LAND PROPERTY DISTRIBUTIONS AS A MEANS FOR ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE BUILDING. THE LUNDBY COMPETITION IN GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN, AS AN EXAMPLE

This paper refers to an evaluation of a land property distribution competition arranged by the City of Gothenburg, Sweden. The competition aimed at combining high quality housing with energy efficiency, healthy indoor climate and cost efficiency proved in plans for management during ten years. About thirty-five firms showed interest in the competition and eight entries were delivered. The assessment was carried out in three steps. 1. An expert committee selected those entries that fulfilled the program goals. 2. The jury ranked these entries. 3. Following the order from the ranking, the jury assessed the financial and managerial capacity of the delivering firms. The outcome was that the two highest ranked proposals were delivered by serious developers. The results show that ambitious environmental qualities can be combined with economic goals. The dividing lines between the entries did mostly concern architectural qualities. Interviews have been carried out among a number of the competitors, the expert committee and the jury. The answers indicate that the competition process was well managed. A well-defined program and a transparent assessment are important instruments. Hence, the land property distribution instrument can be useful for municipalities for initiating sustainable building.