Final answer:
The main difference between endorsed and non-endorsed architectural competitions is that endorsements can influence the outcome and benefits for the winner, whereas non-endorsed competitions focus solely on the design's merit.
Step-by-step explanation:
One key difference between endorsed and non-endorsed architectural competitions when choosing a winner relates to the perceived legitimacy and support that comes from endorsements. In an endorsed competition, interest groups or professional bodies may back a candidate or design based on ideological alignment or other factors, which can influence the competition's outcome. This official support may come with benefits such as resources, networking opportunities, and recognition. However, should an endorsed candidate lose, the non-endorsed winner may not receive the same level of support and may even face opposition from those who endorsed another contestant. In non-endorsed competitions, winners are chosen based solely on the merit of their design submissions without the influence of external endorsements, which could make for a more level playing field where creativity and skill are the primary judges, regardless of financial resources. Moreover, lack of endorsement could mean that the competition is more open to genuinely competitive entrants, fostering a heightened competition environment where the emphasis is on artistry and imagination, not on financial clout or ideological agreement.