LONDON.- The RIBA announced the 30 buildings it has selected to be visited by the RIBA awards committee this summer under consideration for the inaugural RIBA International Prize. These will be whittled down to 20 of the best buildings, after which six finalists will be chosen and visited by the Grand Jury this autumn. Setting a new global standard for architectural achievement, the prize will be judged by an expert panel led by world-renowned architect, Richard Rogers.

From hundreds of entries, the 30 buildings selected range in size and budget. Projects range from large urban infrastructure schemes to private residential projects; cultural destinations to civic spaces; academic buildings to places of worship. The RIBA International Prize will be awarded to the most significant and inspirational building of the year. The winning building will demonstrate visionary, innovative thinking and excellence of execution, whilst making a distinct contribution to its users and to its physical context. Unlike any previous RIBA award for architecture, the RIBA International Prize is open to any qualified architect in the world.

Billie Tsien, founding partner of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners based in New York City joins the Grand Jury adjudicating the Prize, chaired by Richard Rogers. Fellow jurors are Kunlé Adeyemi, founder and principal of NLÉ, Marilyn Jordan Taylor FAIA, the dean of architecture at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Fine Arts and Philip Gumuchdjian, founder of Gumuchdjian Architects and Chair of RIBA Awards.

Speaking today, RIBA President, Jane Duncan commented: “We have been delighted with the response to our inaugural RIBA International Prize, which has brought a huge range of exceptional entries from all around the globe. It will be fascinating to see insights from the judges and entrants into the power and value of great architecture, wherever you are in the world.”

Billie Tsien, Founding Partner of TWBTA speaking on joining the jury said: “It is a huge honour and responsibility to consider work for premiation. Of importance to me personally is the opportunity to recognize work of integrity, both aesthetically and in the value system under which it is made.”