Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about planning competitions in Switzerland – procedure types, registration, simap.ch and more.
What is simap.ch?+
simap.ch is the official information system for public procurement in Switzerland. All public contracting authorities are required to publish their tenders there. diewolke.app aggregates the relevant planning competitions from simap.ch.
What is a planning competition?+
A planning competition is a public procedure in which architecture or planning firms submit designs for a specific project. An expert jury evaluates all entries anonymously and awards the best works.
What is the difference between a project competition and a project study?+
In a project competition, all admitted teams submit complete designs. In a project study, selected teams develop their solutions in guided dialogue with the client.
What is an ideas competition?+
An ideas competition seeks creative concepts without directly leading to a construction contract. It serves to generate ideas for urban projects or public spaces.
What is a total performance competition?+
In a total performance competition, planning and construction are tendered together. Mixed teams of architecture firms and general contractors submit joint bids.
What is the difference between open and selective procedure?+
In an open procedure, any qualified firm can participate. In a selective procedure, there is a prequalification: interested firms first submit their references and only selected teams are invited to the competition.
How do I register for a competition?+
Registration is done directly via simap.ch or the contact points specified in the tender. On each competition page on diewolke.app, you will find a direct link to the original tender on simap.ch.
How current is the data on diewolke.app?+
Data is synchronized hourly from simap.ch. New tenders typically appear on diewolke.app within one hour of publication on simap.ch.
Is there an app?+
Yes, the diewolke.app app is available in the Apple App Store. With the app, you will never miss a new tender and can filter competitions by canton, type and other criteria.