On 23 April 2026; the ARCH-E Consortium and the Architects’ Council of Europe hosted a joint conference dedicated to Architectural Design Competitions (ADCs) at the Royale Belge in Brussels.
The event focused on how ADCs contribute to architectural quality and innovation while promoting what is often referred to as high-quality Baukultur—a holistic approach to designing the built environment. Throughout the day, architects, policymakers, public authorities, and construction sector representatives exchanged ideas on how competitions can lead to more economically advantageous and socially valuable projects.
A key highlight of the conference was the keynote speech by Adam Caruso, who set the tone for discussions by անդրlining the importance of thoughtful design processes in shaping Europe’s future built environment. His contribution was followed by panel discussions and workshops that tackled practical and structural issues surrounding ADCs.
Participants explored ways to expand the use of architectural competitions across Europe, improve regulatory frameworks, and make it easier for architects—especially smaller firms and SMEs—to participate in cross-border opportunities. There was also strong emphasis on enhancing transparency in procurement processes and reducing market barriers that often limit access to such competitions.
Another major theme was sustainability and the role of ADCs in a “post-fossil” era. Discussions highlighted how competitions can foster innovation and encourage environmentally responsible design practices aligned with Europe’s long-term climate goals.
As part of the programme ACE President, Daniel Fügenschuh, presented the ACE UIA joint Declaration “Architectural Design Competitions A Key Policy Tool combining qualitative & economic advantages”.
“Architectural design competitions are not simply a procurement tool; they are a cornerstone of architectural culture and a guarantee of quality in the built environment. By upholding fair, transparent and accessible processes, we enable architects to respond creatively and responsibly to society’s needs, delivering solutions that are both innovative and durable.” stated ACE President.
The conference closed with remarks by Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef, who emphasized the pivotal role of architectural design competitions in advancing sustainability, excellence, and inclusivity.
Overall, the conference served as a platform for collaboration and forward-thinking dialogue, setting the stage for continued discussions at the General Assembly of the Architects’ Council of Europe taking place today, April 24, 2026.
