In previous years, it has been the norm for singular buildings to have been decorated by the council, but this year the mould was broken and all 62 miles of track and 10 new stations were recognised as worthy pieces of infrastructure and architectural brilliance. After a long 12 years of design processes, the ‘Lizzy Line’, as it has affectionately come to be known, has certainly made an impact on experts in the field and the 700,000 passengers who use the network daily. Other nominees of the prize this year included the National Portrait Gallery, Chowdhury Walk in Hackney, and Park Hill Phase Two in Sheffield. But is the win a worthy one, or is it just another transport line with nothing to write home about?
Following the award, the president of the RIBA, Muyiwa Oki explained that this year’s prize aimed to recognise and communicate that architecture doesn’t have to be a singular building and in this way the network had stood out. The project was extensively praised for its intense collaboration of multidisciplinary teams including engineers, architects, and lighting designers, as well as for using a clear visual language and a strong focus on detailing.
The functionality of the network was also key to its success. Despite London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan having previously criticised the line for not meeting "consistently high standards" expected by Londoners, the line can turn a chaotic commute into a smooth and effortless experience. Delays and overcrowding on trains, which have been issues for passengers in the months following its opening, don’t take away from the project’s architectural prowess. The spaces are sleek and futuristic, and although they may not be the most visually impressive, they are encapsulated by an "extraordinarily complex architectural feat masked by an elegant simplicity"
Beyond this, the project has been labelled "architecture of the digital age", using technology throughout to create a distinctive experience.
Neill McClements, Partner at Grimshaw, one of the Collaborators in the project
Although other awards put projects like social housing at the forefront, the Elizabeth Line can be seen as a worthy winner for all of these reasons. The monumental scale of the project is great, but together with its accessibility and transformation of everyday transportation infrastructure, it highlights how architecture is so important to how we can elevate and improve our day-to-day experiences. It will certainly have a lasting impact on generations of people living in or visiting London. Just like we are all familiar with the Piccadilly and Jubilee lines, the Elizabeth line will fundamentally shape the way that people come to experience the capital.
