Since its inception in 1996, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has been awarding the Stirling Prize to the best of new architecture in the United Kingdom, with the majority of the winning projects based in London. Predictably, this year's RIBA Stirling Prize has recognised the design team of Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and AtkinsRéalis for the grand underground infrastructure design scheme of the new Elizabeth Line that opened in May 2022一a 42 kilometre network that carries over 7,00,000 passengers daily across east to west of London. Named after Queen Elizabeth II, the line-wide project is said to be the 'most significant contribution to London's transportation in over 20 years' and encompasses several interventions including 10 new central stations, renovation of 31 existing stations, passenger access and circulation tunnels, bespoke signage and furniture, lighting, material finishes and latest technology integration.

"Descending into the colossal network of tunnels feels like entering a portal to the future, where the typical commuter chaos is transformed into an effortless experience," said RIBA President and jury chair Muyiwa Oki, on behalf of the architecture award jury, on the futuristic design of the underground network. The design and construction of the grand scheme took 12 years of strategic planning and execution by the consortium of four companies that appointed different design teams across the central stations to ensure a cohesive identity along the network. Led by Grimshaw, the line-wide team was part of a larger Crossrail architectural design group, collaborating with several architectural practices across the 10 new stations.

Architectural features such as tunnel cladding and flooring were classified as long-life elements and designed for longevity, while technological elements of a shorter lifespan were immaculately embedded in the platform edge totems and screens that can be maintained and evolved. The glass fibre reinforced concrete (GRFC) cladding sits tightly upon the sprayed concrete finish of the curved structure, which stands twice as tall as the regulations of standard London Underground stations demand. The signage totems, station benches and lean bars were developed as components of the Crossrail project, designed by Grimshaw in collaboration with AtkinsRéalis and Maynard to ensure a clutter-free, low-maintenance and comfortable environment for the passengers.

Essentials such as lighting, speakers and CCTV surveillance were integrated into the signage totems for a cohesive identity and optimal wayfinding alongside the incorporation of new printing technologies for glass signage. The ergonomically designed, bespoke aluminium lean bar, tilted and curved on the upper edge for comfort, was tested by user groups with prototypes. Two variants of highly durable and low-maintenance station benches, one partially made of timber and the other entirely from stainless steel were designed with a modular approach to achieve desired seating configurations. Designed specifically for existing surface stations, the timber bench variant features arms cast in steel, while the seating and backrest are made of dually modified wood for sustainability and durability. Responsible for the lighting design within the signage, Equation illuminated the project's concourses with ambient, indirect lighting along the lower regions of the spaces and opted for direct, cooler lighting in transit spaces for enhanced visibility.

The excavation for the Elizabeth Line became a part of the largest archaeological digging in the country's history, unearthing several historical artefacts while being mindful of the existing foundations and services. The six million tonnes of extracted earth was utilised in creating a nature reserve in Essex and the project continues to generate employment and reduce congestion, contributing to London's growth. "The Elizabeth Line is a piece of infrastructure that has been transformative, not only for London's urban transport network but also for many people's lives, highlighting the role design plays in elevating our every day," says British architect Neill McClements, a partner at Grimshaw.

The subterranean environment of the public architecture is allegedly centred around a streamlined travelling experience for the passengers through ease of access. "It rewrites the rules of accessible public transport and sets a bold new standard for civic infrastructure, opening up the network一and by extension, London一to everyone," Oki mentions in the project's official description. The stations are indeed designed for increased accessibility, with seamless navigation from the streets to the platforms, as Oki notes. However, the same cannot be said for the train boarding experience across all the stations. Due to a significant oversight in coordinating platform and train height specifications, several stations, according to rail engineer and transport systems specialist Gareth Dennis, require additional ramps and assistance for passengers with mobility impairments.

Nominated alongside the sculptural housing scheme Chowdhury Walk, King Cross Masterplan, the accommodation compound of the Wraxall Yard for people with disabilities, the transformed building and public space of the National Portrait Gallery and project Park Hill Phase 2 that entails the renovation and extension of the heritage brutalist estate of Park Hill, London's Elizabeth Line一whether or not it is the 'best' of architecture in the modern times一is a worthy winner in its intent and execution. While it might not spark the most interest and discourse on the future of British architecture, the recognition of multiple practices for realising a project on such a massive scale could perhaps encourage and challenge stakeholders to be ambitious, comprehensive and future-oriented.