Dutch design competitions: Lost in eu directives? procurement issues of architect selections in the netherlands

This paper discusses architect selections for public commissions in the Netherlands. It shows that Dutch public clients seldom use «classic» design competi- tions; to select architects. Instead, they use so-called restricted EU tenders which are associated with high transaction costs, disproportional suitability criteria and time-consuming proceduvcs. These tenders are thought to lead to the exclusion of young architects and further specialisation in the architectural profession, which may, eventually, result in predictable or even mediocre architecture.Based on a literature review, personal experience and case studies, the paper identifies three main problem areas: (1) the use of overly strict suitability criteria in the pre-selection phase; (2) the extensive design pro- posals that are required in the actual tender phase. and (3) the complexity of the evaluation methods that are being used for awarding the commission. After analysing these problems, the paper offers. suggestions for improvement and briefly presents a promising new model, arguing that a more open, qualitative and process-oriented approach is likely to create tender procedures that are more effident and effective.