Architectural design competitions have long been a crucial element in the field -- from the student level to starchitect status -- that can provide an international platform for drawing attention to pressing issues and new ideas in the world around us. Nonetheless, the typical structure of the competition is also in great need of its very own discussion. The Architectural Record and the Van Alen Institute conducted a global Competition Survey that asked architects and designers worldwide about what drives them to participate in competitions, what they like and dislike about the process, and suggestions for how to improve and rethink its format for the future.

Respondents fervently shared their input and personal experiences in the survey, which amassed a total of 1,414 responses from 65 countries. The Architectural Record and Van Alen published the results in three documents:

1. A compilation of raw data from the online survey platform
2. Ten Propositions that highlight the main factors that could improve efficiency, inclusiveness, and ensure that competitions are as rewarding as possible for all participants.
3. And perhaps the most fun section of the survey are the Key Findings, which include motivational and negative factors of the competition process, the most influential competitions in the last decade, topics that need to be addressed more, and of course, some data analysis tidbits (produced by Health x Design) that some may agree reflect the overall current field of architecture and design.

Check out the survey results here.