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Archinect's tips for students preparing for thesis reviews and studio critiques

2022-04-22T17:59:00-04:00

What comes to mind when thinking about studio crits, guest juries, thesis reviews, and final presentations? For some, it's a blend of adrenaline, panic, fatigue, and perhaps a hint of excitement. Of course, everyone prepares differently and has their own "method to their madness," but it's important to realize that crafting a strong presentation is a mental and physical balancing act.

Academic coverage is an essential aspect of Archinect's editorial lineup. Beyond our exclusive interviews with education leaders and showcases of student work, our special Archinect Tips section consists of an array of handy guides that can help you feel prepared for your presentation.

Previously featured on Archinect: Archinect's Guide to Presentations

So, students, whether this is your first presentation as an undergrad or a seasoned fifth-year moving on autopilot, it's easy to forget a few things. Below, we have gathered a list of tips and references to get you through the next few weeks.

Before we ...

3 virtual presentation tips for architecture students

2020-03-31T13:40:00-04:00

The end of the semester is approaching and with many students preparing for their final reviews, the reality of presenting virtually has set in. I had the pleasure to attend my first digital mid-review this past week at Woodbury University. It was a fun and engaging experience and the projects were great. The virtual environment seemed to provide some unique opportunities for the student not so different from a typical in-person presentation. Here are 3 tips for architecture students to capitalize on in their virtual presentations this semester.

In "Complexity over clarity?" we looked at an important lesson from the renowned theoretical physicist Richard Feynman to consider the trap of trying to sound too smart in architectural discourse. Photo: Richard Feynman

Craft a tight narrative

In any presentation, the narrative is vital. What are you trying to tell your audience? Perhaps a presenter's most important question. If you're presenting virtually, in a powerpoint or slide format, t...

Mid-reviews are coming up. Don't forget these three things

2019-11-06T14:30:00-05:00

You're short on time. I know. This is a quick one. As you approach your mid-review, keep these three things in mind:

The jury is there to help you grow and get better. You're not there to prove anything to anyone, but rather to identify what you can work on and develop. Let this reduce the stigma around your presentation. Check out How to Face a Jury in Architecture School if you want to dive deeper.
Arguing isn't always the answer. It's great to stand up for our convictions as a designers, however, sometimes we need to relent and take on another way of seeing something. Go into your presentation ready to defend your idea, but also have an open mind and be willing to receive a viewpoint counter to your own. In the end, you are the judge for what you allow to take root and what you don't. Check out Better Critics Than Crickets for a closer exploration.
Take time to rehearse your presentation. We all need to organize our thoughts. Even Steve Jobs rehearsed. This doesn't have to be a dra...