Competitions Explanation

There are several ways by which an Architect may be chosen. One of these is by means of design competition. Competition is an excellent way to challenge norms and create the best in any enterprise. It provides the promoter the privilege of having numerous designs available for his selection. The project will gain from the creative minds of many architects, driven by knowledge that they will have to produce their best to have the chance of winning the competition. When conducted properly according to established competition principles, it will benefit both the promoter and participants and achieve a most conducive situation for all and in the process further enhance the built environment for the enjoyment of the general public, resulting in an improved quality of living. From the architect´s point of view, it will uplift the status of the profession, which will then further promote and encourage the development of innovative and exciting design ideas for the good of both the promoter and the general public. Design competition enables new talent to be discovered. It is also an excellent way for the established architects to build upon their profile and track record.

The reasons cited by the International Union of Architects (UIA) on why an international competition include the following:

Represent an era
(Georges Pompidou Centre).
Symbolize a civilization
(Prado Museum).
Generate international interest
(Alexandria Library).
Respond to new needs
(Bioclimatic Housing in Tenerife).
Highlight neglected themes
(Solutions for homelessness).
Encourage creativity and reveal talents.
Stimulate education and emphasize the role of architects.
Promote sustainable design principles
(Energy-efficient housing).
Reflect contemporary architectural trends
(Modern urban design).

The Value of Design Competitions

These buildings cited above are acclaimed to be better buildings in their own rights and demonstrate that design competitions enable the best designs to emerge.

For whatever reasons, be it the prestigious nature of the project, its cultural significance, or a desire to seek an innovative solution to a particular building use, design competition provides the best option to achieve the intended result. As enumerated above, competition has been employed in many types of projects, from housing, schools, hospitals, office buildings, to master plans, sports facilities, religious buildings, industrial buildings, and more. The benefits are innumerable both to the promoter as well as to the profession.

Design competition enables talents to be discovered and allows architects to build up their track records. Singapore has no natural resources, except human resources. Singapore must identify and nurture this resource. And the creativity of the architect is such a resource, which could be nurtured and developed. It is also an exportable service. Being a small country, we must look beyond the shore for long-term economic growth.

Design competition affords the opportunity for the profession to build the expertise to increase its competitiveness, to enhance its competitive edge for going overseas. Thus, we would like to encourage both the public and private sectors to use competition to achieve their goals of better designs and better buildings.

The advent of the Internet has allowed modern consumers to have a vast selection of choices to purchase a product or use a service. With this in mind, we plan to implement our business idea to offer choices to both the prospective client and competing architectural firms. This strategy allows the client to choose whichever firm caught their eye based either on design or fees. It also allows the firms to choose which jobs to compete for. There are many reasons that this idea will be beneficial to this industry. Here are just a few.

For the Client:

Many firms competing for your job for a small fee.
The choice of design from all participants.
An analysis of fees and costs associated with the project to compare with other participants.

For the Architect/Firm:

The ability to acquire jobs which were previously unattainable.
The allowance for young design firms to compete with more established firms.
A large database to search for desired jobs/competitions.
Minimized advertising costs.

The Service We Provide:

Clients need buildings and architects need work. A small fee for providing the "middleman" service to these two entities by establishing regulations, processing the jobs, reviewing the processes, and ultimately aiding in the development of a building is the base for our net income. Architects can enter competitions that are advertised in magazines, but we will be providing an invaluable service of connecting the right architect with the right client.