Manea Kella: What do the 2023 RIBA Stirling Prize and Stephen Lawrence Prize winners tell us about the current state of British Architecture?

Last week Manea Kella attended the RIBA Stirling Prize and Stephen Lawrence Prize 2023 winners' talk at the RIBA headquarters in London. The Stirling Prize is the most prestigious award in architecture in the UK. Set up in 1996 and named after James Stirling – a revolutionary British architect and Pritzker laureate, the award is aimed at celebrating excellence in the build industry. This year, the prize was awarded to the John Morden Centre John Morden Centre by M? Architects – a daycare facility for the elderly located in Blackheath in South London. The Stephen Lawrence Prize, set up in 1998 in memory of a black British teenager who was an aspiring architect that was tragically murdered in a racist attack, celebrates new talent in architecture. This year, the prize was awarded to the Lighthouse Children’s Home by Conrad Koslowsky Architects who have transformed a previously derelict 1920’s house in South-West London into a six-bedroom care home for children.

The new format with both winners attending one joint event resulted in a particularly insightful conversation as the two architects reflected on shared themes in the winning projects opening a wider discussion around architecture of modesty.

Following the announcement of the results, the Stirling Prize winner has come under scrutiny due to the building’s visually unassuming nature.[1] However, we would argue that although simple at first glance, the projects are incredibly complex in the way they respond to the brief and site whilst successfully addressing crucial social issues. Perhaps it is hard to judge a building without experiencing it first hand, as Alex Ely emphasized throughout the evening, describing John Morden Centre as extremely dynamic contrary to the tranquil atmosphere presented in the still photographs of the project. True appreciation for the meticulous attention and care invested in the Lighthouse Children’s Home becomes apparent only through intimate encounters with the building where seemingly inconspicuous details, carefully considered and thoughtfully incorporated, reveal their significance and quality.

So, what do the 2023 Stirling Prize and Stephen Lawrence Prize winners tell us about the state of the British Architecture?

We believe they reflect a shift towards a more socially conscious society. They spotlight architects who, beyond creating visually pleasing and intriguing projects, demonstrate a meticulous consideration for the effect the structures have on their occupants. Moreover, the recognition of this year's winners underscores a broader understanding of innovation in architecture. It goes beyond the realm of visually striking forms, extending to include clever approaches to building regulations, sophisticated historical references, and an overall commitment to sustainability.

In essence, the 2023 Stirling Prize and Stephen Lawrence Prize winners suggest a movement towards a form of 'slow architecture' that places value on intentionality, high-quality materials and attention to detail.

At Manea Kella we share and champion these values as featured in the Wallpaper* article 'Championing slow architecture with Manea Kella'. This movement favours an appreciation of crafts, simplicity, locality and sustainable architecture, ultimately leads to better buildings and improves the lives of people, say the studio's?directors Adrian Manea and Elena Kella :?‘We believe that thoughtful?architecture and design benefits society and is a force for social good – regardless of scale,?architecture has the potential to shape and transform society for the better.’?

The article has been written by Gloria Kostrzewa-Seyoum

[1] https://www.dezeen.com/2023/10/20/riba-stirling-prize-catherine-slessor-opinion/#disqus_thread