Ideas and Observations on Architectural Competitions

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

Although competitions are fraught with their own issues, our profession is indelibly linked to them. Competitions have been pushing the profession forward for centuries, encouraging innovation, creativity and inspiring many. They have given emerging professionals their “big break” (think Maya Lin) and have showered the world with many important, game-changing masterpieces (Rolex Learning Center, Pompidou Center, Brunelleschi’s dome, the Acropolis…). As expected, the end result of a competition typically dominates the conversation; however, it is interesting to discuss process of competition making.

SOLID architecture is a firm that relies heavily on competitions, as they have received most of their commissions by winning a competition. They have shared with us their top ten ideas and observations on the process of competition making in hopes that it will spark a dialogue on the topic. As you can see above, the first on their list is “change the medium”. Continue reading after the break to review the complete list and join the conversation.

1. Change the medium

2. Think of solutions that won`t come to your mind (but somebody else’s maybe)

3. Invite guest critics (others than your colleagues and friends)

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

4. Make a dummy of the layout and the presentation

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

5. Design your layout for various distances

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

6. Design stops 3 days before the deadline

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

7. Competition results can be predicted (at least a little)

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

8. Review your projects twice, before and after you know the result of the competition

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

9. Making one competition (most often) is not enough

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

10. Your lucky number

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

All images were taken by SOLID architecture, in their office. For more, check out their website here.

Courtesy of SOLID architecture, Anna Rosinke

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About this author
Cite: Karissa Rosenfield. "Ideas and Observations on Architectural Competitions" 10 May 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/232845/ideas-and-observations-on-architectural-competitions> ISSN 0719-8884

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