Seven Irish buildings have been shortlisted for the prestigious World Building of the Year 2010, which will be judged at the World Architecture Festival awards in early November.

Over 55 countries have forwarded entries for the competition, with over 200 buildings nominated so far.

Two of the Irish entries were by international architect firms: : Dublin’s Grand Canal Theatre by New York-based Studio Daniel Libeskind (alongside Irish architects McCauley Daye O’Connell) and the Aviva Stadium by London-based Populous (with Scott Tallon Walker in Ireland) while the other nominees were completed by Irish architects.

Also on the shortlist is Scott Tallon Walker’s 250-bedroom Gibson Hotel .

An Gaeláras – Cultúrlann Uí Chaná an Irish language Cultural Centre in Derry and the Timberyard social housing scheme in Cork Street, Dublin also make the list of this year’s nominees.

The new Humanities Research Building in Trinity College Dublin also competes.

The awards organizers pride themselves on the fact that anyone is allowed to enter and compete for an award, from massive international practices to obscure local firms, the prizes are open to anyone.

A health centre in Waterford converted from a 19th century convent is the final Irish nominee for the prizes.

Those shortlisted will personally present their presentations to a panel of judges at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, from November 3rd-5th.