Az ARCH-E x ACE Tervpályázati konferencia híre magyarul megtalálható a honlapon is: https://mek.hu/link-az_arche_es_az_ace_epitesz_tervpalyazatok_cimu_kozos_konferenciaja
Valamint az ARCH-E honlapon is: https://www.arch-e.eu/ és az ACE-CAE honlapján is: https://ace-cae.eu/adcs-in-europe/
What's new in ARCH-E
Dear ARCH-E community,
Welcome to this issue of the ARCH-E newsletter, keeping you updated about our recent efforts in mapping Europe's divers Architectural Design Competition (ADC) systems, in promoting ADCs as quality-based procurement processes and making them accessible for SMEs.
In this edition, you will find news on:
ARCH-E x ACE Conference on ADCs
ARCH-E Research and publications now available on ACE Website
ARCH-E Collection of Good Practice Examples out now
ADC systems | A focus on Italy & Latvia
We wish you a pleasant reading,
The ARCH-E project team
Save the date: ARCH-E x ACE Conference on Architectural Design Competitions
The ARCH-E x ACE Conference on Architectural Design Competitions (ADCs) will take place on 23 April 2026 at The Mix, in Brussels.
This conference will explore how ADCs drive architectural quality and innovation, promote high-standard Baukultur, and deliver economically advantageous projects. It will bring together architects, ADC experts, public authorities, and representatives of the construction sector to discuss strategies for expanding the use of ADCs across Europe and improving regulatory frameworks.
The programme will include parallel sessions, allowing participants to engage more deeply with key themes.
Discussions will cover the heterogeneous ADC landscape in Europe, the hurdles and barriers young architects and SMEs face, and economically advantageous projects as a side effect of architectural quality.
The sessions will also reflect on the role of ADCs in fostering Baukultur in a post-fossil era, explore ways to unleash the potential of SMEs, address current challenges in ADC systems in the context of the upcoming revisions of the Public Procurement Directive at European Level.
The conference will feature a keynote by Adam Caruso, architect from the London-based Caruso St John Architects practice, and among the winners of the ADC for the renovation of The Mix, former headquarters of the Royale Belge, which is now a multifunctional building and a landmark for Bruxelles architectural heritage.
When: 23 April 2026
Where: The Mix Brussels, Boulevard du Souverain 25, 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort.
ARCH-E Research and Publications now available on ACE Website
ARCH-E's research and publications are now available on the website of the Architects' Council of Europe, providing a single hub for all key resources on Architectural Design Competitions (ADCs). Users can access research, practical tools, the ADC map, glossary, and evaluation instruments—all in one place to support participation in competitions across Europe.
ADCs play a central role in promoting high-quality architecture and Baukultur. ARCH-E advocates for accessibility for young architects and SMEs, making ADCs again an important stepping stone for entering the market, as they once were. The project enhances this process by supporting fair and transparent competitions, encouraging cross-border collaboration, and helping practices overcome barriers to accessing Europe-wide projects.
ARCH-E Collection of Good Practice Examples out now!
The ARCH-E Collection of Good Practice Examples brings together 17 inspiring ADC processes from across Europe, selected by the ARCH-E consortium, ACE and UIA. Each project has been selected for its ability to meet high standards, demonstrate at least one remarkable aspect, and deliver exceptional results.
Each project context is unique, there is not one best ADC procedure for all situations but rather a spectrum of procedures worth emulating - therefore, the ARCH-E consortium presents a collection of good practice examples. They show how ADCs can be adapted to a variety of contexts while ensuring fair, transparent, and inclusive competitions. The projects illustrate practical solutions to challenges such as managing high workloads for participating architects, integrating public participation in anonymous procedures, ensuring accessibility for young and small offices, overcoming barriers to cross border participation, applying competitions to sustainable refurbishment of building stock, and increasing transparency and public acceptance of projects. The Collection aims to inspire municipalities and other procurers to adopt ADCs more widely as a tool for quality-based procurement, encouraging innovative, cost-efficient, and high-quality architectural outcomes.
It complements the ARCH-E previous publications: The Map on ADCs, The Architects' Needs Report and The White Paper.
ADC systems | A focus on Italy & Latvia
Through in-depth research and the exchange of professional expertise, the ARCH-E project maps the current ADC landscape, highlights good practices, and identifies areas where further action is needed. Drawing on both theoretical and hands-on experience, ARCH-E team members regularly share insights into national ADC systems, fostering knowledge-transfer and dialogue across borders.
In our upcoming online presentation Anda Kursiša & Dace Kalvāne, board members of the Latvian Association of Architects, and Diego Zoppi & Tiziana Campus, Consiglio Nazionale Architetti, Pianificatori, Paesaggisti e Conservatori, will give insights in the Latvian and Italian national ADC systems. Zoppi and Campus will especially focus on the study After the Project – What happens after a public works tender?, that was published recently.
The presentations will be streamed online, feel welcome to join without further registration.
When: 27 February 2026 | 14:30 – 16:00, CET
Where: Online on Zoom