Including projects from Zaha Hadid Architects and David Chipperfield Six finalists have been selected from the initial 30 that were in the running for Royal Institute of British Architects?s (RIBA) first-ever International Prize. According to RIBA, the projects ?demonstrate a range of innovative responses to the role of public architecture, providing major new additions to their contexts and communities.?
Open to all qualified architects anywhere in the world, the biennial prize is ?awarded to the most transformative building which demonstrates visionary, innovative thinking, excellence of execution, and makes a distinct contribution to its users and physical context.?
A grand jury chaired by Lord Richard Rogers of Riverside, the 2007 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate and the recipient of the RIBA Gold Medal in 1985, will now visit each building before announcing a winner in late November. Take a look at the final projects, then head to RIBA for full descriptions:
Arquipelago: Contemporary Arts Center by Menos é Mais, Arquitectos Associados with João Mendes Ribeiro Arquitecto in Azores, Portugal

Photo by José Campos via RIBA

Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid Architects in Baku, Azerbaijan

Photo by Hufton and Crow via RIBA

Museo Jumex by David Chipperfield Architects in Mexico City, Mexico

Photo by Simon Menges via RIBA

The Ring of Remembrance Memorial by Agence d'architecture Philippe Prost in Ab...