Some additional practical advices

THINK BIG! - Competitions are an opportunity to let loose, and jurors are frequently drawn to proposals that may appear, on first viewing, somewhat outrageous. Large public commissions often seek daring conceptual gestures, with the knowledge that later refinements will ensure the project can be grounded in reality.

GET INSPIRED, BUT NEVER COPY! - The best way to learn is by looking at others works – preferably other professional or uni students. Look at various examples and write down, drawn the best bits you like. Then by using your creativity and the inspiration you found you should be able to create an amazing striking presentation board [12], BUT PLEASE NEVER COPY!

INVITE GUEST CRITICS - After all, design competition is mostly about sharing ideas with people. It is always beneficial when you try to summarize and present the project to others, both inside and outside the field of architecture, and ask for their opinions. Because the concept is always clearer to you than it may appears to others, this practice helps you to sharpen the idea and convey the vital charisma of the project within a few sentences. Moreover, the feedback from others may point out something you overlooked or ignored before, these easy fixes, added up together might make a big difference to your final product. [11] Moreover, by having a guest critic with "fresh eyes", with no association to the project, giving a feedback on the content may provide new perspectives that will benefit the entire work [1]. And finally check the list of jurors, paying attention to representatives of the fields other than architecture. Keep in mind they will have a perspective entirely different from those within the industry.

Make it a win-win situation - The harsh truth is that 99% of competition entries won’t make the grade—in the eyes of the jury, at least. However, even if a proposal doesn't make the competition shortlist, its life does not have to end there! If you have followed all the steps listed above, you should now have a splendid piece of portfolio material.

It is not uncommon for a competition concept, beautifully presented on a firm’s website, to attract interest from prospective clients. Make sure to market your "defeated" entries with as much zeal as your built projects—even though they remain on the drawing board, they act as fantastic examples of your creative ambition. It can't hurt to put a few new ideas into your client’s. [10]

           

7.8 Green Building & City Solutions Awards 2017 among professionals

 

Dear students! After you finish your Master Degree studies you will become an international professional. So, we decided to include in here a bit of information about THE international competition for sustainable buildings and cities among professionals. Every year, Construction21 (www.construction21.org) [12] runs an international online contest for exemplary realizations. Its goal is to inspire professionals around the world for their future projects of buildings, ecodistricts or infrastructures, and to contribute to keep global warming under 2°C. The target: all actors of the sustainable buildings and cities sectors (contractors, developers, architects, engineers, constructors, manufactures, operators, researchers, training centers, unions and professional associations, and the support professions: banking, law, economists; along with municipalities, local governments and public agencies.

Competing projects are highlighted on all Construction21 platforms. The most remarkable are awarded during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) and benefit from a broad communication campaign in addition to a video of each winner widely shared on the web. This contest is supported by the Global Alliance for Buildings & Construction, ADEME and renowned international organisations such as Arnold Schwarzenegger's R20, ICLEI or Green Planet Architects.

In 2017, the contest will start in mid-march, with the launch at the MIPIM, hence giving the candidates 3 months to submit their most innovative projects, until mid-june. It is useful to know that in 2017 there are Three contests - 16 categories:

I contest “Building” in the following categories:

· Energy - Cool and Temperate Climates

· Energy - Mediterranean Climates

· Energy - Hot and Tropical Climates

· Low Carbon

· Health & Comfort

· Smart building

· Sustainable Construction Grand Prize

· Sustainable Renovation Grand Prize

 

II contest “City”, it has only one category

· Sustainable City Grand Prize

III contest “Infrastructures & Urban Services”

· Green Energies

· Digital Services

· Sustainable Mobility

· Water Cycle

· Circular Economy & Waste Management

· Biodiversity & Ecosystems

· Sustainable Infrastructure Grand Prize

For more details on green buidings (video lectres, articles, and projects) go to:

Homepage (http://www.construction21.org/)

Case Studies (http://www.construction21.org/case-studies/)

News (http://www.construction21.org/articles/)

 

Bibliography

1. How to win an architectural competition. Access: http://www.arch2o.com/how-to-win-an-architectural-competition/ (visit date: 29.04.2017)

2. Yudelson, J. 2016. Reinventing Green Building: Why Certification Systems Aren't Working and What We Can Do About It. Canada: New Society Publishers.

3. Hays, D.L., ed. 2013. (Non-) Essential knowledge for (new) architecture. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

4. Carlson, R. 1962. Silent spring. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.; 1st edition.

5. Emerald Architecture (Case studies in Green Building). 2008. US: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition GreenSource Books.

6. Chupin, J-P., Cucuzzella, C., Helal, B., ed. 2015. Architecture Competitions and the Production of Culture, Quality and Knowledge: An International Inquiry. Montreal: Potential Architecture Books Inc.

7. 10 megatrends shaping the future of green building. Access: https://www.bdcnetwork.com/10-megatrends-shaping-future-green-building (visit date: 29.04.2017).

8. 2030 Districts. Access: http://architecture2030.org/programs/2030-districts/(visit date: 29.04.2017).

9. The 2030 Disctricts network. Access: http://www.2030districts.org/districts (visit date: 29.04.2017).

10. Young Architect Guide: 7 Secrets To Success In Architectural Design Competitions. Access: https://architizer.com/blog/winning-ways-7-secrets-to-success-in-architectural-design-competitions/       (visit date: 29.04.2017).

11. 7 Practical Advices On How To Success In Architectural Competitions. Access: