Commissioning a design project can be complex and challenging. Discover how Network Rail, an infrastructure client, successfully delivered the Rail Clock through a RIBA Competition.

From initial vision to appointment of your winning design team, there are many elements requiring the expertise and input of numerous stakeholders. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is uniquely positioned, with unrivalled experience in managing design selection processes, to guide you and help you achieve your aspirations through a competition.

Network Rail, an infrastructure client, has held three competitions with RIBA - the Footbridge Design Ideas Competition, Re-Imagining Railway Stations: Connecting Communities Competition and A New Timepiece for the Railway Competition, which saw the launch of the Rail Clock in October 2025.

During these competitions, Anthony Dewar, professional head buildings and architecture at Network Rail, has said their experience with the competition process “has been extremely positive” and seen “innovative, creative and sustainable solutions to the design problems”. The Rail Clock was created from the winning design by Design Bridge and Partners, who were selected from over 100 entries from 14 countries. They were tasked to design a standardised, consistent, and accessible clock to enhance the passenger experience, while reflecting the design and brand history of the railway, which marked its 200th year in 2025.

Watch the video to see how the Rail Clock animates Gerald Barney's arrows logo in a way that hasn't been expressed before. It takes the symbols, form, and angles and mirrors them in a back-to-back formation within the overall clock design.

Recognised as the UK’s leading provider, RIBA manages competitions for a wide range of project types and budgets ranging from large projects on the world stage to smaller projects with local interest on behalf of the public sector, all integrated with UK Procurement Regulations.

The use of an architectural design competition can serve as an excellent starting point, delivering the highest of standards and industry best practice. RIBA is uniquely placed to provide clients with choice, inspiration, and value through expertly managed architectural design competitions. Engaging in a RIBA Competition demonstrates a client's commitment to excellent design, high-quality architecture and a process that is fair, transparent and rigorous in selecting that design.

The Competitions team is available to discuss your project and can provide more information about holding a competition and the process involved.

Email: RIBA.Competitions@riba.org

Call: +44(0)20 7307 5355

Watch the video: riba.org/getting-started

This article is sponsored by RIBA.