[Winner of the 2016 Bronze medal in Architecture, Independent Publisher Book Awards] This book comprises a series of 22 case studies by renowned experts and new scholars in the field of architecture competition research. In 2015, it constitutes the most comprehensive survey of the dynamics behind the definition, organization, judging, archiving and publishing of architectural, landscape and urban design competitions in the world. These richly documented contributions revolve around a few questions that can be summarized in a two-fold critical interrogation: How can design competitions - these historical democratic devices, both praised and dreaded by designers - be considered laboratories for the production of environmental design quality, and, ultimately, for the renewing of culture and knowledge? Includes 340 illustrations, bibliographical references and index of over 200 cited competitions. Keywords: Architecture / International competitions / Architectural judgment / Design thinking / Digital archiving (databases) / Architectural publications / Architectural experimentation / Landscape architecture / Urban studies

The Competition Grid: Experimenting With and Within Architecture Competitions is a comprehensive review of architectural competitions. Each section features international research overviews as well as lively discussions with experts that draw on first-hand experience of the competition process.

"100 richly illustrated projects displayed in this volume cover a wide scope of contemporary building types and concepts, that range from commercial to residential and educational"--Publisher.

Architectural competitions attract both young practices and established names. This book provides an opportunity for architects to gain information for their own reference in competition entry. It covers procedures in the administration of competition

Much valued by design professionals, controversially discussed in the media, regularly misunderstood by the public and systematically regulated by public procurement; in recent years, architecture competitions have become projection screens for various and often incommensurable desires and hopes. Almost all texts on architectural competition engage it for particular reasons, whether these be for celebration of the procedure, or dismissal. Moving on from such polarised views, Architecture Competition is a revelatory study on what really happens when competitions take place. But the story is not just about architecture and design; it is about the whole construction process, from the definition of the spatial programme, to judgement and selection of projects and the realization of the building. This book explores the competition in the building process as it takes place, but also before and after its execution. It demonstrates that competitions are not just one step of many to be taken, but that competitive design procedures shape the entire process. Along the way the book exposes, among others, one of the key evolutions of design competitions – that competition procedures need to be regulated in order to respond to public awarding rules and need to integrate an increasing amount of given standards regarding, for example, efficiency, fire safety and thermal comfort. These notions force competing architects to respond to inflexible and overloaded competition programmes instead of focusing on genuinely crafting an architectural project. If the architecture competition wants to be more highly valued as a design tool, it should pay attention to the iterative nature of design and to the fact that perspectives on the problem often change in process.

"Kaira Looro Competition - Sacred Architecture" is an international architectural competition which has as project theme the architectural celebration of the cult in a remote place on earth, where the shortage of materials and high-performing technology pushes the architecture to the branch of sustainability and integration with landscape and culture. Kaira Looro, that in Mandingo language means "Architecture for Peace", is not just architecture, but it also represents the link to a culture, a spirituality and research of interiority.Introspection, spirituality and divinity are the elements around which the sacred architecture revolves. The light and the lightness of the materials join sacred and profane, creating an architecture that, through spaces and forms, try to invite humans to an introspective research . This book collects and describes the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes and also 5 mentions and 10 finalists of the competition, nominated by the jury. The competition is organized by the Nonprofit Organization "Balouo Salo" with the collaboration of the University of Tokyo, Kengo Kuma & Associates, CNAPPC, Embassy and Consulate of Senegal, Sedhiou Government, the City of Tanaf and others. The sponsor Four Points by Sheraton Catania provided cash prizes for the winning projects. The winning project and the finalists are named by an internationally renowned jury made up of: Kengo Kuma, Ko Nakamura (University of Tokyo), A. Ghirardelli (SBGA ), A. Muzzonigro (Stefano Boeri Architects), R. Bouman (Mohn + Bouman Architects) C. Chiarelli (Arcò), A. Ferrara (Juri Troy Architects), Pilar Diez Rodriguez, R. Kasik (X Architekten), S. D'Urso (University of Catania), I. Gomis (Tanaf Mayor), I. Lutri (InArch), W. Baricchi (CNAPPC). The goal of the contest is to create a symbolic sacred architecture for the whole nation which can improve the precarious conditions of the project area. All proceeds, derived from membership contributions of the participants, are donated to the humanitarian project "A Bridge for Life" in Senegal, to save 80,000 people now at risk of survival. The book also collects 11 projects developed during the Kaira Looro workshop. These projects are focused on the traditional economies of the Casamance region and specifically the Valley of Tanaf. Each proposal, seen in the general master plan, will have to consider the guidelines based on local socio-cultural peculiarities. All of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the non-profit Balouo Salo.

What meanings do buildings and places convey to the people who use and visit them? Too often, design competitions and signature architecture result in costly eyesores that do not work. How can sponsors and clients get more meaningful results? In answer to these questions, Dr Nasar, supported by riveting studies of competitions and Peter Eisenman's competition-winning design for the Wexner Center at the Ohio State University, suggests the use of pre-jury evaluation (PJE). He shows the potential value of this approach as well as visual quality programming for many kinds of environmental design for which the client wants to convey certain desirable meanings. The studies, from those specific to the Wexner Center to those covering the scope of history, point to an alternative method for shaping the visual form of buildings, places and cities.