Groupwork founder Amin Taha has expressed his surprise at the studio's 15 Clerkenwell Close project being included on the shortlist for the 2021 Stirling Prize three years after it was removed from consideration due to a planning dispute.
Taha's studio Groupwork has been included in this year's six-strong Stirling Prize shortlist despite not being one of this year's RIBA National Award winners, which normally make up the prize's longlist.
The project won a RIBA National Award in 2018. However, unbeknown to Taha, it was removed from contention for the Stirling Prize that year due to a planning dispute over the stone used for the building's facade.
The building's inclusion on the shortlist this year, therefore, came as a complete surprise to the architect. Amin Taha (above) said he was "speechless" to learn that 15 Clerkenwell Close (top) has been shortlisted for the Stirling Prize 2021
"I was a bit speechless and confused until they explained it had been under consideration three years ago, but set aside for the planning appeal to be resolved," Taha told Dezeen.
"We aren't made aware whether a building is in final consideration until the shortlist is announced."
Being shortlisted "is simply a pleasure"
RIBA removed the six-storey housing block in Clerkenwell, which contains Taha's home and Groupwork's office, from contention for the prize in 2018 after the local council issued a demolition order for the building.
At the time, Isling...