RIBA Prize 2016

Described as a “modern day Machu Picchu”, Grafton Architects’ Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia is named the world’s best new building by the Royal Institute of British Architects’.

Grafton Architects, UTEC – Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia, Barranco, Peru, 2015. Photo Iwan Baan, courtesy Grafton Architects

Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) inaugural global architecture prize for the world’s best new building, the RIBA International Prize announced today. The new prize recognises visionary public architecture and is open to any qualified architect in the world.

The winning building was designed by Irish firm, Grafton Architects, led by Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, and is a culmination of years of work by the practice. Grafton Architects were praised by the jury for creating an entirely new way of thinking about a public building and specifically, university campus, described as a “modern day Machu Picchu”. The university was established to give young Peruvians access to qualifications, professional opportunities and to encourage social mobility.

Other buildings on the shortlist are: The Heydar Aliyev Centre (Zaha Hadid Architects); Stormen Concert Hall (DRDH Architects); Arcquipelago Contemporary Arts Centre (Menos é Mais Aquitectos Associados); Museo Jumex (David Chipperfield Architects); the Ring of Remembrance, International WWI Memorial of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (Agence d’Architecture Philippe Prost).

RIBA Prize 2016
Winning project: UTEC – Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia, Barranco, Peru
Architects: Grafton Architects
Completion: 2015

RIBA Prize 2016

Described as a “modern day Machu Picchu”, Grafton Architects’ Universidad de Ingenieria y Tecnologia is named the world’s best new building by the Royal Institute of British Architects’.

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