remarkable Stories of Our History and Heritage by Daniel Wilson details the stories behind 86 buildings ranging from medieval churches and Tudor palaces to Modernist estates.

 

AI Overview

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) revealed the six-project shortlist for the 2026 Stirling Prize and the Great British Architecture book hits shelves in October. Key highlights include new structural innovations, massive restorations, and highly praised contemporary insertions merging seamlessly with historic environments. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The 2026 Stirling Prize Shortlist

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Stirling Prize highlights the UK’s best new architectural contributions. The 2026 contenders include: [1]

River Wing, Clare College (Cambridge): Designed by Witherford Watson Mann Architects, this new wing uses a prefabricated laminated oak structure seamlessly integrated into the Grade I-listed setting to offer a riverfront cafe and dining hall. [1, 2]
Paddington Square (London): Led by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, this major urban transformation project revitalized the public realm and commercial spaces near one of the city's busiest transit hubs. [1, 2, 3]
Bristol Beacon (Bristol): A massive refurbishment project by Levitt Bernstein that modernized the historic concert hall. [1, 2]
Other Contenders: Standout projects nominated for 2026 National Awards include BEAM by Bennetts Associates, Pembroke at Mill Lane by Haworth Tompkins, and A House at Fairmead by Sergison Bates. [1, 2]

Noteworthy 2026 Publications

For those looking at architectural history, the new book Great British Architecture: Remarkable Stories of Our History and Heritage by Daniel Wilson details the stories behind 86 buildings ranging from medieval churches and Tudor palaces to Modernist estates. [1, 2]