Architecture competitions in an urban planning context

Abstract

This paper analyzes discussions and controversy surrounding the architecture competitions that have been part of a large-scale waterfront redevelopment plan called the Fjord City plan in Oslo, Norway. Particular attention is given to the architectural competition for the new Edvard Munch Museum. The Fjord City waterfront development plan is organized through an entrepreneurial mode of planning and with clear neoliberal underpinnings. The paper looks at how architectural competitions are used and how they function within the context of contemporary planning.