NEW buildings in Oxford have been recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The Shulaman lecture theatre at Queen’s College and Somerville College student accommodation were today announced as winners of a 2012 RIBA Award.

They are among 58 buildings in the UK and Europe to receive awards and are in the running for the RIBA Stirling Prize for building of the year.

The £3m lecture theatre was completed in September and judges praised architects for creating a building that “conveys that rare quality of feeling as if it has always been there”.

New £8.5m accommodation at Somerville College now stands on the site of the old Radcliffe Infirmary.

RIBA president Angela Brady said: “What really stands out is that even in times of austerity, we can still deliver amazingly clever, high quality buildings that reflect the needs of today and enhance our daily lives.”

The Egypt Galleries at the Ashmolean Museum was recognised for its architectural excellence.