Competitions are a tried and tested method for the procurement of design services. Competitive processes help identify and achieve the best possible solution for the architectural and structural challenges of the project brief. In addition to this, competitions also contribute to a rich and diverse building culture.
Generally, buildings do not stand alone, but are set within a built context of surrounding buildings. The built environment defines the public realm and sets the scene for important parts of our social life. Buildings are key contributors to creating spaces offering an attractive quality of life. Achieving these objectives requires careful design of the building’s interior and exterior, its building services, and its access to infrastructure and open space. Design competitions provide a structured and transparent process for clients to identify the designers best suited to the job. Competitions encourage creativity and the development of alternative solutions. At the same time, they provide an efficient means of improving quality and cost-effectiveness.
In Germany, design competitions are usually carried out in line with the RPW 2008 rules.