Architectural competitions should be seriously considered for important public buildings. The Institute also recommends that large corporations adopt this selection process for the design of corporate buildings or projects in the private sector.

An architectural design competition offers a number of major benefits to the client or promoter:
• Attaining an outstanding design by stimulating a range of design explorations.
• Sound and experienced judgement and advice from the jury.
• The opportunity to comprehensively test the project brief.
• Promotion of the promoter and the project through publicity and exhibitions.

SAIA ENDORSEMENT
The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) represents the majority of Professional Architects in South Africa, and members of the Institute are encouraged to enter competitions that have received the Institute's official endorsement. As a member of the International Union of Architects (UIA), the Institute is committed to endorse architectural competitions that are in accordance with the UIA Guidelines and therefore meet the UNESCO Regulations.

GUIDELINES
The SAIA has drafted Rules and Guidelines for Competitions in South Africa that would meet these international standards, and invites prospective promoters to organise an architectural design competition in accordance with the recommendations. SAIA endorsement will signify not only the promoter's adherence to best practice standards, but will encourage wide participation as architects will have the assurance that the competition will be fair and impartial.

The Guidelines define the roles, rights and responsibilities of the promoter, the SAIA competition administrator, administrative assistants that may be required, technical consultants and the author (architect). Upon official endorsement, the Institute will assist promoters with the promotion of the competition nationally and through its regional structures. It may also provide entrance to the UIA to promoters who wish to run an international competition.

TYPES OF COMPETITIONS
A competition may fall into an Open, Limited, Special or Student Category, and can either be for a specific project or for ideas regarding aspects of architectural or planning problems. A competition may be run in one or two stages. The requirements for national distribution, record and anonymity are set.

COMPETITION CONDITIONS AND BRIEF
The Guidelines define standards to be met in the drafting of competition conditions, which include the programme, information to be furnished by the promoter, documentation to be submitted by competitors and how the registration fee should be dealt with.

There are stipulations for compensation, honoraria and prize-money; insurance; copyright and the right of ownership; and the composition, selection, eligibility and appointment of the jury.

ANNOUNCEMENT AND EXHIBITION
In conclusion of an architectural competition, a public announcement accompanied by an exhibition of all the entries is recommended.