(article previously published in January 2014)
Those of us who have based the development of our professional activity as architects in the presentation to architectural competitions, we know that many factors influence. Some we can control, others we cannot.
How the composition of the jury influences your victory
This is one of the great unknowns. When a jury sits, you don’t know how events are going to unfold.
Which member will take center stage. Normally, the “guest star” is in charge. But that person usually emerges from the contestants’ choice and is not known until the architectural competition has been delivered.
In every architectural competition, decisions have to be made. To make disclaimers. Doubts arise during the design process: what will this jury value? They are generic doubts: what will the use or the shape of the building be taken into account more? Or more specific : what will they prefer a wider lobby or more generous toilets ?
Keys to stand out in a contest with many participants
There are more and more of them. More and more effort is being made. And, unfortunately, the effort is not being paid for.
The number of participants is not a determining factor, but it is undoubtedly a determining factor.
I always say that participating in an architectural competition is like playing the lottery, the ticket is worth a month of intense work.
How to interpret (and survive) a contradictory program
No one gets involved in the project like a contestant. The comment always comes up: “the person who made the specifications for the architectural competition doesn’t know what he’s talking about”.
There is little to do about it. Thinking and making decisions. Fingers crossed that we will be able to get it right or, rather, agree with the jury’s criteria. Come on, it’s madness.
The importance of contacts in architectural competitions
It is fundamental. When you don’t have them, it’s very difficult to succeed in an architectural competition.
I am not saying it is lawful, but it is a reality.
The role of luck in your success
A determining factor when there are so many variables at play.
You can develop a magnificent architectural competition but if you are not lucky enough to coincide with the criteria of the jury, that several do not comply with the specifications, that you comply with them (it is necessary to have a lawyer by your side when interpreting them), that the plotter does not break down hours before delivery, that your contact takes a step back, that you have a brilliant day, etc, etc, etc, etc.
You may also be interested in reading this article :
5 aspects to consider when winning an architectural competition