The £188m Library of Birmingham is in the running for this Thursday’s RIBA Stirling Prize – the most prestigious prize in UK architecture.

Constructed by Carillion, with project and cost management and M&E services by Capita, the library houses Birmingham’s world-class collections of archives, photography and rare books as well as a million printed volumes, the largest number held by any public library in the UK.

At 31,000 sq metres it is around 20% larger than the old Central Library building and is the largest public library in Europe. The ten-level library shares a spacious entrance and foyer as well as a flexible studio theatre seating 300 people with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Sited in Centenary Square it will, along with The REP and Symphony Hall, form a new cultural heart for the city.

The London School of Economics and Political Science’s (LSE) Saw Swee Hock Student Centre (SAW), has also been nominated.

Cost managed by Capita, SAW’s dramatic sculptural form and unusual perforated brick façade is home to the school’s Students’ Union and student-focused services and includes a faith centre, gym, bar and several cafes.

To vote go to