What does it take for a project to transcend from merely eye-catching architecture to a lasting, inspirational, nationally acclaimed building? The RIBA Stirling Prize, which awards the UK's best new building each year, has narrowed 2016's contenders down to a shortlist of six (two of which, the Weston Library by Wilkinson Eyre and Loyn & Co's Inside Outside House, were predicted for this list by Archinect's Ellen Hancock), which it announced today.

The list follows the National Awards and London Awards earlier this year, and comprises of some “usual suspects” shortlisted in previous years, as well as some newcomers; including previous winners Wilkinson Eyre and Herzog & de Meuron, and returning nominees Reiach and Hall, Caruso St John, and dRMM.

Nominees Michael Laird Architects and Loyn & Co Architects are relative newcomers, bringing (respectively) an education project and a private residence to the shortlist—the first private home to be nominated in 15 years. This year’s shortlist further distinguishes itself by being dominated by educational buildings: of the list, half are set within learning institutions.

Judged by a panel made up of Paul Monaghan, Roisin Heneghan, Rachel Whiteread, Mike Hussey and Patrik Schumacher (who recently wrote about his thoughts on Brexit for Archinect), the six shortlisted projects for the Stirling Prize were chosen based on their potential to be "the building that has made the biggest contribution to the evolution of architecture in a given year," according to RIBA President Jane Duncan.

“Every one of the six buildings shortlisted today illustrates the huge benefit that well-designed buildings can bring to people’s lives… they can breathe life and kick-start regeneration in neglected urban pockets; … they can give cities and institutions a new landmark to delight and draw in visitors, improve education potential, and increase civic pride.”

Duncan went on to note that “the shortlisted projects are each fantastic new additions to their individual locations—on an urban street, a city riverside, an estate regeneration, an historic city centre and a hidden part of the countryside—but their stand-out common quality is the inspiration they will bring to those who study, live, visit and pass by them, for generations to come. To me, this shortlist reflects everything that is great about UK architecture—a blend of experimental, artistic vision and a commitment to changing people’s lives for the better.” 

In no particular order, here are the shortlisted projects:

Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford by Herzog & de Meuron

The Blavatnik School of Government, situated within the University of Oxford campus, is described by the panel as a “contemporary new building in a conservation area [taking] the traditional Oxford quad and [tearing] up the rule book”. Herzog and de Meuron, who have already well established themselves as leaders in the design field, have previously won the Stirling Prize for the Laban dance centre (2003). 

City of Glasgow College, Riverside Campus by Michael Laird Architects & Reiach and Hall Architects

Looking north to Glasgow, Michael Laird Architects & Reiach and Hall Architects have created “a new icon on the skyline”. The new Riverside Campus for City of Glasgow College is one of the largest educational development projects in Europe, and combines both educational and public spaces to create a fantastic scheme, drawing together the city from its ‘gateway’ position in the city.  

Newport Street Gallery, Vauxhall, London by Caruso St John Architects

Housing Damien Hirst’s private collection, the Newport Street Gallery in Vauxhall is a fantastic example of contemporary architects working with existing buildings. It is the only project on this list to have worked so intrinsically with historical buildings. Caruso St John Architects’ design saw three Victorian workshops bookended by new buildings; “the five buildings now joined together seamlessly to create superb gallery spaces and a beautifully curated new street.” The gallery is very much open to the public, with current exhibitions free to visit. 

Outhouse Gloucestershire by Loyn & Co Architects

Private home, 'Outhouse’ by Loyn & Co, situated in the remote depths of rural Wales, is described by the panel as “exemplary” in its use of concrete and in its response to its context and brief. RIBA president, Jane Duncan, deemed this building “a fantastic model for a private house – one that delights its owners and responds exceptionally sensitively to its treasured rural position.”

Trafalgar Place, Elephant and Castle, London by dRMM Architects

As the controversial redevelopment of Elephant and Castle’s 1970s Heygate Estate marches on, one of the first schemes to finish is dRMM’s highly considered Trafalgar Place. This project saw “235 high density, high-quality homes set amongst retained mature trees and extensive landscaping; bringing a sense of tranquillity to a very urban location. Clever use of brickwork gives the new buildings an identity of their own; eight types of brick have been used, each one chosen to reference neighbouring buildings.”

The Weston Library, University of Oxford by WilkinsonEyre

Oxford’s Bodliean Library was once described as ‘unloved’ and ‘dingy’; very much overlooked amongst the rest of the campus’ architectural heritage. However, this Giles Gilbert Scott “grade II listed gem…has been transformed by a bold new glazed mezzanine to reveal to the public the treasures contained inside”. This renovation is a much needed breath of regeneration for the building; attracting students and tourists alike.

The winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced on Thursday 6 October 2016. What are your thoughts? Join in on the discussion with @archinect on twitter through #StirlingPrize

This coverage is a joint-effort between Abigail Banfield and Julia Ingalls.