Participation in Design Competitions

The gross of the footbridges designed is the result of a design competition. In design competitions, several designers compete with a proposal that responds to the same problem according to a defined set of rules where an independent panel of experts, usually called jury, evaluates the entries and selects the winning design. In the last decade civic participation in all its forms became more and more popular. It is therefore not surprising that participation can be found in all different stages of the procurement process for a new footbridge.

This article will discuss different ways of civic participation in the design process, more particular the competition phase. Prior to the launching of a design competition the client can organise a consultation round. Civic participation can also be found within the assessment/judging process, involved a public voting with or without importance. Civic participation can continue during the design process for example by workshops to give input to the designers or by a call for public submission for a name of the new footbridge.

The participatory mechanism incorporated in a design process can be an added value, but not at all times. The influence of civic participation on the design and even the outcome of a competition will be illustrated. Good and bad examples of participation in the design competition and process will be discussed. The do’s and don’ts from a designer’s point of view.

We address ourselves in an open letter to the contracting authorities.

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