Structure
We would recommend sketching out the structure of your architecture presentation board before you start, so you can get an idea of the possible configurations you can use and what might work best. A small storyboard sketch or small scale mock up of the presentation can work well as you can adjust the layout until you are happy with the arrangement and alignment.
In general we read design presentations from left to right and from top to bottom, so consider the story of your design and how it will be read. Show the progression and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Software
Use a program you know. The last thing you need to be doing is learning a whole new software program whilst in the panic of putting your boards together. If you have allowed yourself enough time, fair enough. We would recommend InDesign or Photoshop, but Microsoft Word or Pages on the Mac will still give you good results if you are more comfortable using them. Powerpoint or Keynote on the Mac, can be good options, but do check they can print to the size you require the boards to be.
Orientation, setting and size
Confirm whether your architecture presentation boards are supposed to be presented in landscape or portrait orientation. Think of the size your presentation boards are going to be. Ensure you have the right resolution and print settings applied. Check if you are limited by the number of boards and don’t forget to explore relationships between each board, and how they will be read together. Consider numbering the boards to show what comes next.
Ensuring you have set up your presentation board files correctly will help save you loads of time in the end.
Key Information – Title, story, content
Do you need to have a title bar? If so, consider keeping it consistent throughout your architecture presentation boards. This gives a sense of professionalism, and orderliness. Don’t forget to include your details – name, title of project etc and whatever else is applicable.
Text
It’s tempting to get carried away with multiple fonts but please, don’t! Stick to one font, a maximum of two. You can consider using fonts from the same font family for visual coherence.
Use font sizes to create a hierarchy on your architecture presentation boards – e.g. a large font for your titles, a bit smaller for subtitles and standard size for the remainder of your content.
Make sure your chosen font and size is readable. Keep your sentences short and punchy. No one is going to want to read an essay on your presentation board. A picture paints a thousand words!
Consider how to align your text within its text box. What is easier to read? Think about text spacing, and hyphenation and how it appears on your architecture presentation board.
For more advice on fonts and to discover some cool font recommendations, feel free to check out our blog post on the Best Fonts for Architects:
Best Fonts for Architects – First In Architecture
Background
Try to keep your background plain, unless it is featuring one of your key images. Architecture presentation board backgrounds can get a little busy and it can be difficult to see the key details of the board.
A white background will make your images and text stand out and look professional. Most of the board images we are sharing in this post feature white backgrounds, it is clear to see why. The information comes across well, and the background makes the visuals pop on the page.
A background image can often be distracting, so make sure all the information is crystal clear if you decide to go down that route.
Colour
The standard architectural style particularly for students appears to be black, white and grey! Grey grey grey! We understand why people sway that way, but sometimes it’s good to break out and use a bit of colour. Agreed there is a place for simplicity, and grey can give a professional atmospheric board, but try to inject some colour.
Think how colour is reflected in your design. If the architecture presentation board is predominantly in black and white or grey, does this make the design feel cold? Consider how colour will have an impact on the overall feel of the scheme. Imagine the function and users of your design. What colours would resonate with these?
As a starting point you can insert colours for natural elements such as the sky, vegetation on your site etc. Experiment with accent colours to highlight key design elements or ideas.
You will also find numerous ready made colour palettes online that you can work with.
I'm an architectural design enthusiast with extensive experience in creating presentation boards that effectively communicate design concepts. My background includes working on various projects where the presentation of architectural ideas plays a crucial role in conveying the essence of the design. Now, let's dive into the concepts discussed in the article about structuring architecture presentation boards:
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Storyboard Sketch or Mockup:
- Suggests sketching out the presentation board structure beforehand.
- Utilizing a small storyboard sketch or mockup for layout adjustments.
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Reading Flow:
- Emphasizes the importance of considering the left-to-right and top-to-bottom reading flow.
- Encourages showing the progression of design in a cohesive manner.
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Software Choice:
- Recommends using familiar software to avoid learning new programs in a time crunch.
- Suggests InDesign, Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Pages, PowerPoint, or Keynote based on personal comfort.
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Orientation and Size:
- Stresses confirming whether presentation boards are in landscape or portrait orientation.
- Highlights the significance of determining the size, resolution, and print settings.
- Recommends numbering boards to indicate the sequence.
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Title and Information Bar:
- Advises on the consistency of title bars for a professional look.
- Suggests including essential details like name and project title.
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Text Guidelines:
- Cautions against using multiple fonts, advocating for one or a maximum of two fonts.
- Proposes using font sizes to create hierarchy, ensuring readability.
- Emphasizes concise and impactful text, avoiding excessive details.
- Considers text alignment, spacing, and hyphenation for optimal readability.
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Background:
- Advocates for a plain background, especially if not featuring a key image.
- Stresses the importance of a white background for clarity and visual appeal.
- Warns against distracting background images.
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Color Palette:
- Notes the prevalent use of black, white, and grey in architectural presentations.
- Encourages breaking away from monotony and incorporating color strategically.
- Recommends considering the impact of color on the design's overall feel and user experience.
- Suggests experimenting with colors related to natural elements and utilizing online color palettes.
By adhering to these principles, architects can enhance the effectiveness of their presentation boards and create a visually compelling narrative for their designs.
