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Elizabeth Line Takes 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize 

Elizabeth Line Takes 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize 
21 October 2024
 

The highest architectural accolade, the RIBA Stirling Prize, has been given to the Elizabeth Line.

The RIBA Stirling Prize jury called it “a triumph in architect-led collaboration” and “transformative, not only for London’s transport network but also for many people’s lives.”

But what makes the transport network prize-worthy?

 

A Brand New Typology for London

 

It’s partly the scale of the Elizabeth Line that makes it so special. Trains arrive on 40m-long platforms, each with east and west ticket halls, with a scale of tunnels never seen before. Construction of the line’s 42km of tunnels began in 2011, using eight large Tunnel Boring Machines that completed the task over four years. 

The line is also unique on the London Underground in that it operates surface-stock trains (similar in size to the S stock used on the Metropolitan and District lines) through underground tunnels in the city before extending to Berkshire and Essex above ground.

 

A Clear Design

 

The design on the Elizabeth has been described as “decluttered and calm”, with a clear visual language and a consistent material palette and approach to detailing. 

The aim of the design, a collaborative effort by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and Atkins, was to provide users with as coherent an experience as possible, create a familiar feel, improve comfort for cross-London travel, ease navigation and flow, and standardise elements. 

Neill McClements, Partner at Grimshaw and Lead Architect on the Elizabeth Line project told the RIBA Journal: “The use of sprayed concrete tunnel lining, as well as being safe and efficient, was a big influence, allowing the tunnel forms, from the platforms through to the connecting tunnels, exits and escalators, to be seamless.. We developed curvaceous junctions, opening up sight lines and improving passenger flows, with a continuous grid of lines flowing from one space to the next.”

 

London’s First Accessible Railway

 

The Elizabeth Line is London’s first accessible railway, with step-free access at every station. The platform's design also minimises gaps for ease of boarding. Tactile paving and clear signage assist visually impaired passengers, and trains feature priority seating and designated spaces for wheelchair users.

Picture: a photograph showing one of the main Elizabeth Line routes at Liverpool Street Station, showing the famous curved edges. Image Credit: © Hufton + Crow

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 21 October 2024

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