COMPETITION

COMPETITION selection criteria and process

An Architectural design competition is one method of finding a design of quality. It generates a broad search for the best solution to a particular building opportunity. The architects who compete for a prize or commission each try to develop a design that answers the program requirements of the client/sponsor.

A design competition requires the following components:

• A conscientious sponsor

• An able professional adviser

• A clear and professionally prepared program

• A qualified jury

Planning the process is a vital task and a number of critical decisions are made during this stage.

The professional advisor should plan a detailed schedule of competition:

• Determining the feasibility of holding a competition

• Examining the sponsor’s preliminary program, site and budget to assure that they are sound

• Suggesting an appropriate competition format

• Planning the entire procedure

• Scheduling the order of events

• Preparing a budget for the competition

• Writing the procedural rules

• Preparing and testing the project program

• Writing the submission requirements

• Helping sponsor select the jury

• Securing from the jurors an endorsement of the competition program

• Recommending appropriate specialist consultants, if needed

• Planning for logistics and handling

• Writing a competition announcement

• Screening registrants for eligibility

• Mailing out the program to competitors

• Answering competitor’s questions

• Checking designs for compliance with program requirements

• Displaying the entries for jurors

• Submitting a report to the jury

• Assisting the jury

• Reporting to the sponsor along with the jury

• Installing a public exhibition of submitted designs

• Assisting in public relations

• Assuring that proper payments are made

• Assembling an archive of the competition

• Returning or disposing of the entries

• Remaining available for post competition tasks

When all the planning for an open or limited competition is completed, an announcement should be made in the public and professional press. To ensure that potential competitors have a sufficient amount of time to respond. The following items should be contained in all press releases announcing a competition:

• Brief description of the building or project for which submissions are sought

• Name of the sponsor

• Type of competition

• Number of stages

• Eligibility requirements

• Amount or prize money

• Whether or not a commission will be awarded the winner

• Names of the jurors

• Name of the professional adviser

• Schedule for registering and for submitting entries

• Amount of registration fee, if any

• Address to write requesting a competition program and registration form

Design competitions are a search for the best. The architect who is awarded first prize in a design competition for a project, but public and professional recognition as well. While the principal purpose of a design competition is to find the optimal solution to a particular building opportunity, the competition system helps both the profession and society discern ideas and talent.