RIBA has unveiled the six-strong shortlist for the 2026 Stirling Prize, its 30th anniversary year, with the winner due to be announced at Old Billingsgate on 15 October. 

Two of the six shortlisted projects are university buildings: The Dolby Quarter at Pembroke College, Cambridge, by Haworth Tompkins, with structural engineering by Price & Myers and MEP by Max Fordham and Joel Gustafsson Consultants; and River Wing at Clare College, Cambridge, by Witherford Watson Mann, with structural and civil engineering by Smith & Wallwork and services by Max Fordham. Witherford Watson Mann are the current title holders, having won last year for Appleby Blue almshouse in Southwark. 

Congratulations to both design teams. Two higher education projects among six finalists reflect the calibre of work now being delivered across university campuses - the kind of design excellence the University Design Forum exists to promote. 

We're also proud that University Design Forum trustee Tracy Meller, Senior Partner at RSHP and Co-Chair of our Comms Group, is serving on this year's judging panel, chaired by RIBA President Chris Williamson. 

Full shortlist: RIBA Stirling Prize