KAF Arch Writing

Abstract

The best stories have captivating images. An experience requires it to literally take ‘place’ for it to be described. Cities and villages situate human stories through different narrative strokes. Some exceptional works of fiction and non-fiction bring this backdrop to the fore..

Design, being so omnipotent has made us forget its central and pervasive role in every facet of our lives. Although its ideal function is to simplify life and make it pleasurable, in an increasingly throw-away culture, buildings like other ‘products’, now tend to succumb to market forces rather than enduring values cherished previously in every civilization. Ordinary or extraordinary, all architecture forms a daily interface of our existence and our longest sustaining legacy.

Architecture is easily reminisced, reported and celebrated in works of fiction, non- fiction. Then there is photography, film and art capable of placing it on a metaphysical and artistic plane. In addition to these modes of representation, architecture also demands a deeper critical reading: the analysis of human intentions, a curiosity to examine the flow of social, economic and political forces that shape it, and the logic underlying construction and craft traditions. While a building may made of walls, windows, doors and floors but it signifies more than a sum total of its parts. Meanings evolve around buildings as an aftereffect, regardless of the materials and the nature of their combination. Architecture is must be acknowledged as a form of knowledge and an extension of our being. Therefore its representation is just as critical.

Competition Brief

Write an essay not exceeding 1200 words on a building or place of your choice, contextualising it suitably in narrative framework. Authors can discuss the architecture of any place/building touching on one or more aspects discussed in the abstract.

While creative license is granted to the participant(s), it is recommended that the text maintains a clear and coherent body of ideas. Authors must provide an appropriate Title, proper introduction and concluding paragraph. Location and features of the building/place must be adequately described.

Submission requirements:

• The entries must be submitted on an A4 (210 x 297 mm) size sheet in PDF format not exceeding 5MB, with your contact details on the top right cornerof the sheet, and are to be mailed tocompetitions@spacesfest.com
• Single-spaced, Times New Roman, Font sizes: Heading 16, Subheading 14, Body 12
• Only one entry is permissible per participant /group.

Submission

• Eligibility:The competition is open to all above 18 years of age. Participation can be individual or as a team. A team can have a maximum of two members only.
• Fees: None
• Last day of Submission:24 August 2019
• Announcement of Winners: 01 Sep 2019

Judging Criteria:

• Clear delineation of topic through good articulation and coherency of ideas.
• Clear description of space and ability to contextualise in a narrative framework.
• Creative and engaging narration.

Note: Plagiarised work will not be accepted. If the entry is found to be partially or wholly plagiarised, the entry will be rejected and the entrant(s) disqualified.