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...Of those that made the final list, An Gaelaras by O'Donnell + Tuomey is my winner for its spatial qualities and well considered use of building techniques and materials that allow the building to work at a human scale without losing an overall strength of character (it reminds me of Caruso St John Architects Walsall Gallery of over a decade ago for those reasons). Both are reminiscent of the best buildings in the UK, Europe and parts of North America post second world war up to the 70s. Hopkins Architects Velodrome London would be my second choice for a formal clarity, technical resolution and intelligent use of materials that achieves character, rather than obliterating it in pursuit of 'simplicity'. The final list isn't a genuine reflection of the best buildings on the long list and I can see projects that didn't wind up in the final six that probably should have and probably would have made the final decision more difficult - setting aside considerations that fall outside of general architectural merit.