2012 Olympic Stadium LondonPopulous The Olympic stadium got some sniffy reviews when its design was unveiled five years ago – too plain, too ordinary was the general view. Now, plainness, simplicity and its economical use of steel are seen as virtues, as is the fact that it is partly demountable, and has found its way on to the RIBA Stirling prize shortlist. In theory at least, this should make it easier to reuse after the Games. It is also a handsome, confident-looking structure. The only problems are that its price was not quite as plain and ordinary as its appearance implies, while protracted struggles to find a new use after the Games suggest that it is not as adaptable as all that. These struggles are probably more to do with politics than design, however. Previous form (as HOK Sport, Populous’s former name): Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and sliding roof over Centre Court at Wimbledon

Photograph: RIBA