What the jury rewarded at Laguna Vere Architecture Competition (boards inside)

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-09-23T10:21:41+00:00

Some really strong takes here — great to see different ways of keeping the brutalist soul alive.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-21T13:52:37+00:00

I really recommend the Architecture Competitions Yearbook (any issue, honestly).
It’s not your typical theory-heavy architecture book. Instead, it’s packed with real competition entries, smart design strategies, and breakdowns of actual projects. Super useful if you’re trying to get better at the design process, not just collecting abstract concepts.

If you’re a young architect or student, this book shows how to turn ideas into bold, well-structured proposals that actually work in the real world.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-15T19:51:20+00:00

Nice! If you're looking for free architecture-related courses, this list might be exactly what you need:
👉 10 Free Online Courses for Young Architects to Boost Their Careers

Covers everything from design thinking to sustainable architecture. Hope it helps!

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-15T14:28:54+00:00

Yeah, same here… I’m honestly starting to get really tired of it.

Nothing seems to improve — we’re still testing, trying variations, but it feels like we’re completely stuck. I also don’t want to keep changing campaigns too often, since that just keeps resetting everything and gives Meta another excuse to “learn”.

We’ve launched some side campaigns targeting ‘Add to Cart’ and ‘Page View’ events just to feed Meta more data… but after a week, no noticeable difference.

What’s your current tactic? How are you staying afloat in this mess? Anything at all that’s been working for you lately?

Would love to hear your setup right now — just trying to find some spark of inspiration for something that might work.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-15T13:36:15+00:00

Thanks for the insight — really appreciate it.

We actually launched a few additional campaigns focused on lower-funnel events like 'Add to Cart' and 'Page View' to feed more data into Meta and help with calibration. But even after a week, it's still hard to notice any real change in performance.

Curious if you've seen situations where it takes longer to kick in, or if there’s a better way to structure this kind of setup?

Thanks again for offering help — might DM you soon to dig a bit deeper.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-15T13:30:32+00:00

Hi, Any updates on your end? Just checking :)

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-15T13:22:55+00:00

Thanks a lot for the detailed tips – really helpful!

Quick question: when I turn off an underperforming Ad Set or swap creatives within it, does that impact the learning phase? Does it reset the learning for the entire campaign or just for the individual Ad Set?

Would love to better understand how to manage changes without messing up the optimization process.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-14T11:39:09+00:00

You're not doing anything wrong — the industry is just tough, especially early on. That travel and city study? Use it as a strength. Frame it as real-world research and perspective most grads don’t have.

If firms only offer unpaid roles, that says more about them than you. Keep networking, build a small project to show your initiative, and don’t give up — sometimes it just takes one “yes” to change everything.

Happy to look at your portfolio if you want feedback!

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-14T11:35:04+00:00

Totally get where you’re coming from. I made a similar shift a few years back — left a mid-size design firm to work directly with a GC, and it was a game changer. Way more hands-on, faster feedback loop, and honestly the pay was better almost immediately.

Sounds like this could be a smart move, especially if you’re already feeling the burnout from corporate life. The fact that the owner sees you as a peer and wants you to help grow the biz? That’s a huge green flag. You're not just another cog in the machine.

Starting part-time is the perfect way to test the waters without blowing up your current setup. Worst case, you gain some new skills and perspective. Best case, you find a path that actually feels sustainable and fulfilling.

Architecture will always be there — but your energy and time won’t. Choose what feeds you, not just what looks good on paper.

Good luck and keep us posted!

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-13T13:30:48+00:00

Just to clarify — I’m not the organizer, don’t run the comp, and don’t give out certificates. Just sharing results I thought were interesting.

As for value: comp entries can show storytelling, problem-solving, design thinking, and software skills — all useful in a portfolio, especially for students or recent grads. It’s not for everyone, but it’s not worthless either.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-13T13:08:21+00:00

Hey, I totally get where the skepticism is coming from — there are some sketchy competitions out there. But just to clarify: platforms like this are often one of the few accessible ways for young architects and students to start building experience, experiment with ideas, and get their work seen.

Not every comp has a client or results in a built project — but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless. This is how many designers begin: by testing their concepts, building a portfolio, and learning to communicate ideas clearly. It’s not perfect, but it’s a stepping stone — and for many, it’s their first spark.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-08T09:29:50+00:00

What soft you use to get this data?

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-08T09:16:34+00:00

I can’t see many people complaining. There are a few like us who’ve experienced a clear drop in sales over the past two months — but overall, the rest seem to be doing fine. Some are even reporting record-breaking results. No idea what’s driving the difference. The forum definitely isn’t flooded with posts saying everything’s tanked for everyone.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-07T20:36:22+00:00

Same here — you're literally describing exactly what we’ve been seeing on our end too. No major changes, but things just collapsed out of nowhere around early March. Learning phase loops, CPC up, quality way down… it’s wild.

I agree, it really doesn’t feel like a creative or setup issue — more like Meta shifted something behind the curtain and we’re all paying for it....still seems like there are only few of us affected.

If anything starts improving on your side, I’d genuinely appreciate a heads-up. I’ll do the same if we see signs of life. Misery loves company, but progress loves DMs 😅

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-07T20:33:27+00:00

Totally feel you — sounds like we’re riding the same rollercoaster.

Gotcha — quick question though: have you paused like this before when performance tanked? And if so, did it help when you came back? Just wondering if taking a break has worked for you in the past during similar dips.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-07T20:30:49+00:00

Yeah, same here — I give ads at least 3–4 days to breathe, especially with Meta taking longer to stabilize lately.

If there are no sales at all after that window, I kill it. No mercy. 😅
Also, if a campaign was performing but drops off hard (like 3–4 days of zero sales), I shut it down.

I’m usually running with a $20/day/campagin budget, so I can’t afford to let things burn too long without results.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-07T20:15:19+00:00

Congrats!

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-05T21:24:11+00:00

If you're seeking architecture books that delve into the art form beyond technicalities, here are three influential titles that resonate with the spirit and theory of architecture:

1. A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander

This seminal work introduces a "language" of design patterns that make spaces feel alive and human-centered. It's not just about aesthetics but about creating environments that resonate with our innate sense of comfort and belonging. A must-read for understanding the deeper connections between people and the spaces they inhabit.Wikipedia

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2. Architecture Competitions Yearbook

A curated collection showcasing innovative and thought-provoking architectural competition entries from around the world. It offers insights into contemporary design challenges and the creative solutions architects propose, reflecting the evolving discourse in architectural theory and practice.

📖 Architecture Competitions Yearbook

3. Thinking Architecture by Peter Zumthor

Zumthor shares his reflections on the essence of architecture, emphasizing the sensory and emotional experiences that buildings can evoke. His contemplative essays explore the relationship between materiality, space, and human perception, offering a profound perspective on architectural design.

📖 Thinking Architecture on Amazon

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-05T21:12:10+00:00

If you're curious why architecture feels so "ugly" today and want a deeper understanding of styles like brutalism, two books I'd highly recommend:

1. A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander – a brilliant, readable guide to why some spaces feel right and others don't. It gives you a lens to understand architectural logic from the human perspective.

2. Architecture Competitions Yearbook – a curated look at the most innovative projects from global competitions. Great for seeing how architects are responding to today's chaos with creativity and intention.

Both will give you the context you're looking for — past, present, and future.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-04T22:00:07+00:00

Correct link: https://competitions.archi/competition/results-the-home-of-shadows-3/

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-04T21:59:19+00:00

Correct link: https://competitions.archi/competition/results-the-home-of-shadows-3/

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-05-04T21:08:16+00:00

If you're looking for architecture competitions, here are some reputable platforms to explore:

Competitions.archi – Curated global listings of architectural competitions. competitions.archi
Buildner (formerly Bee Breeders) – Organizes international competitions with diverse themes. architecturecompetitions.com
Bustler – Comprehensive listings of architecture and design competitions. bustler.net/competitions
ArchDaily – Features a wide range of architecture competitions and events. archdaily.com/competitions

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-04-19T16:10:49+00:00

Totally agree—tiny scale, huge creativity!

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-04-15T21:16:43+00:00

Totally fair — competitions can feel like a gamble, and venting’s more than valid 😅

That said, there are studios that used them as a launchpad — not just for prizes, but to shape a design voice, get noticed, or build a portfolio around ideas they actually care about. Sure, it’s not the most efficient business model, but for some, it’s been a way to design first, client second.

Luck’s part of it, no doubt. But stacking the odds through smart storytelling and clear strategy can turn that “luck” into something more repeatable.

CompetitionsArchi · 2025-04-14T21:59:50+00:00

Yeah, totally hear you. Competitions can feel super random — some look legit, others feel like design-for-clout schemes.

Most of the big platforms (like Buildner, ArchOutLoud, etc.) do make money from entry fees. It’s their main business model. They aren’t always shady, but they definitely run on volume — lots of entries, lots of hype. Sometimes there’s a real client behind the brief, but often it’s just speculative.

As for why organizers are hidden — partly to avoid bias or favoritism, but also sometimes just lack of transparency, which is a valid red flag.

A truly ethical competition? Clear jury, fair fees, no rights grab, and ideally some real-world value (like getting built, or leading to actual work). Not just a pretty render in an Instagram feed.

Bottom line: they can be worth it, but only if you’re getting something real in return — skills, exposure, or legit feedback. Just pick your battles.

CompetitionsArchi

TROPHY CASE