ESQUISSE-STYLE DESIGN COMPETITION

Please join the ICAA-NW for a two-day virtual event which includes a presentation and esquisse-style design competition.

It was the belief of the instructors at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts that the early design process could be methodically systematized in such a way that would not only simplify the daunting task of starting a new design, but also yield excellent results. Students would participate in what was called an esquisse, where they would be given a project prompt and asked to quickly produce a series of graphic studies of potential solutions. These multiple studies would then be winnowed down to one selected scheme and eventually refined for final presentation.

John F. Harbeson outlined this method in his 1926 book “The Study of Architectural Design.” This event will start with a short Zoom presentation on the history and features of the esquisse process.

After this presentation, a project brief and materials will be distributed via email and participants will break to work on a small design project sited in the Pacific Northwest. Entries will due the next morning. Entries will be judged by a panel of critics and a winner will be selected. Participation in the presentation portion is encouraged but not required for participation in the design competition.

DATE & TIME (ALL TIMES PACIFIC): MARCH 15, 9:00 a.m. through MARCH 16, 11:30 a.m.

SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES PACIFIC):

March 15, 9:00 a.m. – Gather on Zoom for Intro to Esquisse Presentation (optional)
March 15, 9:15 a.m. – Project prompt and materials distributed via email
March 16, 11:30 a.m. – Entries due via email
March 17, 5:00 p.m. – Winners announced via email; all entries shared with participants via digital whiteboard

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
1. Drawing materials as appropriate for medium chosen

REQUIRED DRAWINGS:
1. Proposed site plan, to scale
2. Other drawings as required to convey design intent

MATERIALS PROVIDED:
1. Site plan background, to scale
2. Site section, to scale

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
1. “Open-book esquisse competition – use of references encouraged
2. Individual or team entries welcome
3. All mediums welcome
4. Final drawings will need to be photographed or scanned for final submission
5. Process drawings welcome to be submitted but not required

CRITICS:
1. James Dixon, James Dixon Architect P.C., Portland, OR
2. Alice Arnn, Michael G. Imber Architects, San Antonio, TX

FORMAT: ZOOM (link will be provided prior to event)

ADMISSION: FREE

REGISTRATION: PLEASE EMAIL meeghan@hartarchitects.com