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LCF’s East Bank campus shortlisted for prestigious Stirling Prize

Two blurred figures walk down the curved concrete staircase at London College of Fashion.
  • Written byRebecca Munro
  • Published date 04 September 2025
Two blurred figures walk down the curved concrete staircase at London College of Fashion.
Reception area at East Bank, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Craig Palmer for Buro Happold

London College of Fashion, UAL’s landmark East Bank campus has been shortlisted for the 2025 RIBA Stirling Prize - the UK’s most coveted architecture award.

Designed by Allies and Morrison for University of the Arts London and the London Legacy Development Corporation, the building has already received both the RIBA London and National Awards earlier this year. Now, it joins an elite shortlist of six projects competing for the Stirling Prize, which recognises buildings that have made the greatest contribution to British architecture in the past year.

A vertical campus for the future of fashion

LCF’s new home brings together six previously dispersed sites into a single, 13-storey vertical campus - making it one of the largest centres for fashion education in the world. With 40,000 square metres of space, the building accommodates thousands of students and staff across disciplines ranging from journalism to jewellery, fashion illustration to footwear.

The jury praised the building’s “sophisticated cross section” and “rational plan,” which clearly zones the accommodation into a publicly accessible base, a middle teaching zone, and a communal area at the top.

A tailored architectural identity

Allies and Morrison were tasked with creating a 21st century workshop, its design was inspired by 19th century mill buildings common to many industrial cities. It is flooded with daylight and naturally ventilated, with factory-like steel-framed windows, internal atria for flexible learning, and terraces and roof gardens which build connection with the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

From its sweeping staircase and dramatic interior, the building offers an extraordinary space to inspire the next generation of artists, designers and creators. Offering panoramic views in the heart of East Bank - LCF sits alongside world leading organisations including Sadler’s Wells, V&A East and the BBC Music Studios at East Bank - which is due to open in late 2026.

The winner will be announced on 16 October at the Roundhouse in London.