The Line of Site Sketch Architectural Competition is one of the world's biggest competitions in architecture, and submission for the 2008-2009 contest is already open. The competition seeks to give designers throughout the world an opportunity to show their creativity. Submissions of architectural design articles or sketches should be made by February 2009.
Unlike the past Line of Site Sketch Architectural Competition, this year’s competition allows the participants to make their own selection in regard to the geographical locations of the designs. The designs are not intended to be used in building actual houses; instead they are intended to help designers enhance their skills and creativity. To ensure proper preparation for the competition, briefs are organized to shed light on the competition. This year’s briefs are located in Norway in various islands in the Greenland Sea, Norwegian Sea, Arctic Ocean, and Barents Sea.
According to organizers of this year’s event, creativity is the keyword in the competition. Participants are required to go above and beyond ordinary design and to demonstrate their creative skills. Participants must adhere to the rules and regulations of the competition; foremost among them is maintaining originality. Participants must restrict themselves to self-developed concepts free from any borrowed ideas. Should there be a borrowed idea in the design, it must be properly recognized.
As a worldwide competition, participants are exposed to many new architectural concepts. Awards include $5000 prize money, a title and trophy, and flight and accommodations in London for the top winner. The competition was developed to promote the growth of architecture in general and to ensure consistent development of new architectural designs. The organizers encourage as many participants as possible.
Eligibility for the competition is based on one’s knowledge in architecture. Architects must complete registration and submit a registration fee in order to qualify for the competition. The payment fee for the registration form may be sent through post, email, or fax. Upon completion of registration, the organizers email a username and password to the participant, through which the participant can access the competition briefs through the Internet.
Architectural associations and partnerships are also allowed to participate. The Line of Site Sketch Architectural Competition jury reviews the submissions, makes the required selections, and awards honors in the respective categories.
In addition to awards and prizes for exemplary articles, participants gain exposure to international ideas generated worldwide. The competition is annual and provides participants an opportunity to be part of one of the premier architectural competitions in the world.
