Finnish architectural competitions: Structure, criteria and judgement process

The structure of the Finnish architectural competition system is examined to understand how a peer-review process works for the judgement and selection of the best architectural design. The evaluation of criteria in the competition process is clarified to determine how architectural issues are conceived and examined by the professional jury members. The thought processes of the architect-dominated jurors are elucidated; particularly design criteria connected with practitioners' tacit knowledge and experienced eyes. Open and direct interviews were conducted with seven architects who have direct involvement in the Finnish competition processes. They represent a wide array of practitioners' role at the board of jury, from the Finnish Architects Association (SAFA) which is officially responsible for arranging major architectural competitions to invited architect and design competitors.