Architectural competitions allow students to familiarise themselves with multiple design briefs which enables them to think beyond the confines of their academia. The uniqueness of these competitions lies in their timely deadlines and emphasis on teamwork. It’s not merely an assignment completed in isolation, instead, it involves embracing the distinct skills and problem-solving approaches of all participants. This creates a fertile ground that aids in the implementation of classroom knowledge. Innovative solutions surfaced through the hard work of young minds when they delved deep into different design briefs, obstacles and challenges associated with them. The saying goes, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” — (Booker T. Washington) This concludes that overcoming the facets of architecture aids in gaining comprehensive knowledge exposed through these competitions. Architectural competitions promote creativity, foster proactive management skills, and prepare students for real-life projects, clients, and challenges.
Participation Benefits in Architectural Competitions
Architectural competitions primarily involve team-based tasks, tasks that allow students to cooperate with their peers in perspective to approach design, dealing with the occurrence of problems, and any personal challenges. This allows the intrapersonal and leadership skills development at a tender age. Not just in design processes but in juries students are exposed to constructive discussion panels and potential clients which is proportional to the work they represented as a team, articulated command over software, and the ability to solve stakeholders’ requirements in the form of the design brief. Hence, Architectural competitions enable them to hone the collaborative nature of the profession since architects often work in multidisciplinary teams. Effective communication and dexterous handling of design anomalies are invaluable skills learned by students through participation in architectural competitions, teamwork, and collaboration.
A Platform of Skills Development for Future Architects
The adaptive nature of the architectural industry to new circumstances and themes, be it technological innovation or overcoming sustainable development goals, is a firsthand experience felt by the participating students in an architectural competition. As they are not only composed of design themes and presentation layouts, it is accustomed to deadlines and tight schedules as well that can provide a real-life simulation of the architectural profession. These competitions are renowned for their strict schedules which students use to hone their skills in critical thinking, time management, project execution and decision-making. The importance of overcoming a project’s requirements can only be achieved with efficient management of time, adherence to deadlines, and peer coordination which is crucial for successful project execution.
Sketching and Critical Thinking Development
One skill that is imperative for an architecture student to have in academic years as well as in the professional field, and that is vigorously needed to solve design anomalies, is the art of sketching. Architecture competitions are accompanied by various challenging tasks, ranging from perilous design briefs, design requirements, and presentation layout, to final design jury mayhem. Much of the anticipated tasks are simplified with quick sketching. Many solutions are proposed as well. Quick sketching is an effective tool for conceptualizing, communicating, and problem-solving in the dynamic field of architecture. Sketching is a key element during architecture competitions that distinguishes a professional architect from an amateur one. Cognitive functions are improved when one works with hands as the prefrontal cortex of our brain is responsible for problem solving and planning. This is relevant to effective design solutions, and presentation skills, inclusive of the wow factor. A dynamic personality and identity expressed through sketching are attractive to jurors and clients alike. Architecture competitions provide an excellent opportunity for honing sketching skills, which not only provide a quick presentation to jurors but also aid in effective peer communication, defining approaches to obstacles, and maturing design concepts.
Competitions as a Stepping stone of Inclusivity and Networking
Architecture competitions after the French Revolution have transformed into an instrument of the new order, where fraternity, equality, and independence are manifested in architecture, apart from a despot culture, where opportunity was provided to a selected group of people and artists with a reputation. Hence post-French Revolution, the competitions were made accessible through universities, the Internet or social media, sponsored by renowned architectural firms and organizations, providing a platform for a large audience of young architects to display their skills to industrial professionals. These architecture competitions aid in portfolio development and open doors to internship programs, mentorship opportunities, or even jobs offered through networking and participation. Students are exposed to exceptional professional environments and opportunities. Hence, architecture competitions have become an effective means for young architects to gain valuable exposure to professional opportunities, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and meritocracy in the field of architecture.
Key takeaway
Architecture competitions are no doubt, directly and indirectly, impacting students in perspective of skill development and aiding in project management. The project deadlines and design brief are tackled in a new platform and exposed to industrial professionals. Networking results in developing new relations be it with a potential client, an opportunity for mentorship, an internship program, or a job offer, the sky is your limit which concludes the fact that winning is not everything but not giving up is. Participation in competitions honed your personality for the professional architecture field and the realisation of how important teamwork is. Hence one agrees or not the competitions may seem arduous initially, with a lot of personal and group challenges but they are worth an experience for professional development and memories with your academic peers.
Bibliography:
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. (n.d.). Competitions. [online] Available at: https://www.acsa-arch.org/programs-and-events/competitions [Accessed 18 Dec. 2023].
Gunagama, M.G. and Pratiwi, Y. (2019). The Role of Architectural Competition in the Learning Process of Architecture Students. [online] Creative Commons, Dordrecht: Atlantis Press SARL, p.7. Available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ [Accessed 16 Dec. 2023].
The report discusses the background, significance, and impact of architectural competitions and how they have evolved to be more accessible to students.
uni.xyz. (n.d.). UNI. [online] Available at: https://uni.xyz/competitions/ [Accessed 18 Dec. 2023].
www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk. (2023). Architecture Competitions For Students. [online] Available at: https://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/architecture-competitions-for-students [Accessed 20 Dec. 2023].
