Portugal
Olive Guest House

The project makes use of a clean, two-sided layout and a crisp, identifying set of visuals to yield an altogether excellent presentation format. The introductory image strongly conveys the symbolic geometric forms that are central to the project concept. Renderings make use of simple, effective textures to express materiality and the bending of light across surfaces. Finally, subtle hatches and shadows give depth to smartly produced line drawings. The project would benefit from further dividing the lengthy text across the four sheets to link key concepts with imagery. And while the site plan on the first sheet effectively contains some bold fill colors to anchor the page, the drawings on the following pages could also use such techniques to strengthen hierarchy.

This is an excellent project with an effective layout. An introductory page with a nearly full span primary rendering sets the tone with its particular focus on the landscape. This is followed by three consistent sheets with a band of renderings at the base supported by line drawings and text above. This format is successful visually, giving weight to the visually heavier colored imagery while the text and line work float towards the top, within the white space. The project would certainly benefit from additional annotation to support the rendered images: what is each visual trying to say, what activities are taking place, what materials are used? The imagery on the final page is rather dark, and while it is clear that a comfortable evening space is intended to be communicated, a lighter image would convey more information to a reader.

The project makes use of remarkably photorealistic rendered images which communicate the project’s intent for raw, natural materials as well as balanced light and shadow. As a competition entry, the use of some color or additional scale figures could help imbibe the sheets with a bit more dynamism and interest. The overall austere nature of the presentation could be received by jurors as too empty and dry for such a proposal to design a landmark communal space. The line drawings are excellent and would further benefit with the use of scale figures to understand the spaces dimensionally. Finally, the introductory text is long and winding and could be better summarized as simple concrete points: why the use of the tent, how is it applied to the project, and why  is this a successful solution?

The project makes use of a collaged, naturally scattered layout that resonates with the architectural proposition. Such a loose and scrapbook organization affords the author to use visuals at various scales and balance the sheets with a mix of colored and grayscale renderings and line drawings. The main criticism we can provide is that the text is overwhelmingly long and discusses information about the site that is common to all projects submitted, before expanding in detail the unique design aspects of this particular project. It is recommended that the author reduce the text by half, increase its font size, and consider distributing it about the four pages. The second and third pages are void of text and appear unfinished, especially given that the plans and sections require some basic annotation to present clearer programmatic organization. A juror or reviewer should not have to guess or search for details to understand the project. 

This presentation mixes stunning renders with clear and purposeful diagrams. The project has a simple concept, focused on four nodes of experience, and the text links with the imagery and line drawings to describe this path. The layout is excellent, both providing an organized grid which allows a reader to easily locate the information, while at the same time some variation allows for a mix of drawing dimensions and lends visual interest as a juror reviews the sheets. The diagrams on the first sheet are particularly effective at describing the architectural proposal. They are at once complex and crystal clear. The general section would benefit from additional labeling of spaces and nodes.