Now in it’s sixth year, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) 2012 Lubetkin Prize has been awarded to Wilkinson Eyre Architects for their Guangzhou International Finance Centre in China. This annual award is presented to the “best new building outside the European Union”.
Project Architect : Wilkinson Eyre Architects
RIBA President and judge, Angela Brady commented: “With exceptional vision and skill,Wilkinson Eyre Architects have given their clients and the city of Guangzhou an outstanding new 103 storey landmark. The tower’s diamond shaped structure, exposed throughout the offices, atrium and hotel, looks simple but is the hugely complex key to the success of this building. It not only allows the dramatic tapering atrium and raked floors but brings environmental benefits by using 20% less steel than similar buildings. Guangzhou International Finance Centre is a worthy winner of this important prize.”
The 440 meter Guangzhou International Finance Centre is the tallest building in the world by a UK architect. It’s mixed-use program includes office space, a luxury hotel and a top floor sightseeing area. At ground level, the tower connects with a substantial podium complex containing a retail mall, conference center and high quality serviced apartments. As described by RIBA: “The successful plan responds to the need for efficient internal space layouts and excellent environmental performance.”
Guangzhou International Finance Centre competed against three other outstanding structure. Wilkinson Eyre Architects were awarded the 2012 Lubetkin Prize this past weekend in Manchester. At the ceremony Stanton Williams’ Sainsbury Laboratory was awarded the 2012 RIBA Stirling Prize and christian pottgiesser architecturespossibles (CPAP) was awarded the 2012 Manser Medal for Maison L.
The 2012 RIBA Lubetkin Prize jury was chaired by RIBA President Angela Brady with architects Deborah Saunt, Cindy Walters, Philip Gumuchdjian and RIBA Head of Awards Tony Chapman.
