UK practices among global finalists for AR Emerging Architecture prize

The international list, collated by the AJ's sister title the AR, includes up-and-coming practices working around the world, from Chile to Korea, among them, rising London-based stars Feilden Fowles and Scott Whitby Studio.

This year’s shortlist features architects interested in giving old structures a new lease of life, in building more equitable forms of housing, in experimenting with materials such as straw and bamboo, and in working with communities to preserve endangered landscapes.

Feilden Fowles has a growing portfolio of much-lauded projects, such as its 2019 Stirling Prize-shortlisted visitor centre for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Last month the AJ 40 under 40 practice submitted plans for a cultural and educational centre at Black Robin farm buildings in the South Downs National Park.

Scott Whitby Studio's work also continues to impress. Its revamp of Penzance's decaying 1935 Jubilee Pool was highly commended in the community and faith category at last year's AJ architecture awards.

This year the 15 shortlisted practices will meet in London and present their work to a jury comprising previous AR Emerging finalists Mauricio Rocha and Andy Groarke of London-based Carmody Groarke, as well as Dutch architect and researcher Afaina de Jong.

The 2023 shortlist:

• 08014 Arquitectura, Spain
• atArchitecture, India
• Atelier Kaiser Shen, Germany
• Aulets Arquitectes, Spain
• Bangkok Tokyo Architecture, Thailand
• Feilden Fowles, United Kingdom
• French 2D, United States
• Goffart Polomé Architectes, Belgium
• Grass+Batz, Chile
• Notan Office, Belgium
• Pihlmann Architects, Denmark
• RADDAR, Brazil
• Scott Whitby Studio, United Kingdom
• Studio Heech, Republic of Korea
• TO, Mexico

First launched in 1999, the AR Emerging Architecture award grants early recognition to young designers and celebrates the architectural stars of tomorrow.

Since 2018, the award has recognised a body of work rather than a single building, and aspiring candidates share a small portfolio of three projects with us: a completed building, a work in progress, and an idea. Early winners include Shigeru Ban, Thomas Heatherwick and Sauerbruch Hutton. More recently, the prize has been won by Carles Enrich Studio, Comunal, Avenier Cornejo and Frida Escobedo.

The winner will receive a £5,000 prize, and a second practice will be awarded the Peter Davey Prize, now in its fifth year and selected by the AR editors in tribute to Peter Davey, former AR editor and founder of the awards.

The winners will give a presentation of their work after the announcement and take home a specially commissioned trophy, designed and made by Alusid.