Glossary on the Latvia ADC system

Definition

the principle according to which competition projects are submitted and evaluated without information about the identity of the authors until the jury has made a final decision on the results of the competition

Description of the practical application / context

Anonymity affects the organization of the competition, providing for anonymous submission, centralized communication and disclosure of the identity of the authors only after the final decision of the jury has been made. Anonymity ensures an objective and professional evaluation of the competition entries, based solely on the quality of the proposed architectural solution, and eliminates possible influence on the decision of the jury.

Professional political contextualization

Anonymity means evaluating competition entries without revealing the identity of the authors, ensuring objective, quality-based and free from external influence-free decision-making, which guarantees a professional, fair and transparent result of the competition, while promoting trust in the competition as a fair process, as well as preventing corruption risks and unauthorized influence on the jury

Legal basis

Anonymity in ADCs in Latvia is ensured in accordance with the principles of the Public Procurement Law and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It is also laid down in the professional guidelines as a mandatory principle of the organization of the competition.

Definition

The competition documentation specifies the subject, purpose, tasks, design territory or object of the competition, as well as a set of requirements and conditions that determine the scale of the solution and the necessary level of detail

Description of the practical application / context

This affects the competition procedure, providing clear conditions for participants and allowing to prepare mutually comparable solutions that meet the customer's goals.

Professional political contextualization

In a professional sense, the scope of the competition defines the scope and complexity of the design task; determines the level of detail; ensure that all participants work in the same and clear frames; promote comparable and qualitatively evaluatable solutions; eliminates disproportionate requirements or insufficient task definition; help to define the impact of the project on the environment, public space and users; promotes an understandable and transparent task of the competition for both participants and the public; make it possible to control whether the requirements of the competition are proportionate and appropriate to the importance of the project; strengthens public sector ownership and strategic planning.

Legal basis

The scope of the competition has to be defined in the competition documentation, observing the requirements of the Public Procurement Law and the principle of proportionality. It may also be related to spatial planning documents and regulatory enactments

Definition

A creative, quality oriented, competition organized by natural or legal persons in order to obtain the best possible project idea, sketch or proposal for the optimal solution of the Competition task.

Description of the practical application / context

The architectural competition is one of the most effective tools for solving complex spatial tasks and creating a high-quality built environment. This is a professional process in which a spatial solution is sought, which at the same time meets functional, technical, economic and environmental requirements, as well as a well-thought-out choice of materials and construction technologies, compliance with the principles of universal design, integration of environmental and energy efficiency requirements. The competition provides an opportunity to compare several proposed architectural solutions and choose the best of them based on professional evaluation criteria.

Professional political contextualization

An ADC is a tool for achieving high architectural and urban quality that provides an opportunity to compare several solutions in the same conditions; be based on clearly defined quality criteria and expert assessment; promotes a creative and innovative approach while maintaining professional validity; oriented towards long-term quality, not short-term cost optimization. The ADC serves the public interest by ensuring a high-quality and sustainable built environment; ensures fair and equal competition between participants; strengthens public trust, as decisions are based on a transparent and professional process; allows society to indirectly obtain the best possible solution from a wide range of ideas. In the political and institutional context, an ADC is a tool for ensuring good governance in public projects; is based on the principles of transparency, equality, objectivity and quality priority; reduces the risks of political influence, lobbying and conflict of interest; allows decisions to be made that are justified professionally, and not politically or economically motivated; strengthens the legitimacy and credibility of the public sector.

Legal basis

ADCs in Latvia are organised in accordance with the Public Procurement Law and the relevant EU directives in the field of public procurement. In addition, the guidelines of the Latvian Union of Architects (LAA) and ACE recommendations are applied.

Definition

An ADC is applied in order to determine the best spatial solution in accordance with the competition task andrequirements of the design program, in order to find a cooperation partner - the winner of the competition, with whom, after a negotiated competition procedure, a contract for further design or development of planning works would be concluded

Description of the practical application / context

An ADC determines a specific type of competition procedure, in which a spatial solution is obtained and a winner is determined for further design. This affects the procedure by defining the structure of the competition, the nature of the materials to be submitted by the participants and the principles of evaluation, as well as the link with the subsequent conclusion of the contract and the development of the project.

Professional political contextualization

An ADC is a form of competition in which participants develop architectural sketches for a specific task, which provides an opportunity to compare several conceptual solutions based on clearly defined evaluation criteria, as well as ensures the transition from an idea to implementation, also choosing a future designer. A design contest is a professional mechanism for the initial development of a quality project and the selection of the author; an instrument for the qualitative, objective and legally justified development of public projects.

Legal basis

An ADC in the public sector is regulated by the Public Procurement Law, where it is defined as a design contest. This can serve as the basis for a future service contract.

Definition

The architectural solution quality is the spatial, functional, aesthetic and professional quality of the competition entry, which is evaluated in accordance with the task of the competition and the evaluation criteria specified in the competition brief

Description of the practical application / context

It determines the main basis for the evaluation of the competition for the comparison and selection of the competition entries. This affects the procedure by defining evaluation criteria and ensuring that decisions are made on the basis of professional quality and not on other factors.

Professional political contextualization

The quality of an architectural solution is a multidimensional concept that characterizes the ability of a spatial solution to meet functional, aesthetic, technical, sustainability and contextual requirements in an integrated and balanced way, while creating a high-quality and sustainable built environment. The quality of an architectural solution is a set of criteria that can be professionally evaluated and argued, and not a subjective aesthetic choice. Quality becomes an indicator of the well-being of society and the quality of the environment, as well as a tool for ensuring strategically based decisions.

Legal basis

Quality evaluation in ADCs has to be determined in the competition brief, observing the principles of the Public Procurement Law, especially the application of quality criteria.

Definition

An open ADC is an architectural competition in which any interested person who meets the qualification requirements specified in the competition brief can participate. Participation in the competition is not limited to a prior invitation and information about the competition is publicly available.

Description of the practical application / context

The aim of an open competition is to obtain a wide range of ideas and solutions, promote competition and ensure a transparent, democratic project selection process. The competition is open to all qualified participants without prior selection, ensuring equal access to information and open competition, as well as increasing the diversity and quality of the solutions submitted.

Professional political contextualization

An open competition is a form of competition open to all, without prior selection, which ensures broad professional competition, equal opportunities and transparent, quality-based decision-making. An open competition allows you to choose the best solution, regardless of the status or reputation of the author; allow the public contracting authority to base its choice on objective criteria; promotes diversity and quality of competition.

Legal basis

Open competitions are announced publicly, observing the requirements of the Public Procurement Law and ensuring equal access to information for all interested parties.

Definition

The selection criteria are objective, proportionate conditions laid down in the competition brief, according to which the professional qualifications and ability to participate in the competition (for example, experience, capacity, specific skills) of the participants are assessed.

Description of the practical application / context

The selection criteria apply in cases where a competition is organised with a prior selection of participants (limited competition) before the submission of competition entries, in order to ensure a qualified pool of participants and an efficient procedure.

Professional political contextualization

The selection criteria lays down the requirements for the qualifications and competence of the participants; ensures that professionals appropriate to the task participate in the competition; is based on objective and verifiable indicators; promotes the preparation of high-quality and comparable offers; ensures proportionality between the requirements and the complexity of the competition task; guarantee equal opportunities for all participants who meet the conditions laid down; prevent discrimination and the granting of unjustified advantages; allows the customer to base the selection results on objective criteria. The selection criteria are a tool for ensuring a professionally justified selection of participants.

Legal basis

The selection criteria are determined in accordance with the Public Procurement Law, observing the principles of non-discrimination and proportionality

Definition

Financial remuneration is a payment to participants set by the organizer of the competition for the work done in the development of the competition offer, which may include both participation fees and prizes.

Description of the practical application / context

The remuneration is applied in architectural competitions to compensate for the professional contribution of participants when the competition task requires a significant amount of work or when a competition is organised with selected participants.

Professional political contextualization

The remuneration ensures fair treatment of all competitors; promotes equal opportunities to participate in competitions, including for smaller offices or young professionals; prevents practices where competitions are used to generate ideas without adequate compensation; allows you to justify the cost of the competition as an investment in quality and long-term value.

Legal basis

The determination of remuneration in competitions is regulated by the competition brief and is based on the principles of fair competition and proportionality. In public competitions, it is also affected by procurement regulation.

Definition

the author's right to his creative work, which in architecture includes both personal (non-property) and property rights to an architectural solution, project or competition work.

Description of the practical application / context

The author retains all copyright in the competition entry, unless otherwise expressly stated and agreed upon the organizer acquires only material media, and not the right to use the entry. Unawarded entries may not be used without the author's consent Property rights can be transferred only with the consent of the author and for a fair remuneration

Professional political contextualization

Copyright in an architectural contest means that the entries developed by the contestants are the intellectual property of the authors, and the use, modification or disposal of these entries is permissible only in accordance with the author's rights and under clearly defined conditions. Copyright is the basis for the protection of professional activities and creative contributions, which serve as a guarantee of fairness and the sustainability of the creative environment. Copyright is also an instrument for legally correct cooperation with the author, promoting the responsible use of public funds.

Legal basis

Copyright rights in Latvia are regulated by the Copyright Law, which stipulates the protection of the rights of authors on competition entries

Definition

Voting in an architectural competition is a decision-making process of a jury commission, in which, after evaluating the entries of the competition, their rating, ranking and winner are determined. It takes place after a professional discussion based on the evaluation criteria laid down in the brief.

Description of the practical application / context

The voting is applied as a collegial jury decision-making mechanism, observing the following principles - decisions are taken by a jury, the majority of which are professionally qualified specialists; the vote is preceded by a discussion and an analytical evaluation of the entries; voting is done to determine the best entries and the winner; the results are recorded in the jury report.

Legal basis

The voting and decision-making of the jury is regulated by the competition brief, observing the principles of professional independence and impartiality.

Definition

Baukultur describes an integrated approach to the creation of a quality built environment, which includes the interaction of architectural, urban planning, landscape, social and cultural values. Construction culture is based on the creation of professional, sustainable and aesthetically high-quality solutions.

Description of the practical application / context

Baukultur' is applied as a basic principle in architectural and competitive practice, which means: Competitions are used as a tool for creating a high-quality environment, that takes into account the social, cultural and environmental context. Sustainability, aesthetics and functionality are promoted in a single solution. Decisions are based on quality, not just economic criteria.

Professional political contextualization

Baukultur is a set of public, professional environment and institutional practices that determine how the built environment is planned, designed, built and maintained, ensuring its quality, sustainability and compliance with the needs of society. Baukultur is an expression of professional quality and competence in the spatial environment, as well as an indicator of strategic development in spatial planning.

Definition

The architectural competition procedure, documentation and evaluation criteria are clearly defined and publicly available, providing open information on the rules, course and results of the competition

Description of the practical application / context

The principle of transparency is implemented by ensuring clear and publicly available competition rules, uniform information for all participants (questions-answers, minutes), anonymity in the evaluation process, justification of the jury's decisions (jury report), the publication of the results of the competition

Professional political contextualization

The principle of transparency means that the organisation, process and results of an ADC are clearly defined, documented and publicly available, ensuring comprehensible, traceable, objective and publicly understandable decision-making. Transparency is a prerequisite for professional and correct assessment, the basis of public trust.

Legal basis

Transparency is ensured in accordance with the Public Procurement Act and the EU Public Procurement Directives.

Definition

The competition brief specifies conditions that limit or exclude the participation of certain persons in the competition in order to ensure fair competition, the absence of a conflict of interest and compliance with professional requirements

Description of the practical application / context

Restrictions on participation are applied by stipulating that persons who are involved in the preparation or organization of the competition, members of the jury, experts or persons related to them, competitors who do not meet the requirements specified in the brief cannot participate in the competition in cases where there is a conflict of interest

Professional political contextualization

Restrictions on participation ensures that suitably qualified and competent participants participate in the competition; excludes entities who have a direct or indirect influence on the preparation or evaluation of the competition; eliminates unfair advantages between participants; helps to maintain a professional competitive environment where all offers are comparable in quality; ensures compliance with standards of ethics and professional practice. Restrictions on participation are an instrument for fair and high-quality professional competition, as well as for a legally correct and reliable public procedure.

Legal basis

Restrictions on participation are laid down in the competition brief and the Public Procurement Law, especially in relation to cases of conflict of interest and exclusion.

Definition

Rules defined before the competition for the selection of competitors for the competition with invited participants

Description of the practical application / context

The participant selection principle is applied in competitions with pre-selection of participants, competitions with a qualification test, in the second round of two-round competitions

Professional political contextualization

The principle of selection of participants means that in an ADC (especially in the case of limited participation), participants are selected on the basis of pre-defined, objective and proportionate criteria, ensuring professional competition and equal treatment. The principle of selection of participants ensures that competent and task-appropriate participants participate in the competition, based on verifiable criteria (experience, capacity, specific skills); promotes quality competition, where the submitted entries are professionally comparable; prevents both unjustified restrictions on participants and the imposition of excessive requirements; ensures proportionality between the complexity of the task and the requirements. The principle of selection is a tool for ensuring quality professional competition and a legally correct procedure.

Legal basis

The selection is carried out in accordance with the Public Procurement Law, observing the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

Definition

Violations or non-conformities are specified in the competition brief, in case of which the participant or the submitted entry is excluded from further participation in the competition.

Description of the practical application / context

The participant or the competition entry is excluded from further evaluation if the requirements of the competition brief are not complied with, anonymity is violated or there is a conflict of interest.

Professional political contextualization

The reasons for disqualification are the circumstances specified in the competition brief, in the case of the occurrence of which the contestant or the submitted entry is excluded from further participation or evaluation in order to ensure compliance with the competition brief and the fairness of the process. The reasons for disqualification ensures that all participants comply with uniform professional and technical conditions; excludes works that do not meet the competition terms or submission requirements; guarantees that only high-quality and correctly prepared proposals are included in the evaluation; prevents unfair advantages (for example, violation of anonymity or unauthorized communication); maintains professional discipline and the integrity of the competition; ensures fair treatment of all participants; promote fair competition and equal opportunities.

Legal basis

The conditions for disqualification arise from the Public Procurement Law and the competition brief.

Definition

Two or multi-stage competition is organized for large-scale or complex objects, defining in the competition brief the purpose of each stage, the criteria for the transition of participants, possible additional stages and the expected number of participants in the next stage

Description of the practical application / context

In Latvia, two- or multi-stage competitions are used selectively – mainly for complex and significant projects

Professional political contextualization

The competition of two- or multi stage is organized in successive stages, in which the concepts are initially evaluated, and in subsequent stages, the selected participants develop more detailed and refined solutions based on the instructions of the jury. A two- or multi-stage competition is a tool for developing a high-quality and professionally based solution for complex, multidimensional projects that require analysis in-depth.

Definition

Independent specialists with professional competence in a particular field, who are engaged in the preparation of a competition or evaluation of competition entries in order to provide an independent professional opinion.

Description of the practical application / context

Experts are attracted in complex or specific competitions in order to prepare a professional opinion for the jury of the competition, but do not participate in the final decision.

Professional political contextualization

Experts ensure the contribution of specialised knowledge and competence; help to evaluate solutions according to specific technical, quantitative and qualitative aspects; complements the work of the jury with analysis in-depth and reasoning; promote objective and professionally informed decision-making. Experts extend the evaluation of professional competitions to complex/specific issues.

Legal basis

The involvement of experts is specified in the competition brief and professional guidelines.

Definition

The total amount of prize money foreseen by the organizer is distributed between the prizes for winners and, if any, the recognition prizes in accordance with the competition brief

Description of the practical application / context

The total amount of the prize money is determined in the competition brief and publicly announced before the start of the competition, it usually accounts for the majority of the competition budget (approximately 65-75%)

Legal basis

The total funding is determined in thecompetition budget in accordance with good practice guidelines

Definition

The part of the competition budget intended for prizes and remuneration of participants, its amount is proportionate to the scale of the competition, the amount of work and professional contribution.

Description of the practical application / context

The prize money is determined in the competition brief and is distributed to the prize winners and/or remuneration for participation in the competition.

Professional political contextualization

The prize fund ensures that the work of architects in the competition is recognised and appropriately evaluated; motivates participants to develop high-quality and professionally based solutions; promotes a wider and more qualified range of actors, including experienced offices; ensures proportionality between the amount of work required and remuneration; strengthens professional practices where creative work is not considered as an unpaid contribution.

Legal basis

The prize fund is defined in the competition regulations, observing the principle of proportionality.

Definition

An idea competition is an architectural competition aimed at obtaining possible spatial solutions or approaches to an architectural or planning problem without a high degree of detail, and the result of which is usually not directly related to the subsequent conclusion of a design contract with the winner.

Description of the practical application / context

The idea competition has a significant impact on the procedure of ADCs, as it focuses on obtaining conceptual rather than ready-to-implement solutions, does not require high detailing, focuses on ideas, materials to be submitted with fewer requirements. In Latvia, the idea competition is used at an early stage of planning and for conceptual research.

Professional political contextualization

The idea competition focuses on a conceptual and creative approach, not detailed design; allows you to explore various architectural and urban building options; promotes innovation and experimentation without strict technical constraints; not directly oriented towards realization, but towards defining a strategic direction; allows the public to gain a broader view of possible development; promotes discussion of environmental quality and development directions; involve the wider professional community and, indirectly, the public; help identify solutions that best meet the interests and needs of society; promotes the formation of high-quality ideas for the development of public spaces and the environment; serves as a tool for generating ideas and studying the problem. A competition of ideas is a professional tool for finding conceptual solutions and studying development scenarios.

Legal basis

Idea competitions are regulated on the same principles as design contests if they are organised within the framework of public procurement.

Definition

The members of the jury and other persons involved in the competition act without personal, professional or property interest, avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring an objective evaluation of the competition entries.

Description of the practical application / context

The absence of conflict of interest in ADCs ensures impartial, fair and transparent decision-making, guarantees a level playing field. In Latvia, it is based on the ADC good practice guidelines and regulatory enactments of competitions, as well as is considered one of the most important quality criteria of the competition

Professional political contextualization

The absence of conflict of interest maintains professional ethics and credibility in architectural practice; exclude situations where the assessment is influenced by personal or professional ties; guarantees an objective and fair evaluation of competition entries; ensure equal conditions for all competitors; promotes the perception of the competition as a fair and professional environment; reduces the risks of corruption, lobbying and conflict of interest; allows the decisions taken to be based on objective and verifiable criteria.

Legal basis

Conflict of interest is regulated in the Public Procurement Law and other regulatory enactments.

Definition

Questions submitted by participants during the competition regarding the competition documentation and answers provided by the organizer are collected and made publicly available to all participants, ensuring equal access to information.

Description of the practical application / context

The Q&A process is an essential part of the ADC procedure, which ensures a clear and equal flow of information. The Q&A process is legally significant, has a significant impact on the results of the competition, but vague or late explanations can cause problems.

Professional political contextualization

Q&A ensures an accurate understanding of the competition task; eliminates confusion in the design program and requirements; helps to prepare better quality and comparable offers; ensures transparent and documented communication between the organizer and the participants, i.e. that all participants work with the same and up-to-date information; promotes a professionally correct conduct of the competition.

Legal basis

Communication is regulated in the competition brief, observing the principle of equal access to information.

Definition

A formal document summarizing the questions submitted by the competition participants regarding the ADC documentation and the answers provided by the organizer, ensuring their simultaneous availability to all participants.

Description of the practical application / context

The Q&A protocol ensures structured, transparent and equal communication during the ADC, serves as an official source of information and part of the documentation, which is organized publicly and anonymously in Latvia, applying the principle of equal treatment.

Professional political contextualization

The Q&A protocol is an official and public document that provides uniform, transparent and equally accessible information to all participants, guaranteeing a professional and fair conduct of the competition, which specifies and complements the competition documentation and the task; avoids risks and uncertainties of interpretation; ensure that all actors rely on an identical set of information; serves as official evidence of the course of the competition and explanations

Legal basis

Documentation stems from transparency and traceability requirements in the public sector.

Definition

An essential component of the competition procedure is the communication with participants which directly affects the transparency, equality and quality of the results of the process.

Description of the practical application / context

In Latvia, communication with participants is strictly regulated - organized centrally and anonymously, based on the principle of equal treatment, considered an essential element of the competition procedure

Professional political contextualization

Communication with participants is a structured, regulated and documented exchange of information between the organizer of the competition and the participants, which takes place equally, through official channels and in accordance with the rules of the competition, it is a basic requirement for the professional and correct conduct of the competition.

Legal basis

Communication is regulated by the competition brief and the principles of procurement.

Definition

Any ADC actions or arrangements that unduly reduce or distort free and fair competition between contestants (discriminatory requirements, unjustified selection of participants or collusion between participants).

Description of the practical application / context

Eliminating the restriction of competition is one of the essential principles in ADCs to ensure fair competition, quality results and a reliable competition process

Professional political contextualization

The restriction of competition (prohibition) protects free and fair professional competition, ensures the highest quality result rather than a manipulated outcome, and complies with competition law (prohibition of cartels) by prohibiting unfair competition.

Legal basis

Restrictions on competition are prohibited in accordance with the Competition Law.

Definition

A natural or legal person who participates in ADC by developing and submitting a proposal for solving a competition task in accordance with the requirements specified in the competition brief.

Description of the practical application / context

The competition procedure defines the qualification requirements for participants, who can be natural or legal persons - usually certified architects, architectural offices or teams consisting of at least one certified architect. The competition participant must meet the qualification requirements specified in the brief, observe anonymity. Contestants may not be members of the jury, experts or persons with a conflict of interest

Professional political contextualization

The competitor is a qualified professional or team capable of developing and submitting an architectural solution, in accordance with the brief, program and professional standards of the competition; assumes responsibility for the quality and validity of the submitted entry; respect anonymity, ethical principles and fair competition; participating in professional, fair and transparent competition, creating a result that is significant for society.

Definition

A proposal for an architectural, planning or other spatial solution developed and submitted by the competitor, which complies with the competition regulations and is evaluated anonymously according to the evaluation criteria defined in the competition brief.

Description of the practical application / context

The competition entry (graphic part and explanatory description) is a proposal prepared and submitted anonymously by the participant that meets the requirements specified in the competition brief

Professional political contextualization

The competition entry is a complex architectural proposal, which includes spatial, functional and technical solutions; reflects the author's professional knowledge, creativity and competence; is developed in accordance with the terms of reference, scope and requirements of the competition; is comparable to other entries in that it respects uniform submission conditions. The competition entry is the main object of evaluation and a proposal for a spatial solution of importance to society.

Legal basis

Entry requirements are defined in the brief, observing professional guidelines

Definition

The process by which the participants of the competition submit the entries within the time schedule and in accordance with the procedures specified in the brief, observing the requirements specified in the brief in relation to the form, scope, method of submission and anonymity.

Description of the practical application / context

The submission of competition entries is a strictly regulated and anonymous process that ensures equal conditions for all contestants and serves as a basis for an objective evaluation of the competition entries, the process is documented and legally binding.

Professional political contextualization

The submission of competition entries takes place in accordance with clearly defined technical and formal conditions; ensures that all entries are comparable and presented in the same way; includes requirements regarding the composition, presentation and manner of submission of the materials to be submitted; guarantees anonymity and transparent conduct of the competition.

Legal basis

Submission of competition entries is regulated by the competition brief and data protection norms.

Definition

A set of all documents that determine the purpose, task and procedure of the competition, including the brief, the design task (programme), the territory/object data, the requirements for the materials to be submitted and the evaluation criteria, which are binding on all participants of the competition

Description of the practical application / context

The ADC documentation is a structured and publicly available set of documents that determines the course of the competition and ensures equal, transparent and professional conditions for all participants, all contestants are provided with equal access to the ADC documentation.

Legal basis

The documentation is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Public Procurement Law.

Definition

A process in which the commencement of an architectural competition is publicly announced and access to the competition documentation is ensured, informing about the purpose, task, conditions of participation, deadlines and prize fund of the competition.

Description of the practical application / context

Competition announcement is carried out as a public and regulated process in accordance with LAA ADC guidelines and, where applicable, public procurement law. Competitions are announced through official websites of the organiser professional platforms, public procurement systems (for public projects). All competition documentation is made publicly available at the time of announcement, ensuring equal access to information.

Professional political contextualization

A call for competition is the formal launch of a competition, ensuring public access to information and equal opportunities for all participants to participate in a professional and transparent process. The call for competition establishes a single starting point for all participants; includes access to competition documentation, deadlines and procedures; promotes fair competition and diversity of participants; complies with the principles of public procurement

Legal basis

The announcement of the competition takes place in accordance with the public procurement framework and the requirements for the publication of information.

Definition

The main document of the ADC documentation, which regulates the organization of the competition, determines the conditions for participation, the procedure for conducting, the requirements for the materials to be submitted, deadlines and evaluation criteria.

Description of the practical application / context

The competition brief is applied as the main regulatory document of the ADC, which determines the purpose and task of the competition, the conditions for participation, requirements for the materials to be submitted, evaluation criteria, principles of jury work. The rules of the competition are published with the announcement of the competition, all participants are provided with equal access. Brief is a legally and professionally binding document that defines the entire ADC procedure.

Legal basis

Thecompetition brief is a legally binding document that determines the procedures and requirements of the competition.

Definition

A natural or legal person (contracting authority) who initiates, prepares and ensures the conduct of an architectural competition, including the development of competition documentation, organizes the process and is responsible for its compliance with the rules.

Description of the practical application / context

The organizer of the competition is usually the contracting authority (state, local government or private developer) who develops and publishes the competition documentation, ensures the financing of the competition and the prize fund, organizes the entire competition process. Organizer of the competition often cooperates with LAA, which advises and helps ensure the quality of the competition.

Professional political contextualization

The organizer of the competition develops and ensures high-quality documentation of the competition; organises the ADC procedure and deadlines; provides communication with participants (Q&A process); takes care of anonymity, equality and respect for the rules; provides administrative support for the work of the jury. The organiser of the competition within the meaning of the LAA guidelines is an institution or a person that ensures the preparation and conduct of the competition, guaranteeing a professional, fair and transparent process in the public interest.

Definition

The stage of organizing the competition, in which the goal and task of the competition are defined, the competition documentation is prepared, the evaluation criteria are determined, the jury is formed, and the competition budget and procedure are developed

Description of the practical application / context

The preparation of the competition is a structured and professionally guided process based on LAA ADC guidelines and, in public projects, public procurement regulations. The client (contracting authority) defines the project objectives and scope, selects the appropriate competition type, and ensures the preparation of complete competition documentation, including the brief, requirements, and evaluation criteria. Experts and consultants are often involved to improve the quality of the task and documentation. The preparation phase also includes defining the competition budget and prize money, ensuring proportionality to the scope of work.

Professional political contextualization

The preparation of the competition includes the definition of the design task and scope; ensures the development of high-quality competition documentation; establish evaluation criteria and procedures; organizes the composition of the jury and the involvement of experts; provides for realistic deadlines, requirements and amount of work. Preparation of the competition is the basis and prerequisite for a high-quality competition for a good result.

Legal basis

Preparation is carried out in accordance with regulatory enactments and professional guidelines.

Definition

A natural or legal person who proposes an architectural competition, determines its purpose and finances its course with the aim of obtaining the best solution for a particular project.

Description of the practical application / context

The contracting authority of the competition (usually - a state or local government institution, public institution, private developer or investor) is the main initiating and financing party, which determines the objective of the competition and is responsible for the use of the result and the further development of the project.

Professional political contextualization

The contracting authority defines the task, scope and requirements of the competition; ensures the financing of the competition (prize fund and remuneration); selects or authorises the organiser of the competition and the jury; ensures that the competition is organised in accordance with professional standards and guidelines; takes responsibility for the further use of the result and the development of the project.

Legal basis

The contracting authority operates in accordance with the public procurement and construction regulations.

Definition

Competition results are determined on the basis of the jury decision and include the evaluation of the competition entries, the distribution of awarded places, the prizes and the winner of the competition. The competition results after the jury conclusion are publicly announced in accordance with the procedures specified in the competition brief, publishing the winners, the distribution of prizes, the jury report and the authors of the competition entries.

Description of the practical application / context

The competition results are determined on the basis of an independent decision of the jury and include the awarding of prizes and the determination of the winner. After the conclusion of the work of the jury, the results are publicly announced in accordance with the procedures specified in the competition brief. The publication of the results includes the announcement of the winners and prize winners, the distribution of prizes, the publication of the jury report and the announcement of the competition entry authors after the opening of the mottos. In addition, within the framework of good practice, the results of the competition are respected, providing a basis for further cooperation with the winner and the possibility of implementing the solution.

Professional political contextualization

The results of the competition are based on predefined evaluation criteria; reflect the professional assessment and reasoning of the jury; identifies the highest quality architectural solution; include the justification for the assessment and recommendations for further development; serves as a basis for the further development or implementation of the project; promote confidence in the competition system where the decision is comprehensible and reasoned; creates a public debate on the quality of architecture; provides the public with the best possible solution from those offered. The results of the competition are an official and documented decision of the jury, which justifies further actions; ensure transparent and traceable decision-making; be based on objective and publicly verifiable criteria; reduces the risks of subjective or politically motivated decisions; strengthens the legitimacy and accountability of the public sector.

Definition

The process by which, after the decision of the jury the results of the competition are publicly announced in accordance with the procedure laid down in the competition brief, including the distribution of the winners, the prize places, the jury report and the disclosure of the authors of the competition entries

Description of the practical application / context

The results of the competition are publicly announced in accordance with the procedures laid down in the competition brief, usually including the winner, the winners of the prizes, the distribution of prizes and the report of the jury. The identity of the authors of the competition entries is revealed by opening the mottos.

Professional political contextualization

Announcing the results of the competition in the LAA guidelines is a transparent and public process that ensures the communication of professionally justified decisions, strengthens public trust and complies with regulatory requirements.

Legal basis

In Latvian legislation, the announcement of the results of the competition is a mandatory and legally regulated process, which provides for informing participants, making the results public, documenting the jury's decision and the possibility to contest it, ensuring transparency and equal treatment.

Definition

The competition task defines the purpose, subject and main design regulatory requirements of the competition. The competition task serves as the basis for the development of comparable, high-quality and professionally justified solutions. The competition task is clear, unambiguous and contains only the minimum necessary mandatory requirements.

Description of the practical application / context

The competition task serves as a basis for the development of comparable, high-quality and professionally based solutions, it is typically prepared by the client, often in collaboration with experts or consultants, and includes functional, spatial, and technical requirements, as well as site-specific conditions. The level of detail depends on the competition type: it is more general in idea competitions and more detailed in design (metu) competitions. Well-defined ADC task is considered essential for ensuring comparable, high-quality submissions and reducing ambiguity.

Professional political contextualization

The task of the competition determines the design goals and the main issues to be solved; defines functional, spatial and technical requirements; provides a clear scope and level of entry detail; serves as a basis for the development of comparable and high-quality solutions; form a structure for the application of the evaluation criteria. The task of the competition is the main professional framework for the development of a solution.

Legal basis

The task is defined in the competition documentation, observing the requirements of regulatory enactments.

Definition

A natural or legal person who has won the first place in the competition and, if it is provided in the brief, acquires the right to commence cooperation on the further development or implementation of the project. There may be several winners in idea competitions.

Description of the practical application / context

The competition winner is defined as the participant whose proposal is ranked first by the jury and, as mentioned in the competition brief, is granted the right to proceed with further project development or enter into negotiations with the client. In ADCs, the winner is typically offered a contract for further design stages. In idea competitions, however, multiple winners may be selected, as the aim is to explore different concepts rather than ensure project implementation. If no agreement can be reached with the first-place winner, the client may proceed with another awarded participant.

Legal basis

The choice of the winner may be the basis for the conclusion of the contract in accordance with the procurement regulation.

Definition

A professional competition in which participants submit solutions to a specific task, and the jury, based on predefined criteria, selects the best proposal

Description of the practical application / context

In Latvia, the competition is used to obtain architectural and urban planning solutions. ADCs are organised in accordance with the LAA competition guidelines and, in public cases, the Public Procurement Law. They provide multi-solution comparison, professional jury evaluation, transparent and equal process. In practice, competitions are held for both public and private projects

Professional political contextualization

ADC is a tool for obtaining the highest quality architectural or urban construction solutions; ensures a comparison of several alternatives under the same conditions; be based on clearly defined evaluation criteria and expertise; promotes creativity, innovation and professional competition; oriented towards long-term quality, and not just price. The competition is a professional mechanism for choosing the best solution.

Legal basis

The competition is regulated by public procurement law and LAA professional guidelines.

Definition

A competition involving a limited number of participants selected in advance on the basis of certain qualification or selection criteria.

Description of the practical application / context

The competition with selected participants is used in cases where high professional competence or specific experience is required. Participants are selected on the basis of qualification criteria (experience, implemented projects, etc.), the selection is carried out before the competition, ensuring a limited number of participants. In practice, such competitions are held for complex or large projects.

Legal basis

This form is regulated as a limited procedure in public procurement.

Definition

The legal framework for the organisation of an architectural competition in which the competition is organised as a public procurement in compliance with the requirements, principles of the Public Procurement Law and the provisions of the relevant procedures.

Description of the practical application / context

The context of the pubic procurement applies to cases where an architectural competition is organised as a public procurement. In such cases, the ADC procedure must comply with the requirements of the Public Procurement Law, including the principles of transparency, equal treatment, non-discrimination and proportionality. The structure of the ADC, documentation, selection and evaluation of participants are organized according to the selected procurement procedure.

Professional political contextualization

Public buildings and significant objects (State and local government buildings, cultural objects, educational institutions, health care facilities, public outdoor spaces, cultural and historical heritage, transport hubs, etc.) ADCs must be organised in accordance with the Public Procurement Law (political/legal environment).

Definition

An independent specialist or institution providing professional support in the preparation, organisation or conduct of the competition, providing methodological, technical or organisational assistance.

Description of the practical application / context

A consultant is often engaged at the stage of preparation and organization of the competition in order to ensure a professional and high-quality course of the process. The consultant helps to develop the task and documentation of the competition, provides methodological and organizational support, may participate in the coordination of communication and process. In practice, the role of consultant is often performed by LAA or specialists delegated by it, and is especially important in complex or public ADCs.

Legal basis

The role of consultant is defned contractually an in the professional LAA guidelines.

Definition

A set of documents that demonstrate a participant’s compliance with the professional, technical, and legal requirements defined in the competition brief.

Description of the practical application / context

In Latvia, qualification documents are used to check the compliance of participants with the requirements specified in the brief, especially in competitions with the selection of participants. These usually include information about professional experience, examples of implemented projects, qualifications of specialists, legal status. In practice, qualification documents are submitted before or separately from the competition entry, they are not evaluated together with the anonymous competition entry, but are used to ensure the selection of objective and professional participants.

Professional political contextualization

Qualification documents certify the professional experience and competence of the participant; include information about previously implemented projects, team composition and capacity; ensure that professionals appropriate to the task participate in the competition; serve as a basis for the objective selection of participants (if applicable); help to ensure a high-quality result of the competition. Qualification documents ensure a fair and equal selection of participants; ensure a transparent and legally sound selection process for participants; be based on objective and verifiable criteria; reduce the risks of corruption, lobbying and subjective decisions; ensure compliance with public procurement principles; they serve for a professionally based evaluation of participants.

Legal basis

They are determined in accordance with the Public Procurement Law.

Definition

An independent commission of experts (earlier - the technical commission), which is appointed by the customer and which, before the work of the jury, evaluates the compliance of the competition entries with the brief and design requirements, without being involved in the evaluation of creative quality and ensuring anonymity.

Description of the practical application / context

The qualification commission conducts the necessary quantitative or formal examination of the submitted entries before the work of the jury. The qualification commission is appointed by the contracting authority and operates independently of the jury. The Commission has to check the conformity of the competition entries with the brief and requirements, without assessing their architectural or creative quality. In practice, the qualification commission ensures that only compliant and anonymous entries are handed over to the jury in order to maintain the transparency, anonymity and efficiency of the process.

Professional political contextualization

A qualification commission is an institution or group of persons that objectively evaluates the experience, competence and capacity of participants; is based on predetermined selection criteria; ensure an objective and professionally justified choice of participants; distinguishes between the assessment of qualifications and the evaluation of competition entries (jury function); promote the participation of professionals appropriate to the task.

Legal basis

The activities of the Commission derive from the competition brief and procedure.

Definition

The competition brief sets out requirements for the professional qualifications, experience and capacity of participants, which determine their right to participate in the competition or to be selected for participation in the next ADC stage.

Description of the practical application / context

The qualification requirements are set out in the competition brief and are used to assess the eligibility of participants, including requirements for professional qualifications, experience and organisational capacity. In competitions with selection or several stages, these requirements serve to limit the number of participants to a qualified circle. In practice, qualification requirements must be proportionate, transparent and non-discriminatory, in particular in public competitions, in order to ensure both fair competition and high professional quality.

Professional political contextualization

The qualification requirements determine the minimum level of professional competence; may include requirements for experience, team composition, qualifications and technical abilities; ensure that specialists appropriate to the task participate in the competition; promotes a high-quality and professionally justified result; be proportionate to the complexity of the competition task. The qualification requirements ensure the selection of professionally justified participants.

Legal basis

the requirements are set in accordance with the procurement framework.

Definition

The principle that all competitors must be guaranteed the same conditions, equal access to information and equal treatment at all stages of the competition.

Description of the practical application / context

All ADC information is provided to all participants at the same time through official channels, such as the competition website or the procurement system. Individual communication between participants and jury members is not allowed. In practice, this principle is implemented through a question-and-answer procedure, where all questions and answers are made public.

Professional political contextualization

The principle of equality implies equal treatment of all competitors, ensuring the same rules and requirements for all participants; guarantee that the evaluation is based solely on quality criteria; excludes subjective or selective attitudes; ensure equal access to information, objective evaluation of competitors and a transparent, fair competition process.

Legal basis

Equality stems from the EU's public procurement principles.

Definition

A competition entry (within the meaning of the Public Procurement Law - design concept) is an entry of the competitor, which consists of graphical materials, explanatory text, visualisations, models or other materials required in the brief from the architectural solution.

Description of the practical application / context

A competition entry (within the meaning of the Public Procurement Law - design concept) submitted in accordance with the brief regulations and requirements, which usually include graphic materials, explanatory text, visualisations and, if necessary, models or mock-ups. All materials must be submitted in compliance with the requirements of the competition brief and anonymity, otherwise it may be excluded from further evaluation.

Professional political contextualization

The competition entry is a conceptual but professionally designed architectural solution that includes plans, volumes, idiosyncratic solutions and visual material; demonstrates the author's creativity, competence and ability to solve the task; is developed in accordance with the terms and scope of thecompetition; serves as a basis for comparable and objective assessment. Competition entry offers a possible scenario for future environmental development; promotes discussion on the quality and development of architecture; there is a basis for a public decision on the development of the project; is assessed in a transparent and regulated process

Legal basis

[empty]

Definition

The competition brief specifies the conditions whose fulfilment is mandatory for all participants, and non-compliance with which may be ground for exclusion of the participant or the competition entry

Description of the practical application / context

Mandatory requirements are defined in the competition brief and must be strictly followed by all participants, they typically relate to submission format, required materials, anonymity, deadlines, and compliance with the competition task. Failure to meet these requirements may result in disqualification or exclusion of the entry from further evaluation. Mandatory requirements serve as a control mechanism to ensure fairness, comparability of submissions, and procedural integrity. They are particularly important in public competitions, where compliance is legally binding

Legal basis

Mandatory requirements are laid down in the brief and regulatory enactments.

Definition

The process by which, before the competition or its next round, the compliance of participants with the qualification requirements specified in the brief is assessed in order to determine the right to participate in the competition or to be selected for further participation.

Description of the practical application / context

Pre-selection or qualification check is used in competitions in which it is necessary to assess the compliance of participants with certain professional requirements before participation or the next round. Pre-selection is applied in ADCs with selected participants or in multi-stage competitions. During the pre-selection process, the following qualification documents are evaluated - professional experience, technical capacity and/or team composition.

Professional political contextualization

Pre-selection is based on predefined qualification requirements and selection criteria; evaluate the experience, competence and capacity of the participants; ensure that professionals appropriate to the task participate in the competition; promotes a high-quality and professionally justified result; distinguishes between the selection of participants and the evaluation of competition entries. Pre-selection is a tool for providing a professionally qualified range of participants.

Definition

Members of the jury with appropriate education, professional experience and competence in architectural or related fields, who ensure a qualified and objective evaluation of the competition entries, making an autonomous decision on the allocation of places and prizes, and the winner of the competition.

Description of the practical application / context

Professionally qualified jury members are essential prerequisite for the high-quality and reliable process of the competition. The members of the jury are selected on the basis of professional competence. The jury may also include representatives of the customer.

Professional political contextualization

Professionally qualified members of the jury are professionals in architectural or related fields with appropriate qualifications; are able to evaluate entries according to architectural, functional, technical and contextual criteria; ensures reasoned and reasoned decision-making; respects professional ethics, anonymity and objectivity; guarantees that the choice is based on quality and not on subjective or external factors.

Legal basis

The requirements for the jury stem from professional guidelines and regulation.

Definition

the process by which the public is involved in decision-making or project evaluation, providing an opportunity to express its opinion, make proposals and influence the result of ADC

Description of the practical application / context

Public participation in ADCs is applied to projects of public importance, especially in the development of urban planning and public outdoor space, which may take the form of a public discussion, an exhibition of ADC entries or an opportunity for the public to express an opinion during or after the competition. Although the final decision is made by the jury, public opinion can make a significant contribution and contribute to the acceptability of the results.

Professional political contextualization

Public participation provides additional information about the needs of users and the specifics of the site; complements the professional perspective with a user perspective, strengthens democracy and local identity, often linked to planning processes and public consultation, while maintaining professional decision-making.

Legal basis

Public involvement is based on the spatial development planning framework.

Definition

Organized and professional interaction between the parties involved in the competition (customer, organizer, jury, consultants and participants), which ensures high-quality conduct of the competition and, as a result of the competition, further development of the project together with the winner.

Description of the practical application / context

Cooperation in architectural competitions is understood as a structured interaction between the organizer, the contracting authority, professional experts (including LAS) and participants during and after the competition process. During the preparation phase of the competition, cooperation with professional organizations is recommended to ensure high-quality documentation and procedure of the competition. After the competition, cooperation continues between the contracting authority and the winner of the competition, especially in design competitions, where further development of the project is planned.

Professional political contextualization

Cooperation ensures the involvement of different competences; promotes high-quality preparation and process of the competition; ensures a clear division of roles and responsibilities; helps to solve complex issues on the basis of a joint professional dialogue; promote an effective exchange of information between the parties involved. Cooperation is a prerequisite for the organisation of a professional and high-quality competition.

Legal basis

Cooperation with professional organizations is encouraged in the guidelines.

Definition

The principle that the requirements, procedures and conditions of the ADC must be appropriate to the purpose of the competition, the complexity and the scope of the task, not exceeding what is necessary to achieve a quality result.

Description of the practical application / context

The principle of proportionality is applied in determining the requirements, scope and procedures of the competition according to the complexity and scale of the task, which is of particular importance in determining the qualification requirements, the amount of materials to be submitted, the deadlines and the prize money. The principle of proportionality strikes a balance between the expected quality of the result and the input of the participants, encourages wider participation and promotes a fair and efficient conduct of the competition.

Professional political contextualization

The principle of proportionality requires that the requirements of the competition and the amount of work are adequate for remuneration, avoid waste of resources and an undue burden on participants, and are in line with the principles of public procurement.

Legal basis

Proportionality is one of the fundamental principles of EU law.

Definition

An anonymous competition with a limited range of participants, in which only professionals invited by the organiser or contracting authority participate, and which is organised in cases where the task requires specific knowledge, experience or specific competence, respecting the principle of proportionality and ensuring sufficient competition.

Description of the practical application / context

A closed competition with invited participants is used in cases where the task requires particularly specific knowledge, experience or competence. The organiser or contracting authority invites a limited number of qualified participants, ensuring that the selection is justified and proportionate, while maintaining sufficient competition to obtain a quality result. In practice, this type of competition is not recommended for objects of public importance, as it limits open professional competition.

Professional political contextualization

In a professional sense, the scope of the competition defines the scope and complexity of the design task; determines the level of detail; ensure that all participants work in the same and clear frames; promote comparable and qualitatively evaluatable solutions

Definition

A competition aimed at obtaining a spatial solution for a specific territory and determining the participant who, after the competition, will be entrusted with the development of a local plan or detailed plan based on the winning entry.

Description of the practical application / context

The spatial planning design competition is used in cases of development of large or complex territories when a complex spatial solution is required. This type of competition is applied in urban development projects, redevelopment of territories or in places of strategic importance. In practice, such competitions ensure a high-quality and integrated approach to the development of the territory and allow to ensure continuity of cooperation from idea to realization.

Professional political contextualization

The spatial planning design competition focuses on urban structure, spatial organization and development scenarios; includes functional zoning, building principles, mobility and public space; addresses multidimensional issues (social, environmental, economic); promotes a strategic and sustainable vision for the development of the territory; serves as the basis for further detailed planning or design. Such a competition affects the living environment of the general public and the development of the city; promotes the creation of quality public spaces and infrastructure; helps to balance the various interests of society (citizens, entrepreneurs, municipality); strengthens the role of public participation in planning processes; shaping the identity and sustainable development of the territory; serves as a tool for making strategic decisions in the development of the territory; reduces the risk of making unjustified or unilateral planning decisions; strengthens public sector responsibility and long-term planning.

Legal basis

It is affected by the Spatial Development Planning Law.

Definition

A prize awarded to competitive entries which have not won the main prizes but have been recognised as being of high quality or of particular merit in certain respects.

Description of the practical application / context

Recognition prizes in ADCs are awarded to competition entries that have not won the main prizes, but are recognized as of high quality or of particular value. They are awarded by a jury to highlight certain ideas, aspects of the solution or an innovative approach. The number and amount of recognition prizes are usually determined in the competition brief or distributed in the decision of the jury within the framework of the total prize fund. Recognition prize promote a wider appreciation of quality ideas, motivate participants and promote professional recognition beyond the main awards.

Legal basis

Recognition prizes are determined in the competition brief

Definition

Systematic evaluation of the competition entries by the jury on the basis of the objectives and evaluation criteria specified in the competition brief in order to determine the best solutions and the allocation of places.

Description of the practical application / context

The evaluation of the competition entries is carried out by an independent jury on the basis of the criteria specified in the competition brief. The evaluation analyzes the quality, functionality, compliance with the competition task and other aspects specified in the competition brief. The evaluation is carried out anonymously, ensuring objectivity and neutrality. As a result of the evaluation, prizes are distributed and the winner is chosen. The evaluation of competition entries is a central part of the competition process, which ensures transparent, honest and professional decision-making.

Professional political contextualization

The evaluation is a professionally structured and transparent process based on architectural and planning quality criteria and ensures the selection of the architectural, functional and socially best solution, excluding subjective valuation and price as the dominant factor. Evaluation is a tool for identifying the best professional solution and ensuring fair competition.

Legal basis

The evaluation is carried out in accordance with the brief and procurement principles.

Definition

The competition brief determines the qualitative and quantitative criteria according to which the jury evaluates the ADC entries and determines their compliance with the objectives and task of the competition.

Description of the practical application / context

Evaluation criteria are set out in the competition brief and serve as the basis for the work of the jury, they include architectural quality, functionality, compliance with the competition task, sustainability and feasibility. The criteria must be clearly formulated, transparent and known in advance to all competitors, they ensure a consistent and objective evaluation of the competition entries, allowing the comparison of entries and the jury to make justified decisions.

Professional political contextualization

Clearly defined and publicly available quality assessment principles that ensure a professionally justified, public-interest and transparent competition result based on quality. The evaluation criteria define the parameters of architectural quality; ensure that the evaluation is based on expert competence and not on subjective taste; structure the evaluation according to comparable and measurable principles; promotes the choice of the best solution in the long term rather than the short-term economic benefit. The evaluation criteria become a guarantor of professional quality, an instrument for ensuring the public good and for fair, reasoned decision-making.

Legal basis

Evaluation criteria in Latvia are regulated by the principles of the Public Procurement Law and Cabinet regulations ("Procedures for the process of Procurement Procedures and Design Contests"), which determine their transparency, equality and preliminary definition, while their content is based on the principles of architectural quality specified in Section 4 of the Construction Law.

Definition

The most common type of ADC, in which all participants submit a complete competition entry in one/single stage.

Description of the practical application / context

A single stage competition is the most commonly used type of ADC, in which the entries of the competition are evaluated by a jury to determine the winner in single-stage. This format is appropriate in cases where the purpose of the competition is clearly defined. The single-stage ADC is simple and effective due to the procedure, while providing high-quality and diverse solutions.

Professional political contextualization

A single stage competition is effective for simpler or medium-complex tasks; ensure wide access in the event of an open competition; ensures fast and concentrated decision-making, as well as a simple, transparent and easy-to-control procedure; reduces administrative complexity and decision-making stages; is based on the principles of equality and impartiality.

Legal basis

This procedure is laid down in the competition brief, but is not classified in detail in the legislation as a "single stage" competition.

Definition

A document prepared by the jury, which summarizes the evaluation of the competition enties, provides the justification for the decision, determines the distribution of places and awards, as well as includes comments and recommendations on the further development of the solution.

Description of the practical application / context

The opinion of the jury summarizes the evaluation of the competition entries and justifies the jury's decision, it includes the evaluation of the competition entries, the justification for the distribution of places, the awarding of awards, as well as qualitative comments on the submitted solutions and recommendations for their further development.

Professional political contextualization

The opinion of the jury is based on the evaluation criteria defined in the competition brief; includes reasoned analysis and comparison of competition entries; justifies the chosen solution as the most qualitative; provides professional comments and recommendations; serves as a basis for further design or decision-making. This is a professional and reasoned justification for the jury's decision.

Definition

Jury recommendations after evaluating the competition entries, which may relate to the further development of the winning entry, possible improvements or other aspects important to the client. These recommendations are included in the jury's final report or minutes.

Description of the practical application / context

In Latvia, jury recommendations are usually not defined as a separate term, but are included in the jury's opinion or evaluation report. They give a qualitative assessment of the competition entries, highlight their strengths and weaknesses, and can serve as the basis for the further development of the winning solution. The recommendations of the jury contribute to the transparency of the competition process and help to justify the decisions taken, as well as are an important tool for professional communication between the jury, the customer and the participants.

Legal basis

Jury activities are regulated in the competition brief and LAA competition guildines

Definition

A group of experts, competition organisers and other stakeholders who evaluate the competition projects on the basis of the objectives and evaluation criteria specified in the competition brief and determine the allocation of awards, prizes and winners of the competition.

Description of the practical application / context

The jury is the main decision-making body in an ADC, which evaluates the submitted entries and determines the results of the competition. The composition of the jury includes professionally qualified and independent members, providing expertise in architecture and related fields. The jury operates autonomously and makes decisions based only on the criteria specified in the competition brief. The composition of the jury must ensure professionalism, impartiality and independence, which are essential for achieving a fair result of the competition.

Professional political contextualization

A jury is an independent, professionally qualified group of experts who evaluate competition entries in terms of quality, functionality, context and feasibility; ensures reasoned and professionally justified decision-making; respects anonymity, objectivity and ethical principles; prepare the opinion of the jury. The jury operates independently of political or economic influence; ensures transparent and objective decision-making; bases decisions on defined criteria and expert assessment.

Legal basis

The jury creation and operation derives from the Public Procurement Law and the LAA competition guidelines

Definition

The process by which the contracting authority determines the composition of the jury, indicating its members in the competition brief, in order to ensure professional and independent evaluation of the competition entries.

Description of the practical application / context

The organizer or contracting authority of the competition appoints members of the jury committee with appropriate professional qualifications and experience corresponding to the task of the competition. The composition of the jury panel should ensure independence, avoid conflicts of interest and include a sufficient number of professionally qualified experts. The composition of the jury is determined before the announcement of the competition and made public in the competition documentation, ensuring transparency and reliability of the process.

Professional political contextualization

The establishment of a jury is the process by which the composition of the competition jury is determined and approved, ensuring that it consists of professionally qualified, independent and competent members who are able to evaluate the competition entries objectively; which provides that 50% + 1 are professionals in the field of architecture, which guarantees the ability to qualitatively evaluate the competition entries.

Legal basis

The jury is established in accordance witht the competition brief and professional requirements

Definition

The principle that the jury makes decisions autonomously, without property or other interest, evaluating competition entries only in accordance with the criteria specified in the competition brief.

Description of the practical application / context

The jury takes decisions autonomously, without external influence, including from the contracting authority, participants or other interested parties. Decisions have to be based only on the evaluation criteria specified in the competition brief. In practice, this principle is ensured by selecting independent and professionally qualified jury members, eliminating conflicts of interest and maintaining the anonymity of competition entries.

Professional political contextualization

The principle of independence of the jury implies autonomous decision-making based on professional expertise and quality criteria, which excludes external influence and private interests, ensuring an objective, public interest and transparent result of the competition.

Legal basis

Jury independence derives from the professional ethics and principles of procurement

Definition

The final decision taken by the jury on the results of the competition, determining the distribution of the prized places, the winner of the competition and possible proposals for further actions, based on the evaluation criteria specified in the competition brief.

Description of the practical application / context

The jury's decision is the final result of the competition evaluation process. The jury makes a decision independently, based only on the evaluation criteria specified in the competition regulations. The decision includes the allocation of places for the competition entries, the awarding of prizes and the determination of the winner. The jury's decision is documented in the jury's opinion or minutes and serves as the basis for announcing the results of the competition and further cooperation with the winner.

Legal basis

The decision is a legally significant result of the competition.

Definition

A document summarizing the jury's assessment of the competition entries, the justification for the decision, the distribution of the awarded places and prizes and the winner of the competition, as well as, if necessary, recommendations for further development of the project.

Description of the practical application / context

The report of the jury is a document that summarizes the results of the evaluation of the competition, which includes the justification for the decision of the jury, the distribution of places for the competition entries, the awarded prizes and the winner, as well as, if necessary, recommendations for the further development of the solution. The jury report ensures the transparency of the competition process, documents the decisions taken and serves as the basis for announcing the results and starting cooperation with the winner.

Legal basis

The report of the jury serves as an official part of the competition documentation