Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about planning competitions in Switzerland – procedure types, registration, simap.ch and more.
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 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 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.