Why architecture competitions are a great idea during the COVID-19 pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused economies around the world to slow down. With isolation measures in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, architecture is just one of the industries that has been impacted. Offices and worksites are closed, investment in new projects is virtually nil, and designers and architects are having to work remotely if they’re able to work at all.

This is a stressful time for all of us, and we have no idea when things will return to normal. So here are 7 reasons why taking part in an architecture competition might be beneficial during this difficult time.

We participate in competitions primarily to test ideas, and challenge ourselves against others through the competition format. We also use them to help hone our drawing and communication skills; this is important when teaching our students. The architecture vision organisation sets provocative and engaging briefs that are interesting to undertake.

1. Keep yourself challenged

Depending on your situation, it’s likely that the amount of available work has reduced significantly. If you’re a freelancer, contractor, or a student, then work might have stopped altogether. Going from an active and challenging working or studying environment to sitting at home watching Netflix is going to be a shock to the system. Keeping yourself challenged and motivated during this time is important, and starting a new project like this could be just what you need to distract you from the constant news updates about coronavirus.

2. Virtual collaboration

As more and more countries go into lockdown, people have been relying on virtual connections in order to keep themselves sane. Collaborating with friends and colleagues on an architecture competition project is a great opportunity to connect virtually with others on a regular basis. When connecting with friends and family online, do you spend most of the time talking about coronavirus? While it’s lovely that your family wants to check in and see how you’re doing, there’s only so much you can talk about seeing as you’re stuck indoors all day. Taking part in a competition would mean that when you do connect with your teammates you’ll have something else to talk about, providing you all with a healthy distraction.

Developing your portfolio is a benefit of architecture competitions all year round, but especially since the recent events have caused such a slow down in the construction industry, this is a chance to keep developing your back catalogue of work.

While you shouldn’t enter architecture competitions simply with the goal of winning some money, it can be a nice added incentive. And with many industries taking a hit during the COVID-19 crisis, that prize money could be a helpful boost to your income. Take part in an architecture competition - register online today! Ready to exercise your creativity, grow your portfolio, pitch for clients, or gain international recognition? Then take part in one of our open architecture competitions now, either as a group or as an individual. Find out more here.

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