2020-06-12
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Often, for architectural competitions, the only opportunity for you to convey your idea to the viewer is through the submission boards. Everything else, your thinking process, research, sketches, parti, study models, although equally important, are hardly presented to the juries. So you must make sure your board have a great presentation, so that it can leave a great first impression to the viewers. To achieve that, try have a rough vision (how do you want the board to be like) already in your head, before all the other works even starts. If possible, do layout sketches, set up the blank page file, put in placeholder images and text frames, and fill the gaps afterwards. Working backwards has two big benefits: On one hand, it helps you with the thinking process, you are always actively thinking while drafting the boards, being clear with what you want without getting too lost in the exploration. On the other hand, it is a great progress indicator, which helps you avoid wasting time on unnecessary work as the deadline approaches. [11]
7.6.1 Three dimensional representations - The 30-second rule
Due to the huge amount of entries jury will have limited time to cast their critical eye over each presentation board, so instant impact is crucial. A great way to accomplish this is with a central "killer" image that will ensure your entry jumps out from the others; it can be either a) a dramatic, wide-angle CGI (Computer Generated Image) perspective, or b) a beautifully detailed section drawing. If this image can communicate the overriding principles of your concept in a powerful manner, the jury will be placing it on their shortlist in no time.
7.6.2 Presentation board layout tips:
- Do not forget to put your competition number! (since all the competitions are anonymous, once you’ve registered you/your team you will be given a number, this number is your identification number, please don’t forget to put it on the board).
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- Plain background colors work best.
- Structure the content of your boards from most important to least!
- Use ONE FONT! and if you can…max 3 sizes of font to createvisual hierarchy.
- (The largest of the fonts should be for the title, the second largest (maximum size 12 font) should be for the text in your paragraphs, and the third should be for referencing key elements of your design images).
- Text should be in short key sentences.
- Include concept and development sketches.
- Do not clutter your boards with rubbish (non-related stuff).
- DO NOT leave your boards to the last minute! [12]
7.6.3 Floor plans and elevations
In addition to the sections and CGIs described above, plans and elevations can be wonderfully effective tools to communicate your designs to clients. However, when displaying your wares for a discerning jury, consider mixing it up to capture their attention. Make a model, take some well-lit photographs, and then add further details using your software of choice; this results in images with an added element of texture and materiality that will give your presentation an unusual edge.
Another method is to use the favorite graphic medium of a certain Mr. Bjarke Ingels: sequential diagrams. [13] As a visual storyteller, these can help reduce the necessary explanatory text, distilling the presentation to just one or two boards.
7.6.4 Site plan and major spatial elements
Be sure to include the site plan in your competition presentation. It is always advisable to study the environmental issues around the area, where you will propose your new project buidling. Make sure that major spatial elements of your green buiding are presented clearly and with maximum details, along with the short explanations.
7.6.5 Design essay or abstract
Make your design essay brief and up to the point. When attaching a required DOC file containing the project statement/ essey/ abstract, look carefully for the max of words you can put in it! Abstract needs to be an informative statement that is concise which tells us about the features and benefit of your design. It should sell your design!!! Also, please keep in mind that it is unforgiveable to supply text, either on entry forms or on boards, that has not been spell-checked. This is particularly (but not only) applicable to student award entries. Just as important, the text needs to be comprehensible by a normal person who knows nothing about the scheme. Essential information includes location, client, size, key materials and the core reasons for the design. It is perfectly possible to convey this information concisely on boards, leaving maximum room for images. Captions are a good way of supplementing the main text with additional information [14]. However, if there is a special requirement to write an additional design essay or abstract please make sure that you include into it:
- the mission of your project (e.g. how your project will improve the quality of life, etc.);
- your unique innovative vision for the improvement of sustainability, building solutions;
- your strategy how to achieve your mission and unique vision;
- technical details and economic budject (if needed)
