Elevate Your Architectural Presentations: A Guide for Beginners

Starting out in architecture can be a daunting journey, especially when it comes to presenting your projects. From setting clear goals to meeting deadlines and effectively communicating your concepts, it's a lot to manage. In this guide, we'll break down essential steps specifically designed for beginners. These straightforward techniques will empower you to deliver impressive project presentations right from the start of your architectural endeavors.

I once had a teacher who imparted a crucial piece of advice: to approach each project presentation as if nobody in the room had any prior knowledge of architecture. This guidance profoundly influenced how I conveyed my ideas through drawings, plans, and icons on my panels. It ensured that the essence and intention of the project were crystal clear to everyone in the room.

“A good architect works slowly.” - Alvaro Siza

Presenting a concept that lacks visual representation can often lead to confusion. A well-structured presentation, with clear visual documentation, is essential. This can take the form of detailed paper panels on A1 sheets or a sleek slide show. Augmenting this with a scaled model—around 1/150 or 1/200—adds an attractive dimension, offering a clear understanding of the project's volumes and core intentions. Personally, I prefer crafting digital models using computer programs. From there, I select the most compelling perspectives to showcase the interplay of light and shadow, allowing the design's primary concepts to shine through.

Let's go through 5 simple steps!

1. Where is your project located?

I highly recommend taking into account the distinction between large-scale and small-scale aspects when working on a project.

At a small-scale level, it's essential to delve into the broader context. This includes understanding the country, city, neighborhood, and the overall culture of the area. Take note of the prevalent construction materials, delve into the cultural nuances of the inhabitants, and explore any traditional construction methods in use. Additionally, consider identifying notable landmarks or sites in proximity to your plot.

On the flip side, a large-scale analysis should focus on the specific conditions and characteristics of the plot. This involves detailing how your project harmonizes with the environment. Orientation becomes a critical factor at this level, as well as a comprehensive study of sunlight patterns throughout the year. In conclusion, don't forget to address and justify the various access points to your project.

2. What is the program?

"Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design" - Charles Eames

Start by stating the main problems you'll have to solve in your design. What is the main function of your building? And what are other funtions your project must have? Who is your client? Who are the users of your project? What are some of your references of other projects that inspired you in your design? What's the main idea of your project? What are your main intentions?

Use different icons and sketches of your own to explain the different parts of the building or place.

3. How did you solve the program?

In this section of the presentation, delve into the intricacies with more detailed plans. Ensure that these plans incorporate elements like furniture arrangements and the specific materials that make up the enclosures.

Discuss the functional layout of your project and elaborate on the materials that will be employed. Additionally, provide insights into the flow and movement within your design, considering how transit is conceived.

Elevations and sections play a crucial role in conveying your project's essence. Enhance these visualizations by incorporating shadows and materials. Including black silhouettes of people navigating the space provides a tangible sense of human scale, which can greatly enrich the viewer's understanding.

4. You can't miss...

When creating plans, drawings, or sketches, be sure to succinctly label each one to indicate its representation (e.g., Ground plan, First Floor plan, Section AA', Main facade elevation, etc.). Additionally, include both numerical and graphical scales in all your plans. Always specify the orientation of North.

I highly recommend maintaining consistent orientation across all plans. This ensures a seamless understanding of the project in its entirety, facilitating better comprehension for both you and your audience.

5. Conclusion

To conclude your presentation, dedicate a segment to explaining the model or render images. These visual aids serve as a succinct summary of the core concepts. Be selective in choosing the perspective for 3D images or the materials for your model.

These 3D images or models should effectively showcase the project's materials, the interplay between interior and exterior spaces, lighting effects, human scale, and more. Limit the number of images to no more than five for optimal impact. If you opt for a physical model, consider creating an additional one at a smaller scale (1/500 or 1/1000) to offer a broader view of the environment and plot.

I hope these insights prove valuable for your future presentations. This marks my inaugural blog post, and I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Do you have any additional tips to share? What challenges do you face when presenting your projects? Is there anything you might disagree with?