Planning Competitions – Canton Vaud

Vaud is the most active French-speaking canton in Switzerland for architecture competitions. Lausanne, a university city (EPFL, UNIL), and Lake Geneva towns like Nyon, Morges and Vevey regularly issue ambitious projects. The DGIP coordinates cantonal procurement and guarantees a high standard of procedure.

Most procedures follow Swiss public procurement law (AIMP) and are issued in French. Schools and sports facilities are the most common project types. The canton favours selective study mandates and overall performance competitions for larger projects, while municipalities use open competitions under SIA 142 for smaller works.

Lausanne is known for demanding architectural competitions with strong international participation. EPFL's presence drives regular commissions for educational and research buildings. Current themes include residential densification, energy renovation and new mixed-use neighbourhoods along Lake Geneva.