The Architectural Competition. Research Inquiries and Experiences

Edited book, 2010

This publication is an anthology featuring 26 papers presented at the Conference on Architectural Competitions organised by the School of Architecture and the Built Environment at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm from the 16th to the 18th October 2008.

What can be learnt from the Stockholm Conference? Firstly, whilst there is only limited research being carried out, at separate universities and institutions focusing on the study of architectural competitions in Europe, there is a vast potential for further research into how architectural firms, their affiliated architectural associations and the competition organisers can cooperate to improve competition processes and outcomes. Secondly, it has demonstrated that both researchers and professional practices can benefit from the development of robust, two-way communication aimed at both
dispelling the myths associated with the architectural competition and to test its perceived realities. For these reasons we hope this anthology will support the establishment and maintenance of a network that will promote communication between the various architectural competition stakeholders and further encourage the exchange of information and knowledge sharing.

The conference has demonstrated that scientific research into the architectural competition can offer a multifaceted field of study of significant importance to university based researchers, practicing architects and urban planners alike. By learning from the Stockholm conference, we can reflect upon the various research challenges that will occur in the future and rethink the use of competitions as a design tool to facilitate the production of innovative ideas, improve standards and the commissioning of projects.