• Choose The Right Competition
• Build The Team
• Exceed Expectations
• Research, Research, and Research
• Brainstorm Concepts
• Focus on Presentation
• Seek Feedback

Architectural design competitions are a great opportunity to aid your professional or academic experience, although recently, it has been up for debate. Nevertheless, it can be a great way to explore your creativity and test out the waters of the profession without real-world pressure. Here are seven tips or pieces of advice besides the obvious on how to win successful architecture competitions. While this article cannot guarantee a win, it can certainly provide you with a checklist to help you dream and ultimately win big.

Choose The Right Competition

Every architecture competition is different, just like every individual and their strengths are different. The first step in winning architecture competitions is to choose a competition that aligns with your skills and strengths. Most architecture competitions are either idea or project-based, i.e., it may require a conceptual idea, or it can be developed into an actual commission project. Choosing which competition among the two is crucial and increases your chance of winning architecture competitions. Do not let the fact that you are not a graduate stop you from participating. Idea-based competitions are more suitable for students and offer an excellent platform to test your skills in the right waters.

Build The Team

Architecture is always a collaborative field. One of the best strategies for architecture competitions is building an efficient team that complements the skills and cancels out the weaknesses of individuals in the team. You can either choose a competition that reflects the strengths of your team or choose a team that aligns with the requirements of the competition. 

Exceed Expectations

Another architectural competition advice is to not only meet the brief requirements but to exceed them. Each competition has minimum requirements that each entry must fulfill. However, these are guidelines intended to serve as a starting point for your creativity. Even though coming up with the most intricate designs can be thrilling and fun, it is vital to remember that every competition has a functional requirement. Look into the organizers to get an idea of their approach to design and what kind of design they aspire to see in the entries, but avoid imitating anything from the previous commissions. Remember, every competition looks out for that one entry that stands out from the rest.

Research, Research, and Research

Talent and inspiration can give a promising start, but it is research that cements a strong foundation to build a good entry. Creativity in Architecture usually comes after extensive research that helps to understand the constraints and opportunities for each project. Research is the best tool to supplement your creativity that will help you to win big. It should include the required data collection, documentation, a deep look into the concepts to explore, and a thorough understanding of the acquired knowledge. Ground your design decisions in data, analysis, and a deep understanding of the project context.

Brainstorm Concepts

Developing that one concept that catches one?s eye is the most important aspect of any architecture competition. Brainstorming concepts as a team helps to explore different approaches in design. Jurors always look for entries that at first might seem bold or even bizarre, but which can be refined later to build practically. This is your opportunity to not be limited by constraints and think big. Ensure that your design has a charismatic flair that will draw the jurors in and set you apart from everybody else. 

Focus on Presentation

One of the key elements in successful architectural proposals is the presentation of your design. Architecture competitions receive hundreds of entries. Each entry may be only scanned for a minute or so before shortlisting for the next round. Hence, having an instant impact is vital. This can be done by emphasizing a central image that helps you jump out from the other entries. If this one image can effectively communicate the primary principles of your design, the jury is bound to shortlist it for the next round.

Seek Feedback

Throughout the design process, get input from peers, mentors, professionals in the field, and possible users. Exchange your concepts, ideas, and drawings with others to get a range of viewpoints and insightful opinions. Refine your proposal by addressing areas for improvement and incorporating constructive feedback into your design iterations. Make the most of feedback sessions to test and validate your design choices so that your proposal satisfies stakeholders and fits the competition’s goals.

These seven pieces of practical advice can help you to take on this daunting task of participating in architecture competitions. However, if you do not win, remember that defeated entries can add flair to your portfolio and attract prospective clients. After all, it is another testimony of your creative ambition and is worthy for the world to see if you have given it your all.

Sources

• https://architecturecompetitions.com/5-tips-for-how-to-win-an-architecture-competition
• https://architizer.com/blog/practice/tools/winning-ways-7-secrets-to-success-in-architectural-design-competitions/
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-must-do-tips-win-architectural-competitions-leed-ap-bdc-om-idc/
• https://www.arch2o.com/win-architecture-competitions/
• https://competitions.archi/competition/how-to-success-in-architectural-competitions/
• https://www.archdaily.com/914849/how-to-win-architecture-competitions-anatomy-of-a-winning-entry