Framework: The paper as an component of an extensive research project on design methods focuses on the question how architects could develop systematically goal-oriented architectural solutions (including innovative solutions) in the complex field of social and healthcare buildings. Questions: Within this framework, the paper, a component of the whole research project, is looking at two fundamental questions in terms of the indispensability of the contribution of architects during the planning and design process for such complicated design tasks: 1. Are there any techniques for measuring the added value contributed by architects? 2. How can architects demonstrate / communicate the added value of their contribution? Hypotheses: 1. The added value of the architects' contribution can be measured either through evaluation of the architectural solution or of the planning / design process. 2. Architects can demonstrate / communicate the added value of their contribution either through the quality of the architectural solution or the successful procedure that is therefore satisfying that architects, engineers, clients, users, etc. are included.

Framework: The paper as an component of an extensive research project on design methods focuses on the question how architects could develop systematically goal-oriented architectural solutions (including innovative solutions) in the complex field of social and healthcare buildings. Questions: Within this framework, the paper, a component of the whole research project, is looking at two fundamental questions in terms of the indispensability of the contribution of architects during the planning and design process for such complicated design tasks: 1. Are there any techniques for measuring the added value contributed by architects? 2. How can architects demonstrate / communicate the added value of their contribution? Hypotheses: 1. The added value of the architects' contribution can be measured either through evaluation of the architectural solution or of the planning / design process. 2. Architects can demonstrate / communicate the added value of their contribution either through the quality of the architectural solution or the successful procedure that is therefore satisfying that architects, engineers, clients, users, etc. are included.