Although 94 entries were received for the competition, according to the official report: "The assessors were impressed by the quality of the entries, but considered that many entries, while well realised proposals, did not respond sufficiently to the specifics of the site or the culture and innovation of the World Music Village. Many entries could have functioned well as performance and arts centres on any site and for any purpose."

The assessors selected five entries for Stage 2. The firms shortlisted were: Architecture53Seven; Burdon Craig Dunne Henry Architects; Deavy Design Architects; DLB Cordier Architect; Ponlawat Buasri Architect.

The winning entry was by DLB Cordier Architect. According to the official report: "The assessors were impressed by the relaxed informality of this proposal. Maximum advantage was taken of the site and the building relates well to the campus. The central drum was seen as a powerful functional and symbolic element in anchoring and proclaiming the building. The two performance spaces were well realised and the opportunities for interaction and informal performance was welcomed. The welcoming entrance, the central drum, the quality of the performance spaces, the opportunities for informal performance, the informality of the architectural expression and solution, the creative use of terraces, and the relation with the site convinced the assessors, that this was the winning entry."

The assessors awarded second place to Burdon Craig Dunne Henry Architects. and third place to Deavy Design Architects.

The Jury comprised of: John O'Connor; Brian Hand; Anthony McGuirk; Prof. Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin; Jim Barrett. In addition the Technical Advisors were: Arthur Ostrander; Kevin Bartley; William Peacocke; Philip Shipman.