ARCHITECTURE

Description:

The art and process of designing and building structures.

Overview:
Create an original architectural design as a 2D drawing or 3D model. Your design can be expressed through grand buildings, serene landscapes, or cozy interiors.

Notes for Judges ● This competition is presentation and interview based and requires advanced screening of the contestants' materials in order to adequately interview them on the day of the competition. ● Each contestant will have 10 minutes to present their project and then the judging co-hort will have 5-10 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 15-20 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. ■ In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.

Requirements:

1. Unique Design: Your submission must be entirely your own original work.

2. Written Explanation: A 5—page double spaced paper is required to detail your design process, goals and challenges.

3. Abstract: Include a 150-250-word abstract at the beginning of the paper summarizing your design's purpose, process, and outcome

4. Technical Drawings: Provide a comprehensive set of blueprints, including site plans, floor plans, elevations, and sections.

5. Oral Presentation: Prepare a 8 - 10—minute presentation to explain your design to the judges.

Exceeding this time limit may result in point deductions or disqualification.
Additional time may be allotted for the judge's questions and responses.

6. Physical Model: Construct a scaled model of your design.

7. STEM Verification: Obtain a signed STEM verification form from a qualified architect.

a. Click here for a STEM Verification Form

8. Information at the top of each page:

a. Student name

b. Page number

c. Branch name and number (Coraopolis NAACP #26AB-B)

9. Deadline: Send your written project to coraopolisnaacp@gmail.com by the deadline of March 10, 2027

10. Contestant Introduction: State your introduction in full, per the Contestant Introduction Script, before beginning your presentation.

11. Statement of Integrity: Submit a completed Statement of Integrity Form with your application.

Required Submissions
• Bio (PDF) → First_Last_Bio
• Contestant Photo (PDF) → First_Last_CP
• Statement of Integrity (PDF) → First_Last_SOI
• Written Project (PDF) → First_Last_WP
• Reference Photo (PDF) → First_Last_RP

When uploading your documents, you must name each file exactly as shown above in order for it to be properly uploaded and integrated into our automated system.

Example: John_Doe_WP (using your own first and last name, followed by the file label shown for your category).

Note: If files are not received in these formats, they are out of compliance and ineligible until rectified. If they are not corrected before the deadline, the contestant will no longer be able to compete at this year's iteration of the National Competition

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

30 Points: Design Concept:

Complexity, Originality, and overall concept

10 Points: Planning and Space:

Effective use of space and functionality

10 Points: Aesthetics:

Visual appeal and harmony of elements

25 Points: Technical Accuracy: Quality of drawings, model craftmanship, and construction feasibility

5 Points: Written Statement:

Clarity, coherence, and depth of explanation

5 Points: Oral Presentation:

Delivery, clarity, and ability to answer questions

15 Points: Site Analysis:

Understanding of the site and integration of design

100 Total Points

Point Deduction -0.25 per 15 sec

In the event the student presentation exceeds 10 mins one point will be deducted for every minute over up to five points.

Tips for Architecture Contestants

● Start Early: Begin your project well in advance to allow for ample time for research, design, and construction.

● Research Thoroughly: Explore various architectural styles, historical periods, and contemporary trends.

● Develop a Strong Concept: Clearly articulate your design's purpose and unique qualities.

● Pay Attention to Detail: Ensure your drawings are precise and your model is meticulously crafted.

● Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to deliver a confident and informative speech.

● Seek Feedback: Consult with mentors, teachers, or other architects to refine your design.

● Stay Organized: Keep track of your progress, deadlines, and materials.

● Have Fun: Enjoy the creative process and let your imagination soar!