Architecture

Plans for and models of structures and outdoor spaces.

Examples may include but are not limited to Building designs, landscape designs, interior designs, urban plans. Can include 2D work such as hand-drawn sketches, computer-aided designs, blueprints, and floor plans, or 3D work such as scale models made from foam core, balsa wood, cardboard, wooden blocks, polystyrene, found or reused objects, etc.

Requirements:

  1. Only one (1) original project may be submitted. The project must be the creation of the competing contestant, rather than a replication of another architect’s design.
  2. Submit six (6) copies of a double-space paper to accompany the project. The content of the paper, which should not exceed five (5) pages, should include overall statement of goals and processes, design objectives, the history of the project, and execution of the project. The student’s name, page number, and branch must be on the top of each page.
  3. Blueprints of the project must be 24×36 inches in length or width. The contestant must also submit a site plan, floor plan, a minimum of two (2) elevations, and a section of the design at an appropriate scale.
  4. Contestants are required to conduct a minimum of five (5) minutes of oral presentation, explaining his/her project. This time limit does not include the time required for the judges to ask questions and the contestant to respond to the judges.
  5. Contestants are required to construct a scaled model of his or her project. (The National office will provide display tables and electricity.)
  6. Contestants must submit a S.T.E.M. Verification Form from a qualified architect with an earned professional degree or license. This person can also serve as a coach, working closely with the student during the course of the project to ensure the accuracy of the student’s research and qualification for entry.
  7. Gold medalists advancing to the national competition will be required to upload images of their entries to a designated site.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

  • Complexity of Project/Originality (15)
  • Planning and Space Concepts (10)
  • Aesthetics (10)
  • Consistency and Validity of Design Concepts (10)
  • Drawings (15)
    • Quality of line of work
    • Organization of drawings
  • Model (10)
    • Workmanship-Scale
  • Site Analysis/Design (15)
  • Construction Materials/ Methods of Construction (5)
  • Written Statement (5)
    • Explaining Project, Establishing Parameters
    • Identifying Project Limitations and Design Objectives
  • Verbal Presentation (5)