How to Win an Architectural Competition

Winning is easier said than done, right? The next few lines will give you a checklist to
follow that will guarantee you come out on top. As originality cannot conform to a set of
guidelines, the quest for uniqueness when considering the international aspect of a
competition may seem a daunting task however, if you want to maximise the
effectiveness of your entry, its best to take a few pointers from entries which have
actually won.
1. Select the right competition for you
Simply, dont be the guy who is interested in the parametric design and coding, and
then you go for an urban design competition, this is a complete different field!
Moreover, if you are a college student, then ideas competitions would fit you more
than competitions that have a legitimate end product. Whether the competition shall
result in construction or whether it just calls for ideas will have a big influence on your
entry. While civil codes and attention to the cityscape will be of great importance for
actual construction, idea competitions will allow for more outrageous designs.
2. Follow the brief, and exceed it
Once you have chosen which competition is right for you then go ahead and analyse
the brief meticulously ensuring that each statement is tackled in your design and then
taken further. Give the judges what they want and more. Research into the organizers
of the competition will help inform you further on what theyre really after as well as
their approach in design; however a derivative of any previous commissions should be
avoided. Remember, the intent of a competition is always to single out that one
innovative yet functional design.
3. Form that Functions
Many designers would probably overlook this point if the focus is directed solely on the
aesthetics of the entry. You have to very well understand the function of your intended
building and how the spaces perform best. Many other factors like; public interaction
with the building, landscaping solutions and basic design in terms of materials, spaces,
circulation and structure should not be an afterthought.
4. Design Charisma

This is obvious, what looks good is good. Ensure your design has a charismatic flair,
something that sets you out from everyone else. Large public commissions often seek
audacious concepts, with the knowledge that later refinements will ensure the project
can be grounded in reality. Relating to the purpose of your intended building and
finding a way to manipulate it into something communicative and attractive will ensure
that your concept will be appreciated by the judges as well as the public.
A classic example is the Sydney Opera House. Jrn Utzon was a young and relatively
unknown architect before his proposal beat 232 other entrants for the job. Eero
Saarinen, one of the jurors declared the design to be outstanding, an icon of creativity
in both architecture and engineering.
5. External Eye is important
The process of putting together a competition entry is intense, especially when
considering the timeframe allowed. The end product and how it is perceived must be
as clear to a new eye, as it is to the designer working constantly on it. By having a
guest critic, with no association to the project, giving a feedback on the content may
provide new perspectives that will benefit the entire work.
6. Presentation is the key
If all other points listed are followed, an eye catching presentation will ensure you
succeed and stand out from the other hundreds of entries. Be direct and straight to the
point, use clear and attractive imaging that explains your concept and design
thoroughly and quick. For judges faced with hundreds of entries, contextual images
are always advantageous, while flashy images used solely for the sake of aesthetics
may be considered inessential.
7. What will you get out of this?
The debate over whether architectural competitions are beneficial to architects or not
is ongoing, however despite this, there is no arguing that win or no win; you will always
get something out of the experience including a wonderful addition to your portfolio
that will surely attract prospective clients. Competitions allow for freedom of thoughts,
while giving the opportunity to focus skill sets often on urgent social and cultural issues
making example of your creative and versatile ambition.
Lessons from Competitions
Winner 1 Calgary New Central Library Competition

There were 38 submissions to this particular competition from around the globe. World
renowned Snohetta and Dialog ended up winning, and yes the high profile company
did take the gold, however a few other smaller firms including: KPMB and BKDI; Rex
and Group 2 were also part of the four shortlisted entries.

Calgarys New Central Library and Library Plaza Finalist REX & Group 2
Image Courtesy: www.rex-ny.com
So what made Snohettas entry stand out from the rest? In particular was its
REDEFINITION of the concept of a library, which in this digital era was deemed a
defining factor to alter peoples perception of libraries about their irrelevance
nowadays. Also, when having a look at the designs, no one can argue its direct
aesthetic appeal.

Calgarys New Central Library and Library Plaza Finalist REX & Group 2
Courtesy: www.rex-ny.com
Lessons learnt: dont be afraid to step away from the normal perception of a building
typology. Sometimes redefining it in a way that suits the project, location, as well as
concept will result in a worthy design.
Winner 2 Liget Budapest Museum Competition
Open competitions are great for architects who are still in the process of making a
name for themselves. The competition organised by the Hungarian State consisted of
not one, but four open competitions for the museum buildings within the framework of
the Liget Budapest Project on the territory of the City Park Budapest, consequentially
attracting nearly 500 participants. Three out of the four winners have been chosen and
include designs from Sou Fujimoto Architects; Vallet de Martinis DIID Architectes; and
Kzplettervez Zrtkren Mkd Rszvnytrsasg.

House of Hungarian Music Sou Fujimoto Architects- Image Courtesy: Sou

Fujimoto Architects

Fotomuzeum Budapest and the Hungarian Museum of Architecture

Kzplettervez Zrtkren Mkd Rszvnytrsasg
The jury of 36 experts evaluated the entries on their architectural quality and functional
planning; giving major importance to the buildings sustainability, contextual dialogue
and cost of implementation. Key consideration was given to building plans that spared
as much as possible the green park surface.

Museum of Ethnography Vallet de Martinis DIID Architectes Image

Courtesy of DIID Architectes
Lessons learnt: Analyse the brief meticulously ensuring that each statement is
tackled in your design and taken further. Give the judges what they want and more.
Research into the organisers would help in this aspect, as it will inform you further on
what theyre really after as well as their approach in design.
Winner 3 New St. Petersburg Pier Competition
A winning project might not be viewed equally by everyone. The competition for the St.
Petersburg Pier in Florida originally took place in 2012, however the winning entry The
Lens, by Los Angeles firm Michael Maltzan Architecture in collaboration with
landscape architects Tom Leader Studio, was so negatively received by the public that
the whole process was started over. The core argument against The Lens was the
preservation of the signature Inverted Pyramid design built back in 1973. Eight finalists
have now been presented to the public.

New St. Petersburg Pier Finalist Image Courtesy : ASD/Rogers

Partners/KSLA
Lessons learnt: To avoid any situations like that experienced with The Lens project,
get feedback and critique on your work before submission from third parties. This will
ensure that your project is appealing to the masses.
The underlying concept for all eight finalists; whether taken from the form of the
inverted pyramid in a literal sense, was creating a relationship between nature, the
past and present in a sustainable manner. With complex designs such as those
presented, its always a good idea to present clearly, the functional layout as well as a
feasible structural design.
Winner 4 eVolo 2014 Skyscraper Competition
If boundaries are not something you desire, then idea competitions are for you. The
eVolo magazine annual skyscraper competition calls for outstanding ideas for vertical
living using innovative means. First place was awarded to Yong Ju Lee for his project
Vernacular Versatility which reinterprets traditional Korean architecture in a
contemporary mixed-use high rise. The limits for imagination are inexistent; runner ups
to the competition include skyscrapers that investigate the structural use of carbon

dioxide; that filter the air of polluted cities and a 3D printed tower in the desert,
amongst other innovative projects.

2014 eVolo Magazine Skyscraper Competition Winner Image Courtesy of

eVolo.us
Lessons learnt: from Yong Ju Lee, we learn that innovation also translates into
transforming traditional materials and ideologies. There really should be no limit to
creativity in such competitions, and with the wide variety out there, the possibilities for
continuous learning and skill improvement are infinite.
Winner 5 Guggenheim Helsinki Competition

GH-121371443 Guggenheim Helsinki Design Competition Finalist

(Courtesy: www.designguggenheimhelsinki.org)
One thing is for certain; the competition for the Guggenheim museum put architectural
competition in the limelight. The 1,715 anonymous entries made available to the public
highlighted the fact that a flashy and out there design does not guarantee you success.
The four finalists chosen were handpicked for their sensitivity towards the
surroundings.
Lessons learnt: whether the competition shall result in construction or whether it just
calls for ideas will have a big influence on your entry. While civil codes and attention to
the cityscape will be of great importance for actual construction, idea competitions will
allow for more outrageous designs. The urban fabric, access and overall vision must
all play a role and it really is irrelevant to create a standalone structure.

To be a winner you have to think like one, however winning doesnt necessarily mean
you need to come first. More often than not, entries that receive honourable mention,
placing second and even third, receive great publicity and praise, while those not as
fortunate still get something out of the whole experience, including a wonderful
portfolio addition.

GH-5631681770 Guggenheim Helsinki Design Competition Finalist

(Courtesy: www.designguggenheimhelsinki.org)

GH-5631681770 Guggenheim Helsinki Design Competition Finalist

(Courtesy: www.designguggenheimhelsinki.org)