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 Khushru Irani, architect and founder of localground.
How have competitions shaped your practice so far or opened new directions in your work?
Architectural competitions provide a valuable opportunity to test one’s thinking and design approach, while also inviting external critique—something largely absent from architectural discourse in India. Through our participation in several national open competitions, we have consistently learned more about ourselves—not just in how we approach a project, but also through the diverse perspectives presented by other entries. Engaging in the process reveals our own limitations and habits of thought, offering a chance to reflect more critically on our work.
What systemic flaws do you think are limiting the progress of competitions in India?
Each national open competition in India seems to reveal a new and specific systemic flaw. Based on personal experience, a broad (and troubling) list includes:
- Blatantly manipulated outcomes, which not only undermine the credibility of prestigious national architectural bodies but also disregard the time, effort, and resources invested by hundreds of architects.
- Direct political and bureaucratic interference, often masked under a superficial appearance of due process.
- Arbitrary changes to competition terms after entries have been submitted and shortlists announced.
- Lack of political continuity or commitment to the vision laid out in the competition brief.
Until national, open competitions demonstrate a consistent standard of ethical conduct and transparency, they will continue to be met with scepticism and even disdain by the architectural community in India.
Do you think competitions really empower and impact emerging practices in India?
Competitions can be a powerful tool to empower and shape emerging practices—but only when conducted ethically. While there are numerous examples globally of young firms gaining direction and opportunity through competitions, such instances are rare in India.
If you could change one thing about how competitions are run in India, what would it be?
The most crucial improvement needed in the way architecture competitions are conducted in India is ensuring an unquestionable level of integrity—both in selecting the winning entry, and in honouring all commitments made, thereafter.
