Stirling Prize Lecture | Exeter

Join us for the story of the Elizabeth Line, a sweeping triumph of form & function. 

Proving that the UK can still deliver infrastructure megaprojects with architectural finesse and engineering verve, The Elizabeth Line is a tour-de-force. 

‘Smooth, beautifully finished & cooly lit concrete linings, continues to delight in a capital whose infrastructure is often ancient & creaking’ Financial Times

Running across London from Heathrow Airport and Reading in the west, to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, it boasts 62 miles of track, 26 miles of new tunnels, 10 new and 31 upgraded stations including some 9 to 10 storeys below ground. The line carries 700,000 people every day, that’s over 200 million passengers per year.

The success of The Elizabeth Line, is the outcome of intense collaboration between the multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, lighting designers, wayfinding experts, manufacturers and suppliers. The project highlights the importance of a design-led approach, an approach which has turned millions of typically chaotic commutes into an ‘effortless experience’.

“The Elizabeth line is a triumph in architect-led collaboration, offering a flawless, efficient, beautifully choreographed solution to inner-city transport. It rewrites the rules of accessible public transport and sets a bold new standard for civic infrastructure, opening up the network, and by extension London, to everyone.” Muyiwa Oki, RIBA President & Jury Chair

What is it like to undertake a project used by millions? How do you make something so complex look effortless? How do you build a team for a marathon? We invite the Stirling Prize winning project leads to tell us their story of The Elizabeth Line.

‘The Elizabeth line has been transformative for people’s lives, highlighting the role design plays in elevating our every day’ Neill McClements, Grimshaw

Our events are open to the public, politicians, students & professionals alike. If you’re interested in the design of the world around us, join us.

Our Speakers

• Neill McClements, Partner, Grimshaw

• David Hunter, Regional Director – Structural Engineering, AtkinsRéalis

This event is presented in partnership with RIBA & Avalon Planning & Heritage.

The event takes place at Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Rd, Exeter EX1 1SN