Note: in this section the newest questions are at the bottom of the following list. When is the proposal submission deadline? Thursday, 26 October, three months after publication of the competition in the Spanish Official State Bulletin. When is the inscription deadline? Also Thursday, 26 October. It consists only in the payment of a fee, which can be ordered till that day. Please check registration instructions Does a registration fee have to be paid for each site? No. A single-fee payment allows participation on as many sites as are required. Could you advise me on what dates the submission period commences and finishes? While I know that the registration deadline expires on 26 October, I would be grateful if you could specify the other date. As stated in the general enquiries section on the website and in the Official State Bulletin, the submission date is that of 26 October. Is the registration deadline the same as the deadline for proposal submission? Yes. A registration fee must be paid, as stated in the procedures in the registration guidelines document, though this fee may be paid up to the final day for proposal submission. Is the 26 October the only day for submission or is it the final day? That is to say, may it be submitted both by post and in person beforehand? This date is the deadline. The proposal may be submitted at any prior time. The only doubt that I have regards entry submissions. Should they be submitted to the planning office at each Regional Government? Should all of them be handed in at the COAM (Colegio Oficial de Arquitectos de Madrid, Madrid Association of Chartered Architects) office in Madrid (C / San Lucas, 6, 28004 Madrid)? As specified in the terms and conditions, in each and every case submission is to OCAM at the address indicated (C / San Lucas, 6, 28004 Madrid). We are a team of architects in (…Mexico, Colombia, Argentina…) (all Mexican nationals) interested in entering the competition. Are there any special requisites for non-Spanish architects? And if so, what are they? In order to participate, it is essential that the bidder - or the head architect - possess a qualification that is recognised in Spain or in any other European Union country. In the case of Mexico, such recognition is not automatic and thus, being a lengthy process, should have been obtained previously. In the case of you not meeting this requirement you would have to go into partnership with an architect who can, one who should be named as head of the working party. Can those resident abroad (in the European Union or elsewhere), those who are qualified / chartered architects and authorised to work in their country of birth, participate as project directors? Could you clarify if the terms and conditions mean that to participate in the competition it is essential to reside in Spain, to be a member of an official professional body or hold a qualification in architecture recognised by a Spanish university? As stated in Point 4 of the documentation annex (or in the guide for entries), both of which are recommended reading, foreign nationals who hold a qualification issued in (or recognised by) the European Union may participate. This does NOT entail either residency in Spain or the tenure of a qualification obtained in Spain. Although I hold a qualification in architecture from the Russian Federation, I am a member of the professional body of architects in Peru. Thus, I would like to know if I am authorised to participate in the competition. Only in the case of holding a qualification recognised in a European Union country; there are not automatic qualification recognition agreements with either Peru or the Russian Federation. Is it an ideas competition for only architects, or must the architect enter into partnership with the contractor? It is an ideas competition for architects. With regard to the obligation to form an UTE (Unión Temporal de Empresas, Temporary Business Association) that the documentation requests, is this necessary only for teams of architects or is it also necessary for the architect who works alone, though with a team of draughtsmen and / or engineers? Only in the case of several architects who have not already set up a company and those who work as collaborators, in such a way that all would be contracted if a prize were won. The collaborators and others, whatever their qualification may be (they could be architects who work at a practice, though not being partners), are workers who have an independent and private working relationship, not having therefore to form part of a temporary association. In order to participate in the competition do we have to disclose the composition of the full team needed for the complete carrying out of the project, or perhaps those who take care of structures, facilities, security studies and so forth? No, it is not essential to specify them. You only have to specify who would be contracted in the case of winning the competition; that is to say, those who are going to carry out the project. With regard to the competition prizes (the assignment of the basic and executive projects), we would like to know what is the content of such projects (apart from the precise content of an architectural project). For example, should projects that have to be drafted by specific architects (geotechnical studies and telecommunications projects and so forth) be included? The documentation required and included in the competition prizes is defined in the competition terms and conditions; it deals with outline projects in and those in operation, strictly speaking those that should include a health and safety analysis, common infrastructure projects and solar heating installation projects, all of those endorsed by the respective professional bodies. The geotechnical studies and topographic surveys of the plots are already being carried out by SEPES and will be supplied to the competition winners. In the case of being awarded several plots, are the prizes accumulative? Yes. The awarding of each plot will be considered an independent prize, the amount specified in each one. If there were development projects or others not specifically architectural to be drawn up, would they be included in the assignment? The projects included in the assignment are those specified in the competition terms and conditions. The possible development, preparation, landscaping and so forth, of the plots is considered to be included in the project timeframe, in the same sense as the possible recreational facilities such as sports centres and swimming pools that the projects might include. The projects necessary for the granting of a construction permit of the operation of garages, commercial premises and so forth, will not comprise part of the competition. Instead of a CD, is it possible to present the complementary material on a DVD? Could they be several? If so, should they be presented in audiovisual or video format? It does not concern complimentary material, more exactly documents that are listed in the competition terms and conditions. Additional information, such as audiovisual or visual material, is not taken into consideration. With regard to the recording format, CD is preferable. Is it possible to apply for only one plot in Ceuta and another in Guadalajara? You can apply for the entire site at Ceuta and the entire site at Guadalajara, but not one-off plots. In order to choose between one and another, how can the plot information be obtained? The site information is posted on the website. What is the final competition schedule? As stated on the website, proposal submission will close on 26 October. The enquiry deadline has been extended to 21 September to allow for increased participation. May I apply for a site as a sole architect and for another by forming a team with other architects? If so, how would this affect the application? The competition conditions overtly do not allow this. If you apply for various sites you should do it at all with the same team. I have some questions about the Valdepeñas and Manzanares sites. They appear as places where the competition is taking place if you visit the SEPES website, but without an attached file to commence work. However, if you visit the concursohacemosciudad.com website they do not appear as proposed sites. What the SEPES website indicates is that in these cities land is available to build housing; but this does not mean that they are part of the competition, al least for the time being. In this competition the only sites included are those found at www.concursohacemosciudad.com. I would like to know if with a qualification from the University of Buenos Aires, which is recognised in Switzerland (where I live and work as an independent architect), I could participate in the competition. Yes, by being accepted in Switzerland and by the existence of recognition between the European Union (EU) and Switzerland. In the case of a foreign architect (an EU national), what exactly is the "formal statement of commitment to join a Spanish Society of Architects"? Is it a certificate prepared by the architect, committing her/himself to join an appropriate organisation, or is it an official document that has to be requested from any Institute of Architects in Spain? Rather than an oficial document, it is a declaration signed by the respective architect. Appendix 2: Model for a sworn statement. In the part that states: "acting in his/her name ... euros (professionals in their own names)". To what amount of euros is the document referring exactly? A euro symbol should not appear, rather a box to mark with an 'x' according to the corresponding case. It appears that there is a font translation error when the document is opened on your computer. So that you can see for yourself how it should be displayed, I will send it you as a pdf file (I hope that the error is not repeated using pdf). When will the names of the renowned architects that form part of the panel be known? Will there be different panels for each site? It is anticipated that the panel will be known during September, although this has not yet been finalised. There will be some panel members who will be involved at all sites, and others who will be involved at just one. I am an interior design student who is very interested in this new Project-competition. My question is: can I participate? No. The competition is aimed at the building of dwellings. Thus, only qualified architects may participate. I am a Colombian architect interested in participating in the competition. The faculty from which I graduated is recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Would this be sufficient to allow participation in the competition? We are not aware of the terms that refer to the RIBA accreditation. If it is assumed that your qualification is recognised in the United Kingdom and your certificate is acceptable there, you would be able to participate. Otherwise, you would have to resort to one of the alternatives explained in the enquiries section on the website. I am a Portuguese architect who has resided in Spain for eight years, working for other architects. I am at present commencing the proceedings to gain membership of the Colegio de Arquitectos de Cataluña (Institute of Architects of Catalonia) to be able to enter competitions as a self-employed architect. As I hold a degree from a university recognised by the EU, this procedure is merely bureaucratic. Would I be able to participate in the competition while my application is processed? Yes, you would, even when you had not commenced the process, given that your degree is automatically recognised throughout the EU. I have already sent the registration fee. Is this sufficient or is there another form to be filled in? Registration consists only of the payment of a fee. However, do not forget that when submitting the proposals you have to enclose an envelope with the information mentioned in the rules and conditions in the registration guide to the competition. I require clarification if the Din A2 panels for the submission of the work have to be stiff, or if they can be bent in order to ease their despatch by post. They must be stiff and light card. Can proposals be made for only one, or a selection of plots, on a site? No. Proposals must be made for every plot on the respective site. This is owing to the fact that the competition seeks to develop all the plots at a given location. Could you explain in a little more detail how the plots will be allocated? The Panel will at first select a number of finalists for each site. Then, prior to the opening in the strictest confidentiality of the sealed bids, a decision will be made as to which of the finalists provide the most suitable solution for each plot. By way of example, the Aguas Vivas site has 17 plots where a maximum of nine finalists are anticipated (though there could be fewer). What could occur is that each finalist is allocated two plots, with one finalist only receiving one. Alternatively, the plots could be shared among three finalists, for example, five, five and seven, with the remaining six finalists being awarded a prize of €12,000. There could even be the case of a proposal that is considered so exceptional that the Panel decides to allocate all 17 to only one finalist. Which plots are being allocated? The plots are not predefined. The Panel will exercise full authority in the distribution of the plots among the finalists. If I am not mistaken, while registration allows presentation of proposals at various sites, the competition consists of providing an architectural solution at assorted plots, for example, in Asturias this would involve nine plots. Is this so? Indeed, that is correct. In all cases, this involves the ENTIRETY of the plots at each site, although the question of panels available is a difficulty that the bidder will have to solve itself. Are the proposals for all the plots at each site placed together on 4 DIN A-2, or 4 DIN A-2 for each plot? The complete site should be placed on 4 DIN A2, regardless of the corresponding amount of plots. In the case of opting for a location with more than one plot, does a solution have to be found for all the plots or, understanding that the remainder will be similar or identical, only one plot? A technical proposal must be submitted for the whole site that includes the development of each and every residential plot throughout the site. The strategy to count the entire site in four DIN A-2 panels will be one of the problems that the bidders have to solve, with specific guidelines non existent a priori. Are proposals that rearrange the development potential accepted by the plans, that without exceeding or reducing the public land provided, yet increasing the number of stories, redemarcating plot boundaries and relocating them in a sense that allows for enhanced creative and prepositional freedom as well as more extensive design possibilities, accepted? Or, on the contrary, is the competition limited to distributing the plots allotting the maximum height limit foreseen by the plan, distributing windows in the perspectives previously given? What the competition - which is in no way small - is really limited to, is providing an architectural answer to local plans passed by the competent and existing authorities, whose development projects are already being carried out. The technical terms and conditions state that bidders must abide by in entirety are the applicable planning rules and regulations. Nevertheless, each bidder will be free to propose as many modifications as are considered appropriate, though the bidder must be aware that the competition panel will assess, in contrast to a superb proposal, the processing problems to which such modifications could lead. (Perhaps certain modifications to local planning bylaws could be settled with visits to the respective local authority; an increase in the number of stories could entail modification of a general urban development plan with a processing of one year, and increase the useable surface area of the affordable homes to 90m² which is, at the present time, unviable). In any case, to consider that planning rules and regulations mean "distributing windows in the perspectives previously given" involves an attitude that goes against the profession, falling far short of the objectives of this or any other competition. At several of the proposed sites the permutation between the maximum buildable potential required and the planning regulations only allows for the reaching of the limit provided by the plans, not giving place to the proposal of alternative ways to enter into new solutions that meet urban demands, those of orientation, or of sustainability criteria. Hence, we question whether it is necessary to comply with the entirety of the regulations, or if a buildable potential lower than the required can be applied for. The bidders must adhere to strict compliance with the applicable planning rules and regulations, as the projects must obtain provisional outline descriptions from the respective Regional Government and planning permission from the corresponding local authority planning office. Nevertheless, each bidder will be free to propose as many modifications as are considered appropriate, though the bidder must be aware that the competition panel will assess, in contrast to a superb proposal, the processing problems to which such modifications could lead. (Perhaps certain modifications to local plan bylaws could be settled with visits to the respective local authority; an increase in the number of floors could entail modification of a General Urban Development Plan with a processing of one year, and increase the useable surface area of the affordable homes to 90m² which is at present unviable). On the other hand, although it is not obligatory to expend the entire buildable potential designated to each plot, the bidder must weigh up carefully the fact that for each 100m² of unused buildable potential, a family will lose the opportunity of access to a home, and should gauge if the proposal quality compensates for this. (Note: While this is an enquiry about Mieres, we feel that it involves a question that could emerge at other sites). At the Mieres site, the "sturdy capacity" defined by the regulations and the required buildable potential concur almost to the millimetre. This implies that if all bidders respect the regulations, the total volume that their proposals reflect will be precisely the same, given that not using up the buildable potential seems senseless. The panel will not be able to value either any relative aspect with regard to the form of the buildings or appropriateness to the part of the city created. The proposal capacity of the bidders will be reduced to the internal configuration of the homes, their insertion within this volume, and their façades. It is certain that this occurs at times in competitions whose purpose is the sole building of homes; something that seems little, taking into account the expanse of the project, the ambitious nature of the competition and the desire to provide "avant-guard homes". If we believe that a good home arises both from each residential unit and from the manner in which they interact among themselves and with the city, would it not be wiser to establish parameters such as buildable potential and the number of homes, to be able to judge under equal conditions all the proposals, yet allowing increased freedom with regard to heights, occupation, setbacks and so forth? As we see it, the most sensible approach is that which we are proposing. The bidders must provide an architectural solution to local plans passed by the competent and existing authorities, whose development projects have already or are being carried out. We share your concerns and are working on new projects that will also study urban distribution proposals and increased regulatory freedom. As, rather than a draft it is an ideas competition, I would like to know the degree of detail that should be given to the construction solution. Is it necessary to provide a detailed solution, or would it be sufficient to propose a technical one to the proposed design? As you note, it is an ideas competition, and more so with the limitations of the plot surface area, it is necessary to seek strategies to consider the projects that are compatible with this type of call. Thus, detailed building solutions are not expected, to be more precise prepared notes that indicate the general plans of the design in as many aspects as possible.