REVIEWS / CRIT aka JURIES
Amazingly, the first month of the academic years is almost over; what does that mean? It probably means that a mid-semester review / crit of your studio work is quickly approaching.
But, what exactly is a REVIEW / CRIT aka JURY?
Well, we will outline some basics to what they mean and how to best prepare, but you are strongly encouraged to purchase and read the following books.
Design Juries on Trial – 20th Anniversary Edition (2012)
By Kathryn Anthony
Learn how to survive and thrive in design studios–and how to prepare, present and evaluate design projects in innovative, more effective ways. Empower yourself with this book to navigate your way through design school. Learn how to manage your time, research your project, communicate effectively, produce winning graphic presentations, master technology, handle design studio stress, work with teams…and much more.
The Crit: An Architecture Student’s Handbook – 2nd Edition
By Rosie Parnell & Rachel Shea
This accessible and immensely enjoyable book guides students through this academic minefield. This fully updated edition includes advice and suggestions for tutors on how to model a crit around a broad range of learning styles, as well as a new section aimed at students with learning disabilities, to ensure that the process is constructive and beneficial for all architecture and design scholars.
What is a review?
As shared in the first chapter of The Crit, — “The review has great potential as a learning experience and this is the reason that is a firmly established part of the most architecture studio courses.”
“The review has great potential as a learning experience and this is the reason that is a firmly established part of the most architecture studio courses.”
Of course, the term JURY and CRIT have more possible negative connotations; speaking from my past, many architecture fear this aspect of an architectural education. Yet, there reviews are truly designed for learning.
Before the review
What is the most important aspect of what you can do before the review — PREPARATION; Parallel to preparing for a exam, preparation ensures you are ready for the review.
A side note on completing your studio work – PLEASE do NOT do all-nighters; there has been a tradition in architecture school that you MUST do all-nighters to complete your work. It is NOT worth it. A better suggestion is to do late nights and early mornings, but you still need rest (sleep) and proper nutrition.
Tied to preparation is completing the necessary work; what is required to you? What drawings, models (if any) are requested by the course? If you are unclear, ask the professor. Once you know what is required, make sure you satisfy the requirements. For example, do NOT spend all of your time on what aspect of the project and the expense of another.
Also, think about your presentation, both your visual presentation and verbal presentation; think through how you plan to present your project; and, do prepare what you will say to support your project. I do remember one fellow student who present their project by flipping out “playing cards;” the student could control the presentation.
Lastly, be sure to lay out your clothes (dress nicely) to show your off your best.
During the Review
As is possible gain sufficient sleep and nutrition to feel your best for your presentation; as you show up, be sure to have all your work (drawings, models, etc.) and notes for your presentation. If possible and you do not present first, play close attention to the review of your fellow students.
When it is turn to present, be yourself; use your body language — smile the reviewers. Also, as you will engaged during your presentation, ask a classmate to take note of what is shared by the reviewers on you presentation.
As is possible, control your presentation; if a reviewer interrupts you, be aware of how it may impact your presentation. Ask them to wait until you are done with the formal presentation. Hoping the reviewer review the work, try to take what they say as helpful.
Feel free to ask the reviewers questions as well.
After the Review
Most importantly, you will want to review the comments from the reviewers as recorded by your classmate. Depending on if the review is a mid-review or final review, update you project accordingly. Consult with your faculty and classmates for your next steps.
Celebrate your work; and with time redo your work for your portfolio.
Additional Resource
https://portico.space/journal//architecture-crits-2-7-ways-to-prepare-for-crit-success