Competition

Butrint competition hero 03

This is a two-stage international design competition comprising an open Expression of Interest period followed by a design stage for a shortlist of four competitors.

Teams

The client seeks a dedicated and gifted design team that will connect with the project values and create charismatic yet practical architecture that perfectly relates to the extraordinary cultural and natural setting.

The competition encouraged participation from new and emerging studios as well as seasoned practices.

The design team will include the following disciplines:

  • Architect (and Lead Designer)
  • Landscape Architect
  • Masterplanner
  • Exhibition and Interpretation Designer
  • Archaeologist
  • Engineering Disciplines, including Sustainability
  • Cost Consultant
  • Wayfinding Consultant

The winning team will be required to include an architect licensed in Albania as part of the design team for the project. This firm’s license must cover design works related to archaeological sites. 

Further details can be found in the Search Statement.

The remains of the central city at Butrint, showing the Agora, Roman Baths and Epirot Theater

Stage One

An open international call for participation aimed at attracting the very best architect-led multidisciplinary design teams with the necessary skills and experience to register their interest in the project.

Expressions of Interest were required to include the proposed team composition, relevant experience, a pre-qualification questionnaire, and an initial reaction to the outline brief for the project. No detailed design submission was expected at stage one.

Please note: the deadline for stage one submissions has now passed.

A shortlist of four design teams was announced in December 2022.

Stage Two

At this stage shortlisted design teams will be provided with detailed briefing information and invited to attend a site visit and briefing workshop at Butrint.

The final submission deadline for design concepts is expected to be March 2023. Submissions will be made anonymously. Selection of the winning design will be decided by the competition jury.

A contribution toward expenses of USD $10,000 will be paid to each shortlisted design team, to be put towards the costs of preparing their tender submission, following the selection of the winner. The winner announcement is expected in late April 2023.

Timeline

Stage One
Stage One LaunchWednesday 21 September 2022
Deadline for Questions12:00 GMT+1 Tuesday 11 October 2022
Submission Deadline14:00 GMT+1 Monday 24 October 2022
Stage Two
Shortlist AnnouncedDecember 2022
Stage Two LaunchJanuary 2023
Briefing Workshop/​Site VisitLate January 2023
Stage Two DeadlineMarch 2023
JuryApril 2023
Winner announcedLate April (anticipated)

The competition is generously financed by the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF). The competition is being managed by Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC).