Create Your Own Impactful Architectural Design Board

After following the steps below, you will have your project as a poster or critique board that tells the story of your design. Your board should clearly explain your concept, show your process, and display your final drawings and model. Follow the guide below to organize your work step-by-step.

*Everything must be done by pencil, cardboard, or paper; ONLY online portion is writing out text or organizing your board.

1. Title & Introduction

What to include:

• Project title (for example, “Flood-Resistant Shelter for Coastal Communities”)
• Your name

   

2. Design Problem & Context

What to include:

• The main challenge you chose (e.g., earthquake zone, refugee camp, cold climate).
• Context paragraph: A short paragraph explaining why this challenge matters.
  • The region I focused on is ______________________, where people face ______________________.
  • This issue is important because ______________________.
  • The environment or setting is ______________________, which creates challenges like ______________________.
  • People living here often experience ______________________ because ______________________.
  • My design responds by ______________________, helping to improve ______________________ for ______________________.
• Site Plan: a map, pencil sketch, or photo (can be from Google Earth) showing a region or setting of your choice.
  Tip: Make sure your visuals and text show that you understand the environment and the people you’re designing for.

   

3. Concept Development

What to include:

• 3x progression sketches showing how your ideas evolved.
• (Optional) Notes or bullet points describing your design thinking.
• (Optional) A short sentence explaining what inspired your form, materials, or layout.
  Tip: This section should show how you moved from idea to design. Don’t be afraid to include process work.

   

4. Architectural Drawings

What to include (*All done using pencil, paper, and rulers/straightedges; CAD not allowed):

• Plan View: A drawing from above showing layout and proportions.
• Elevation View: A side view showing height and openings.
• Section View: A cut-through view showing interior spaces.
• (OPTIONAL) Labels for rooms, materials, and structural elements.
  Tip: Keep drawings neat and readable. Use arrows or callouts to explain features.

   

5. Model Photos (OPTIONAL)

What to include (*All made out of cardboard or paper):

• 2–3 clear photos of your physical model from different angles.
  Tip: Take photos in good lighting and use a plain background so your model stands out.

   

6. Reflection Statement

What to include:

• DESIGN Specifications paragraph (6–8 sentences) on the structure you designed (choose as many as possible OR reword some when appropriate):
  • My structure is made of ______________________ because it provides ______________________ while remaining ______________________.
  • The form of the building is based on ______________________, which allows ______________________ and improves ______________________.
  • The layout is organized around ______________________ so that people can ______________________ easily.
  • I included features such as ______________________ and ______________________ to respond to the local climate or site conditions.
  • The design also respects ______________________ by incorporating ______________________, which reflects ______________________.
  • One key structural idea I used was ______________________, chosen because it makes the building ______________________ and reduces ______________________.
  • I paid special attention to materials, light, and circulation to ensure that ______________________.
  • Overall, my project shows how architectural decisions about ______________________ and ______________________ can directly improve the way people live, gather, or move through space.
• A short reflection paragraph (4–6 sentences) on what you learned through designing for others and any challenges you encountered in the process.
  Tip: Write this as if you’re explaining your project to someone seeing it for the first time.

   

7. Board Layout Template

• • **Find template HERE**
  • Once filled in, go to File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf) → Go to impactfularch.org/submit-a-project/ → Submit PDF into the Google Form

• Project due by 10/30