What is a Design Contest?
A Design Contest is a special procurement procedure in which design proposals are evaluated and awarded by an independent jury. It is primarily used in architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, and engineering.
Types of Design Contests
- Open contest: Any qualified participant can submit a design
- Restricted contest: Only selected participants are invited to submit (after a selection phase)
- Cooperative contest: Participants can refine their designs through feedback rounds
The Jury
The jury is the central element of the design contest:
- At least half the jury members must be subject-matter experts
- Designs are evaluated anonymously
- Pre-defined evaluation criteria ensure objectivity
- The jury establishes a ranking and awards prizes
Process
- Announcement: Publication of the contest brief and conditions
- Q&A: Participants can ask questions about the brief
- Design phase: Proposals are created within the set deadline
- Submission: Anonymous submission of contest entries
- Pre-examination: Formal and substantive review
- Jury session: The jury evaluates and awards the designs
- Commission: Typically, the winner is commissioned for further planning
Significance for Bidders
Design contests offer especially young firms the opportunity to compete with innovative designs against established competitors. Anonymous evaluation ensures equal opportunities for all participants.