As part of our methodological process, we engaged a cohort of architects who had previously contributed to design competitions—both as participants and/or as jurors—for their perspectives on the contemporary competition paradigm. The questions, while not going into specifics, sought to understand the multifaceted dimensions of the design competitions. Read the article ‘Who really wins? — A Critical Look into Design Competitions in India’, authored by Anusha Sridhar, here.
We ask Jinu Kurien, Principal Architect and Partner at DesignWorks.
I would like to give some context to our practice’s relationship with competitions, before getting to the questions.
DesignWorks is an architecture and communication design studio that works primarily in four sectors: corporate workplace, real estate development, educations, and healthcare. There are two types of competitions that we participate in.
- First is a type of competitive bidding process for live projects that are organised by clients or on their behalf by project management consultants. Participation is by invite-only, where the invitation is extended after a pre-qualification process. This type of competitive bidding process is a norm for the awarding of corporate workplace interior commissions. Most of the work that we have done in this sector is an outcome of this. Other sectors also deploy this process, but minimally. The submission details vary from case to case, and usually includes design, technical and cost documents. The judging criteria also vary considerably. The processes involve multiple stages, and the time frame for the competitions is often quite compressed. Most of our experience is with competitions of this type.
- Second, there are open to all competitions that are for live projects or speculative briefs, and are organised by a wide variety of organisations. We have taken part in four such competitions, have won two of them. Both the competitions that we won were multi-stage competitions.
How have competitions shaped your practice so far or opened new directions in your work?
The first type of competition mentioned above is a regular feature in the practice, has been instrumental in bringing new work, and in the growth of the practice. Our experience with the second type is limited. However, we are keen to change this and take part in 2-3 such competitions every year. These open competitions are great opportunities to take part in the larger discourse of architecture and design, they enable new thinking and expressions.
For the studio, these competitions offer unique programs and contexts to work, often beyond the level of experience or expertise that we possess. This improves the diversity of work on the board, and also helps in taking some giant leaps.
What systemic flaws do you think are limiting the progress of competitions in India?
I can think of three parameters.
- First is the absence of a culture of open competition for architecture and design commissions. This culture will take shape and mature if the industry and fraternity consistently engage with competitions as a tool to award commissions and to generate design value.
- Second is a trust deficit in how competitions are conducted. There are several examples of questionable competition processes and outcomes. This could be related to the absence of a robust competition culture, which builds maturity over time.
- Third is an overwhelming presence of commercial, pay-to-win competitions and awards hosted by the media and event management companies.
Do you think competitions really empower and impact emerging practices in India?
In an ideal world, competitions should be fertile platforms for emerging practices in the country. At the present, these platforms are few and far apart. Consistent lobbying for a culture of open competitions can perhaps change this. However, it will face stiff opposition from counter forces which thrive on the absence of real competition.
If you could change one thing about how competitions are run in India, what would it be?
In general, I would like to see more competitions for public projects in India.
