A STRIKING college building with an unmistakable twisted steel structure above its roof terrace has been short-listed for a top architectural accolade.
The Ben Pimlott building in New Cross has made it to the shortlist of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards 2005.
The seven-storey metal and glass structure, which opened its doors to students from Goldsmiths College in January, has already become a landmark thanks to the 9m steel “scribble” wrapped above its roof terrace.
The building was designed by internationally renowned architects Alsop & Partners and contains art studios and laboratories.
If it scoops a RIBA award, it will automatically be entered into architecture’s most prestigious competition – the RIBA Stirling Prize.
Two South London buildings have scooped the top accolade in the last five years.
In 2003, the Laban dance centre in Deptford by Herzog and de Meuron was given the honour. And in 2000, Peckham library, designed by Will Alsop, the architect behind the Ben Pimlott building, took the prize.
The Ben Pimlott is one of 51 buildings in the capital to make it on to the shortlist.
Other South London buildings that have made it through include the London College of Communication at Elephant & Castle and Kingsdale School in Dulwich.
RIBA head of awards Tony Chapman said: “The London region continues to drive ever higher the standards against which all RIBA Awards are measured.
“This is yet another record year for entries.
“London won the Stirling Prize last year, for the fourth time in nine years. It will be fielding a strong list of contenders again this year in a tough field. It looks like being an exciting year.”
The winners will be announced in June.
SOUTH London buildings that have made it on to the RIBA Awards shortlist are: Ben Pimlott Building, New Cross, Alsop Design Ltd by St Mary’s Garden Hall, Wimbledon, Terry Pawson London College of tion, Elephant & Castle, by Allies andMorrison Friendship House, Borough, by MacCormac Jamieson Prichard dRM Kingsdale School, Dulwich, by Albion Riverside Development, Battersea, by Foster and Partners.
By Greg Truscott, South London Press
www.south.london.co.uk