Building towards something

An architecture award that celebrates buildings with principled foundations is to be applauded.

The prestigious 2018 Riba International Prize, as well as honouring the world's most ambitious new architecture, highlights works that champion a social cause. Looking at the shortlist revealed yesterday, it seems the latter factor has come to the fore in impressing the esteemed industry judges, who are led by Liz Diller, the designer behind New York's High Line. Green architecture in the form of Stefano Boeri’s Bosco Verticale tower and a school that has aided a rural community in Brazil are two of the four nominees that have put the betterment of people first on their agendas. The biennial award’s winner isn’t revealed until next month but this announcement is already a victory for an industry that is too often pushed to put profit before principles.