Every Architectural student has to face the final Jury in their semester while doing their thesis. The end semester Jury is similar to an examination where the students have to present their works of a selected theme to an external faculty member who analyses their skills: design, knowledge, communication, presentation, etc., and gives the necessary feedback and grades.
Architectural juries are so essential that they stand as a foundation for future professional practice to present their design concepts to the client.
Here are a few tips to ace in the final jury:
1. Punctuality and Honesty
Arrive on time, and if time permits, arrive at least one hour before the jury starts so that you don’t have any fear of missing the jury. The jury is the final presentation of the thesis after completing many days of hard work in preparing drawings, sketches, and renders. One has to get ready from the day before itself. Eating and sleeping well the previous night, planning the traveling from your living place to the jury location helps you reach on time.
Be honest with your answers and answer them in a procedure you have worked out the design. And if a juror questions you related to a topic that you do not know, then be honest and let him be clear that you don’t have an idea about that. If you bluff something, then the juror can undoubtedly identify the tricks and can lead to a negative impression on you.
2. Convey Concept and Present with Confidence
One of the most important aspects of architectural juries is the presentation of concepts. A concept of a design acts as a base or fundamental part of the design. Many of the architects have increased their reputation because of their distinct ideas. Architectural students have to present their concepts in a well-defined manner. The design representations can be sketching/drawings/ bubble diagrams explaining the approach of the concept not only with confidence but also in an understanding way.
One can gain confidence if he has knowledge, understanding, and grip of the subject while studying. Even if it is a small part of the design, if one can go a little deeper, including its history, evolution, theme, form and function, formation, he will have a piece of in-depth knowledge and attain confidence.
3. Visual Communication
A proper visual presentation is a must to ace in the final jury of the thesis. It is a crucial part of design development. A visual display is far more descriptive than words. The demonstration that you are ready to communicate has to be clear and precise with all the sets of drawings. The presentation has to be illustrative and explanatory.
It includes drawings, sketches, plans, sections, elevations, renders, orthographic projections, photographs, and models. Ranges from conceptual sketches symbols to different scale drawings. The visuals have to be precisely clear with headings, sub-headings, symbols, text, and scale wherever required.
4. Give Relevant Explanation
In the thesis jury, the students need to explain divergent aspects like concepts, theme, design brief, function, materials, façade, technology, etc. Because of nervousness, most of the students confuse themselves between the theme/ function/ concept and mix up points one has to explain in their thesis. They have to be clear about every aspect and explain it briefly so that the juror understands effortlessly.
Preparing well, distinguishing each aspect – concept, design, function, etc., in a step-by-step manner, and ordered presentation, using architectural terminology wherever required are some of the tips which help in successfully presenting before the juror. One may work hard, but it is of no use if your idea cannot reach the viewer.
5. List out a Questionnaire and Prepare your Answers
Most of the questions that the juror will ask are common that are related to almost all the designs, such as project location, site analysis, functional aspects, environmental concerns, etc. List them out and form a questionnaire briefly and prepare the answers well before themselves so that you will gain self-confidence.
You can request your seniors about their jury experiences and let them guide a little bit, browse through magazines. It is not only preparing the answers but how to communicate your deliberate answers effectively in which your speaking skills play an essential role. Practicing speaking and presenting before your friends as a rehearsal will have the courage and determination to convey before the final jury.
6. Grasp the Feedback in a Positive way
At the end of the jury, most jury members give their feedback based on their presentation. It may also be criticism or a word of praise. Even if your work is not of good quality, and the juror gives a subjective criticism, take it positively. The feedback or evaluation given during the thesis will be effective in your future architectural practice.
