This year’s Stirling Prize, the architectural equivalent of the Booker Prize, is the latest ceremony to fall victim to Covid-19 with the RIBA confirming it will not take place this year. It had been due to take place later this autumn.

Last year's Stirling Prize winner, Goldsmith Street in Norfolk by Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley. 

The prize, which recognises the outstanding building designed by a RIBA member, was won last year by Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley for the Goldsmith Street housing scheme in Norwich.

The RIBA said it had been forced to postpone the event, because the ongoing pandemic meant judges were not able to get around and visit the 226 projects that have been shortlisted for a regional award.

A spokesperson said: “To maintain the consistency and rigour of our judging process, all RIBA Award-winning projects must be visited in person, therefore it is unfortunately not possible to continue with this year’s awards.”

She confirmed the RIBA would not be holding two Stirling events next year to cover projects due to have been judged this year.

“All projects which have already been shortlisted for a 2020 RIBA Regional Award will be included in our 2021 RIBA Awards, which will open for entries shortly,” she said.

30 September 2020