International architecture competitions broaden the
horizons of design by calling on the creativity of architects throughout the world.
In 1956, UNESCO commissioned the International Union of Architects to ensure
respect for international standards in the launch and operation of
international architecture and urban planning competitions. These standards are
laid out in the UNESCO-UIA Regulations that give guidelines for the project
brief, procedures, jury composition, winner's compensation, schedule, and
publication of results. The iconic structures in the following list were all realized
through international competitions approved by the UIA and carried out under
its oversight:
• Sydney
Opera House, Australia, JørnUtzon architect
• Georges
Pompidou Centre in Paris, France, Renzo Piano, Richard Rodgers architects
• Foreign
Affairs Ministry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Henning Larsen architect
• Tokyo
International Forum, Japan, Rafael Viñoly architect
• François
Mitterrand Library in Paris, Dominique Perrault, architect
• Bibliotheca
Alexandrina, in Alexandria, Egypt, Snøhetta architects
The experience and authority conferred
on UIA by UNESCO allows us to serve as a reference in terms of ethics and
prestige in the realm of international architecture and urban planning
competitions. The UIA also advises on the organization of international
architectural prizes. Launched by public or private organisms these prizes
spotlight specific architectural realizations, materials, technologies, themes,
or research.