LONDON.- The Royal Institute of British Architects announced the shortlist for the 2012 RIBA Lubetkin Prize, given to the best new international building outside the EU. This year’s shortlist recognises three exceptional new buildings in South East Asia and one in the USA.

The Guangzhou International Finance Centre in China, the tallest building in the world by a UK architect; the Solaris science research and development centre in Singapore, an incredible feat in green building; the One KL apartment development in Malaysia which cleverly tackles the humidity of the city; and Foster + Partner’s highly imaginative Sperone Westwater gallery in New York City, are all competing to win the prize.

The winner of the RIBA Lubetkin Prize will be announced on the evening of Saturday 13 October at a special event in Manchester (UK).

The full shortlist for the 2012 RIBA Lubetkin Prize is:

• Guangzhou International Finance Centre, China, by Wilkinson Eyre Architects
• One KL, Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia by SCDA Architects
• Solaris, Singapore by TR Hamzah and Yeang and CPG
• Sperone Westwater, Bowery, New York by Foster + Partners

Speaking today, Angela Brady, RIBA President, said: “On the 2012 RIBA Lubetkin Prize shortlist we have four highly experienced architecture practices offering sophisticated yet fun responses to complex sites. These cutting-edge buildings show the leading role that architects play in creating low-energy living and working spaces, even in extreme environmental conditions.”

The jury selecting the shortlist was chaired by RIBA President Angela Brady with architects Deborah Saunt, Cindy Walters, Philip Gumuchdjian and RIBA Head of Awards Tony Chapman.