How to make your presentation board stand out? 5 simple tips to improve your architecture panels

Adequate creating and composing architecture panels is a key to a successful project delivery, a final presentation, or an awarded competition entry. It is an important part of designing process and very often it stands a synthesis of your long-term work. So, you supposed to take into consideration many aspects during creating your boards. In this article we would like to present five simple tips and advice that will help make your presentation boards stand out.

 If you follow rules below, your panels will grab attention of the jury panel. The tips will get you closer to a good result in architecture competitions or university public presentations. For additional information or support, feel free to contact our Technical Services department.

Introduction to Presentation Boards

Presentation boards are an essential tool for architects, designers, and contractors to showcase their designs and plans for a project. They provide a visual representation of the design, allowing clients to understand the layout, materials, and features of the space. Incorporating architectural wall panels into your presentation board can add a unique feature, giving clients a better understanding of the materials and design.

When creating a presentation board, it’s crucial to consider the next project and how the design will meet the client’s needs and expectations. Panels can be used to create a 3D model of the space, allowing clients to visualize the design and make any necessary changes. Including information about the materials used, such as durable and long-lasting options, ensures the client is aware of the quality of the products.

A well-designed presentation board can help establish trust with the client and increase the chances of winning the project. It’s essential to check the presentation board for any errors or inconsistencies before presenting it to the client. By paying attention to these details, you can create a compelling and professional presentation that stands out.

1. Make it simple

You probably have heard that many times before. Make it simple. But why? Why my presentation boards should be simple when my design is so complex? If the project is complex for you, it will seem to be even more complicated and demanding for the jury made of your lecturer or colleagues. So, we, as architects, use presentation boards to show others our design in the clearest and most readable way, to present our ideas shortly and the most communicatively. Thera are some tricks that you can use to simplify your panels. Firstly, you may divide your drawing into sections. There may be diagrams put in one sector, technical drawings, details, axonometric views, or perspectives in others. Plans look the best when they directly correspond with the sections or elevations. It is also a good solution to divide your panels horizontally or vertically – to make a composition with your drawings. Ensure your presentation boards are primed and ready to effectively communicate your design.

Project by Sebastiano Baldan, Nazish Pathan, Ashlon Frank – 1st place in Hope Dental Center Competitions | Archstorming
Project by Juan Pablo Lopez Isabella – 1st place in Kaira Looro Competition 2021

2. Show the clue

It is very important to show the key aspects of your work. When you have a final presentation during your studies, you may have a chance to express your design perfectly but when you participate in an architecture competition there is no opportunity to clarify your designing decisions. Your drawing and panels speak for you, so the leading idea and the concept behind the submission should be easily readable to reach the highest levels of visual impact. You may use contrast colors to emphasize the most essential parts. Diagrams expressing the form-finding process, explaining circulation among the area, or functional sketches may be found very useful and make your design understandable. It is also important to show the most characteristics spaces on the perspectives – the ones that make the character of the whole area.

Project by Clarisse Gono, Tsunxian Lee, Nathan Mehl, Katherine Huang – 2nd place in Kaira Looro Compettion 2020

3. Understanding Visual Aesthetics

Visual aesthetics play a significant role in the design of architectural spaces, and understanding how to create a visually appealing design is crucial. The use of materials, such as architectural wall panels, can add depth and interest to a space, creating a unique and captivating visual aesthetic. When designing a space, it’s essential to consider the variety of materials available and how they can be used to create a cohesive and visually appealing design.

The design should meet the client’s needs and expectations while also considering market trends and standards. A well-designed space can add value to a house or commercial property, making it more attractive to potential buyers or tenants. The use of standard materials and design elements can create a sense of familiarity, while the addition of unique features can make the space stand out.

It’s essential to find the right balance between functionality and visual aesthetics to create a space that is both beautiful and functional. Years of experience and a deep understanding of design principles are necessary to create a space that is both visually appealing and functional. By focusing on these aspects, you can create designs that not only meet but exceed client expectations.

Quality materials, not quantity

You need to be aware that it is easy to recognize if you put a lot of effort into drawing and postproduction or not. The visualizations, plans, sections, axonometric views are supposed to be developed on a similar level. It is better to exclude some drawings from the board than put a lot of pictures in bad quality or even worse – unfinished. Make sure that every drawing on the final panels is the best you can prepare. Remember that you use those drawings to show your skills and predispositions.

Choosing the Right Materials

Choosing the right materials for a project is crucial, as it can affect the durability, sustainability, and overall aesthetic of the space. Architectural wall panels are a popular choice for many designers and architects due to their durability and versatility. When selecting materials, it’s essential to consider the project’s specific needs and requirements, such as the climate, budget, and intended use of the space.

A range of materials is available, from standard options to more unique and exotic choices, allowing designers to create a space that meets their client’s needs and expectations. The material should be durable and long-lasting, requiring minimal maintenance and upkeep. It’s also essential to consider the environmental impact of the materials, choosing options that are sustainable and eco-friendly whenever possible.

The right materials can add value to a project, making it more attractive to potential clients or customers. By taking the time to research and select the right materials, designers can create a space that is both beautiful and functional. This careful selection process ensures that the final design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and sustainable.

4. Importance of 3d views in spaces

Axonometric views are the best drawings to show the voluminosity and special relations between the elements. You can use exploded axonometry to better explain what is happening inside the building. Using this type of drawing it is also possible to present how the designed structure works as well as show the construction and finishing layers. When it comes to perspectives, they could express the character and the atmosphere of the place in the best way. You may make the 3d model on a similar level as the rest of the drawings but when you pick the shots and positions of the camera, make sure that in those places your model is prepared with more details. There is no need to waste your time on preparing 3d details that will not be even visible on 1:200 or 1:500 scale.

Project by Ruggero Buffo, Danilo Ercoli – 3rd place in FITT FUTURE HEADQUARTERS Competition | YAC

5. Title and project description

It would be nice if you could make up a title that is easy to remember and emphasize your approach to the design in the most effective way. If you make a catchy title, you will stay in the jury’s minds longer and have greater chances of being awarded.     Moreover, make it visible. All texts and descriptions should be readable, so please put them in the appropriate to the boards’ format sizes and do not use the flourishing fonts. Be certain that your design has all the necessary description, but do not go too far and try not to overtalk your design.

We hope that these tips will get you closer to the awards! Good luck in your future challenges!

If you need more inspirations, check 20 Free Project Boards Templates prepared by competitions.archi and collaborators. It is a set of 20 awarded project boards available in Photoshop and InDesign formats.

Date: September 9, 2021