How can the design competition in its current form contribute to the green transition? We've mapped the architecture industry's blind spots and common solutions - and point out 10 concrete ways forward.

The project in 5 points:

The project is made for the Danish Association of Architectural Firms and the Danish Architectural Association, which examines the role of design competitions in the green transition
168 professionals have contributed a total of over 23,000 free text words and more than 1400 suggestions, causes and conflict points
The results show a surprisingly high degree of consensus across professional groups - despite perceived disagreements
INVI's Chief Analyst, Sofie Burgos Thorsen, presented the main points at a seminar for Arkitektforeningen
In addition to the mapping, we presented 10 concrete ways to rethink competition - with a focus on collaboration, purpose and sustainability

About the project

INVI has carried out an analysis project for the Danish Association of Architectural Firms and the Danish Society of Architects focusing on the potential and barriers of the design competition in the light of the green transition. The aim was to investigate how the competition format can strengthen innovation, interdisciplinarity and sustainable solutions in construction.

The data collection included 168 qualitative and quantitative responses, which generated over 23,000 free text words and more than 1400 identified causes, solutions and conflict points. These responses included perspectives across multiple professions: from clients and engineers to architects and independent consultants. Despite the fact that project competition is often described as conflictual, the analysis showed broad agreement among stakeholders in the different professions on both problems and solutions.

The project culminated in a seminar held by INVI's R&D lead Sofie Burgos Thorsen, where 10 ways to rethink the competition were presented. The themes ranged from more idea-based formats and clearer winning parameters, to a call for dialog, interdisciplinarity and myth-busting

The anatomy of the wicked problem: Is the project competition really wicked?

Many find that the purpose of the design competition is unclear - both for architects and clients. The format places high demands early on in the process and often favors certain types of players and solutions. This works against innovation, interdisciplinarity and sustainability.
Across disciplines, participants point to more phased and idea-based competitions. Clearer winning parameters, a focus on dialogue and the involvement of emerging design studios are among the recurring suggestions. Several call for formats where competition becomes collaboration.
Misconceptions and myths create tension - especially between architects and clients. Architects feel reduced to aesthetics and "great art", while clients often lack insight into how architects work with complexity, sustainability and facilitation.
In general, the professions agree on the solutions and causes: If competition is to support the green transition, it requires structural changes in formats, culture and understanding of roles. The wildness of the problem is more about the many players that need to collaborate, but ideas for solutions are generally agreed upon.

How we did it

We used INVI's wicked Problems Model to analyze conflict points, causes and solutions behind the project competition. Through a combination of survey, free text analysis and conflict mapping, we identified patterns in over 1400 inputs. The results were unfolded and tested in dialog with the field at a final seminar, facilitated by INVI in collaboration with the Danish Association of Architects and the Danish Association of Architects. You can read more about the methodology here.

Mapping and analysis: 168 professionals across 7 industries contributed a total of over 1400 insights broken down by causes, solutions and conflict points

Data and interpretation: Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively and formed the basis for 10 strategic paths for competitive development

Dissemination: Main points were presented at a public seminar organized by The Danish Architects Association - read the interview here

Future work: The analysis is part of a broader conversation about the future of the competition and is used in the Architectural Association's ongoing work to strengthen sustainability and innovation in the industry.

Press releases

Interview: The design competition must be deconstructed - The Danish Association of Architects

Green ambitions meet reality: Can design competitions be the answer? - The Danish Association of Architects

The project competition holds lots of untapped potential - here's how it can be realized - Danske Arkitekt Virksomheder

Our team

Sofie Burgos-Thorsen (project manager)

Sam Rahbar

Mads Højmark Pedersen

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