It’s been a busy few days as we’ve finalised our “Stirling of Stirlings” online poll, to find the best buildings of the past 175 years of the RIBA.

Only a bit of fun really, but you’d be surprised how seriously some people are taking it.

The whole thing got off to a flying start when The Sunday Times asked me to write a piece, complete with link to our online poll. So hundreds of votes flowed in straight away – plus the occasional reader complaining that no modern building was worth voting for, so how dare we insist on one vote for each of seven periods, including the present day?

These people use email and drive new cars and travel in planes. But they think buildings should all somehow be old. This attitude has always baffled me. It explains our nation’s enduring love affair with Tudorbethan. A few enthusiasts have tried repeated voting, but don’t bother, everyone – multiple voting patterns show up like a sore thumb on our data and we shall weed them out ruthlessly. One person, one vote, please. 

I won’t give anything away just yet – I’m writing this on Monday April 27, and voting continues until the end of Friday May 8. But let’s just say that in the “present day” period, there are two Silverback architects in particular slugging it out for supremacy, and it could go either way. Or both might be knocked out by a late-breaking rival – who knows? That’s up to you. I’m more interested in how old will match up to new in the final judging on May 10. 

By the way, our 49 buildings can only be a representative selection of the architectural riches of the past 175 years. There are lots of buildings I’d like to have seen on the list but edited them out to keep things from getting unwieldy. You’ll doubtless have your own nominations. If you feel strongly about this, just email us to say why you think such-and-such a building should have made the cut. The address is (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

And if you haven’t yet voted – get a move on! Simply click here to be taken to our online poll.

Hugh Pearman