Winning is easier said than done, right? The next few lines will give you a checklist to follow that will guarantee you come out on top. As originality cannot conform to a set of guidelines, the quest for uniqueness when considering the international aspect of architecture competitions may seem a daunting task, however, if you want to maximize the effectiveness of your entry, it’s best to take a few pointers from entries which have… actually won, and check the tips on how to be a better architect?
How do you win an architecture competition?
Select the right competition for you
Simply, don’t be the guy who is interested in parametric design and coding, and then you go for an urban design competition, this is a completely different field! Moreover, if you are a college student, then “ideas” competitions would fit you more than competitions that have a legitimate end product. Whether the competition shall result in construction or whether it just calls for ideas will have a big influence on your entry. While civil codes and attention to the cityscape will be of great importance for actual construction, idea competitions will allow for more outrageous designs.
Follow the brief, and exceed it
Once you have chosen which competition is right for you then go ahead and analyze the brief meticulously ensuring that each statement is tackled in your design and then taken further. Give the judges what they want and more. Research into the organizers of the competition will help inform you further on what they’re really after as well as their approach in design; however, a derivative of any previous commissions should be avoided. Remember, the intent of the competition is always to single out that one innovative yet functional design.
Form that Functions
Many designers would probably overlook this point if the focus is directed solely on the aesthetics of the entry. You have to very well understand the function of your intended building and how the spaces perform best. Many other factors like; public interaction with the building, landscaping solutions, and basic design in terms of materials, spaces, circulation, and structure should not be an afterthought.
Many designers would probably overlook this point if the focus is directed solely on the aesthetics of the entry. You have to very well understand the function of your intended building and how the spaces perform best. Many other factors like; public interaction with the building, landscaping solutions, and basic design in terms of materials, spaces, circulation, and structure should not be an afterthought.
Design Charisma
This is obvious, what looks good is good. Ensure your design has a charismatic flair, something that sets you out from everyone else. Large public commissions often seek audacious concepts, with the knowledge that later refinements will ensure the project can be grounded in reality. Relating to the purpose of your intended building and finding a way to manipulate it into something communicative and attractive will ensure that your concept will be appreciated by the judges as well as the public.
A classic example is the Sydney Opera House. Jørn Utzon was a young and relatively unknown architect before his proposal beat 232 other entrants for the job. Eero Saarinen, one of the jurors declared the design to be outstanding, an icon of creativity in both architecture and engineering.
External Eye is important
The process of putting together a competition entry is intense, especially when considering the timeframe allowed. The end product and how it is perceived must be as clear to a new eye, as it is to the designer working constantly on it. By having a guest critic, with no association to the project, giving feedback on the content may provide new perspectives that will benefit the entire work.
Presentation is the key
If all other points listed are followed, an eye-catching presentation will ensure you succeed and stand out from the other hundreds of entries. Be direct and straight to the point, use clear and attractive imaging that explains your concept and design thoroughly and quickly. For judges faced with hundreds of entries, contextual images are always advantageous, while flashy images used solely for the sake of aesthetics may be considered inessential
What will you get out of this?
The debate over whether architectural competitions are beneficial to architects or not is ongoing, however, despite this, there is no arguing that wins or no win; you will always get something out of the experience including a wonderful addition to your portfolio that will surely attract prospective clients. Competitions allow things they don’t teach you in architecture school and allow for freedom of thoughts while giving the opportunity to focus skill sets often on urgent social and cultural issues making example of your creative and versatile ambition.
