Abstract
This paper reports in which way the architect selection system for public buildings in Kumamoto Artpolis has been carried since 1988. By the strong initiative of the commissioner and the secretariat of Kumamoto Artpolis several architect selection systems have been examined such as designation system, competition and proposal system. They lead the participation of local municipalities in order to stimulate the potential of architecture in cultural contexts. They are notable cases to examine the idea and methods of architect selection system in Japan nowadays by drawing a clear line between the policy of the national government and local autonomy.
