Bookmaker William Hill puts Hadid at 6-4 favourite to win coveted architecture prize on Saturday, while commentators says Richard Rogers time has come
International architect Zaha Hadid is set to be the first solo female architect to win the coveted Stirling Prize - if odds released by William Hill are to be believed.
The bookmaker’s current figures – three days before the announcement this Saturday – reveal that Hadid is 6-4 favourite to win for her Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg, Germany.
In second place is the Brick House by surprise entry Caruso St Jean at 3-1, followed by the two Richard Rogers projects – Barajas Airport in Madrid and the National Assembly for Wales – both at 9-2.
Trailing in fifth place is Evelina Children’s Hospital in south London by Hopkins Architects at 11-2. Despite this, TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson will sit with Hopkins at their table at the awards ceremony Saturday. Jonsson is a regular at the hospital because her child has a rare heart condition.
Bringing up the rear is feted architect David Adjaye with his Idea Store – a new breed of library – in Whitechapel, east London coming in at 7-1.
But many architects don’t agree with the bookies, claiming that Richard Rogers’ time has come. The internationally celebrated architect has never won the Stirling Prize and many say if he doesn’t win this year, he may never will.
One industry insider said: “I think Zaha should win because it is a wonderful, forward-looking project but I think it will go to Rogers. He needs to win it at some point and I think this is it.”
Stirling Prize juries have been known to pick surprise winners. Last year, the Scottish Parliament won, much to the shock of the general public.
The jury this year consists of architects Ian Ritchie (chair), Stefan Behnisch, Martha Schwartz and journalists Mariella Frostrup and Isabel Allen.
