The Crit: An Architecture Student's Handbook

by Charles Doidge (Contributor), Rachel Sara, Rosie Parnell

The architectural crit, review or jury is a cornerstone of architectural education around the world. Students defend their ideas, drawings, and models in open forum before staff and fellow students. What academic staff see as healthy creative debate, students see as hostile confrontation, an ego-trip for staff and humiliation for them.



This accessible and readable book, written by students and illustrated by telling cartoons, guides them through this academic minefield with creative humour. It provides practical advice based on experience of many recent students and draws on recent experimentation at Sheffield University and De Montfort University Leicester. The aim is twofold: first to suggest how to get the most out of the traditional experience and second, to describe ways in which this is being developed into an experience that will be more constructive and prepare future students to build more creative relationships with clients and users, and across the industry.
While much has been written about the crit, review, or jury, little has been done to prepare students for it or to develop it in the light of changing professional attitudes and relationships. This book is a timely guide to a timeless experience in a changing profession.

* Unique guide to a crucial event in every architectural student's life
* Written by students for students, with humorous readable advice that turns confrontation into partnership
* Backed by three years' research into client and user relationships

Genres: Architecture, Design

168 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2000

Reviews

[Afifah · Rating 3 out of 5]

selak-selak je, banyak tertarik dengan gambar!...

[Hussein Azher · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You might not feel that design is your forte but it takes a great deal more than good design skills to be a good architect. The majority of a practising architect's time is spent doing anything but design. The world of practice moved away from this idea of the lone architect as 'baumeister' (master builder) long ago. You should be able to develop skills in a variety of areas; perhaps you are the organised type who facilitates the design team, allowing it to function effectively, for example. Increasingly, schools are recognizing these and other important skills and are allowing them to have an impact on final grades. It is becoming easier to specialise in your area of expertise."

'Not being a stellar designer doesn't mean that you are a failure or that you're no good. Everybody in medicine doesn't have to end up being a surgeon...there are many other forms of medical practice that are equally important and respected. The same thing happens in architecture once you start practising. There are many other elements of the practice that are equally as important and respected in design. But most schools are clearly centred on design. That I know is a problem.' Cesar Pelli (Anthony, 1991:93)

[Pedram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even for those who have been heavy on zigzags of design presentation, there's a good chance you'll find new insights. The illustrations between pages offer a joyfully read, minimizing your regret for picking up this book. Short and sweet
- Senior Student

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Student suffering is truly timeless. Decent advice mixed with fun drawings and relatable humor.

[Kast · Rating 4 out of 5]

my lecturer companion when he is giving crit.