The SA Awards Jury Presentations took place last Saturday and it was wonderful to hear the architects discuss the entered projects and to see the architectural community come together to enjoy each other’s achievements. In a highly competitive market it is great to have opportunities to share our collective aspirations and remember our common purpose.
It was also very exciting to see the number of younger architects presenting this year and doing so with confidence. They knew the projects well and were able to clearly articulate the key reasons (within the nominated seven-minute time limit!) why they should be recognised in the Awards program as well as answering questions from the jury.
It’s ironic that after spending five years at university presenting our work many graduates and early career architects don’t get the opportunity to present again for some years. For some architects this makes the prospect of presenting a project daunting. However, it is an essential skill for the profession to cultivate.
The other aspect of the jury presentations that I think the profession could take better advantage of is the opportunity it provides to observe others present. We can learn so much from this if we take the time to consider why it is that some presentations resonate and delight, and others are less engaging or informative. The way the information is structured, delivery style, body language and preparedness all play a part. So, as well as seeing some beautiful work, it can be an educative experience. You can even count it for informal CPD!
Finally, the SA Awards jury process is a great way for the SA Chapter to engage with members. In addition to the many entrants, SA works with a multi-jury model to deliver the jury process. This adds logistical complexity but allows us to involve a greater number of members. The outcome is improved diversity and capacity in the jury pool, with new jurors invited to participate and mentored through the process annually.
So, if you are a member and interested in being involved in future years, please let us know. We look forward to seeing you – as an entrant, juror or observer. Everyone can be involved and celebrate the wonderful work achieved by architects in South Australia.
