RIBA Competitions Guidance for Clients T-Pylon “The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and National Grid appointed RIBA Competitions to organise a design ideas competition that sought to find the next generation of electricity pylon for the UK. The competition was an astonishing success attracting media coverage from around the globe and 250 entries worldwide, with many prestigious architects and engineers submitting their designs. Professional, knowledgeable, supportive, efficient and willing to go the extra mile – it was an absolute pleasure to work with the RIBA Competitions team; I cannot recommend them highly enough.” Cass Martin Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) 2 Foreword The RIBA is the UK’s most widely recognised provider of Guidance for Clients competition services with the expertise and experience to support Foreword 3 the process from initial client idea through to project commission. Introduction 5 Is a competition right for your project? 6 This guidance document for clients has been produced to set out The benefits of a competition 9 the benefits of running a competition and to outline the different Types of competition 10 Achieving the desired outcome 14 types of competition to help you decide the right route for you. Public Procurement routes 18 It also outlines the main practical elements involved in managing Case study Halley VI Research Station 20 a competition and explains how the process can work with RIBA Competitions 22 Competition Conditions 23 EU Procurement Legislation. The document is illustrated Case study The Whitworth 24 throughout with images of buildings and structures all of which Contact us 26 have originated through an RIBA competition process. Credits 28 The RIBA has supported the principle of architectural competitions since 1871 and is the only Institute in the UK to have studied the competition system in depth. Its historic, landmark headquarters building at 66 Portland Place was procured through a competition, as was its offices at 76 Portland Place in more recent times. Jane Duncan, RIBA President 2015–17 3 Bristol Arena Leventis Art Gallery, Cyprus Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories concept image Tristan da Cunha International competition to design a more sustainable future Langley Vale Visitor Hub, Surrey Windermere Jetty Museum concept image “RIBA Competitions and the architect adviser ably guided our Trust through the competition process for the Windermere Jetty Museum, which is an important project on a stimulating and sensitive site within the Lakeland District National Park. The competition enabled us to produce an excellent shortlist and appoint a world class design team led by Carmody Groarke Architects. The designs secured planning consent in 2013 and the museum is due to open in 2017.” Gordon Watson, Chief Executive Birmingham Centenary Square concept image Lakeland Arts Trumpet Drinking Fountain, The Royal Parks, London Introduction We all know good design is valuable, bringing immediate and This guidance is for clients lasting benefits, whether improving people’s lives, raising profile looking to select an architect, or generating income. But good design can become truly great design team or a design design when the aims and aspirations of client and architect are solution setting out the key well communicated, clearly understood and mutually aligned. elements for a successful A positive client-architect relationship is critical in fulfilling the competitive process. potential of any project and the use of architectural design competitions and other processes is an excellent way to begin. The first section describes the relative merits of the different This new RIBA guidance is written in two complementary parts – selection processes available to one addressing clients and one addressing competition entrants – help clients decide whether, in because excellent and innovative design should both serve clients the first instance, a competition and bring fair opportunity for designers. Establishing a balanced is right for their project and, if it and beneficial relationship between the two parties from the is, which process is most likely outset is key to every successful project. to help meet their objectives. The second part describes the process of running a good competition following best practice guidelines. 5 Is a competition right for your project? What is a design Why run a design competition? competition? Within the built environment, ‘design competition’ The appointment of a design professional is the However, a design competition can be a highly is the collective term for any process inviting single most important task when undertaking successful procurement model as it can help architects and other related design professionals a project in the built environment. Finding a prioritise good design and bring the highest to compete against each other for a commission suitable designer, even for a small private project, quality of thinking to a project. They have a or prize. Design competitions can be suitable becomes a priority from an early stage. reputation for giving the best range of design for a whole range of projects in the public and options to choose from at a fraction of the total private sectors such as: There are a number of ways of selecting a construction cost of a scheme. • urban planning and masterplanning designer, such as personal recommendation, • new buildings and engineering structures previous experience, research or existing A competition can be used to select a design • redevelopment and refurbishment works framework. However, a competition based on team including developers, a construction • landscape and public realm schemes. evaluating the relative merits of several designers consortium or a design solution. can give a client the best opportunity to make The majority of competitions involve the an informed selection. The competition system If you are unsure if a competition is right for submission and evaluation of project-specific is the only recognised formal process which your project then it is worth seeking further design proposals. For publicly funded projects, provides these specific benefits. advice from RIBA Competitions. Mentoring competitions must be organised to comply with advice is also available from previous clients public procurement legislation, if the value of A design competition offers many advantages, on request. the project or subsequent commission is likely but may not always be appropriate, for example, to exceed specified thresholds. Whether or not where a client already has a team with whom competitions are subject to public procurement they have a trusted, established working legislation there is still a need for a fair, properly relationship. scrutinised, well-managed process. 6 Saw Swee Hock Student Centre London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Shortlisted RIBA Stirling Prize 2014 “Involving RIBA Competitions allowed us to reach a larger pool of architects within the UK and internationally. The process allows a wider spectrum of practices to put themselves forward for consideration where they may not have otherwise had the opportunity. The LSE are committed to the design competition process and it will be the cornerstone of future major developments.” Kenneth Kinsella, Director of Capital Development, Estates Division London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 7 concept image New Scotland Yard “The decision to conduct an architectural design competition for the new Metropolitan Police HQ was influenced by the challenges posed by a refurbishment, turn-key project in the public sector. The professional advice and support from the RIBA Competitions team was especially receptive to the particular aspects of programme, finance, governance and procurement for this scheme in compiling the Competition Brief. The quality and volume of interest shown far exceeded expectations and has resulted in a building which meets all our requirements.” Roger Harding, Director Real Estate Development Metropolitan Police Service 8 The benefits of a competition Drive innovation, stimulate creativity Attract new design talent Raise awareness and generate a range of new ideas Competitions bring design talent to the attention Competitions can generate excellent publicity, Design professionals competing against one of the client that might not fall under their raising the profile of the client and the project. another is one of the principal advantages of a normal radar or knowledge base. This could They provide a useful platform for engagement competition over other procurement routes. They include up and coming designers as well as more and can help fire the public imagination, often are a tried-and-tested means of helping prioritise established practices not necessarily known for attracting significant media interest. good design from the outset. working in a particular sector. Save time and money Deliver more choice Achieve high quality design When considered against the whole-life cost of a Competitions offer the unique opportunity of Competitions can lead to more affordable, building the benefits of a well-briefed competition exploring a range of approaches simultaneously sustainable and quality designs. A competition can far outweigh the initial investment and in response to the same brief, allowing a client demonstrates a commitment to high quality deliver real value for money. to compare entrants’ creativity, understanding of design whether publicly or privately