What makes a good crit?

     I often like to think of a good final presentation as one where I am able to express my ideas correctly in a clear and concise manner and receive positive feedback, where I am able to get the critics are excited or better yet get them to start disagreeing with each other.  But it has to be recognized that a crit is different than a presentation. After attending numerous architecture client presentations (mostly DCAMM DSB presentations, they are public check them out!) it is clear that a good presentation is one who is able to best sell their ideas and get the job. In my opinion the difference is that the ultimate goal a of crit is to receive constructive feedback to advance/better the design which is not the case in a client presentation.

     This brings a good point about how we should be approaching our crits. I have found that our instructors often want us to have positive critiques no matter what, sometimes I feel that it is to “impress their friends/guest critics”, which I am not sure it’s the best approach. I believe that when students try to sell the design by improvising on or concealing contradictory parts can have an adverse effect. I personally find out that the most useful crits are the ones that I approach in an honest manner, not trying to sell my design but rather improve it. In addition, I often find my most valuable crits do not happen during a formal crit, but during a conversation with my instructor or more often with a classmate/friend. These are often when I feel the need for some feedback/sense of direction which often do not coincide with a planned formal crit. Therefore, I believe that the only time we should be approaching a formal crit as a bid/shortlist presentation is in the rare occasion that we feel completely confident about our entire design so that the critics can hopefully point out you how it’s not perfect. Otherwise, being honest and seeking constructive feedback will better the chances to meet the goals of a crit. I should mention that this is from the point of view of how the person receiving the critique approaches it. A good crit also depends on the critics approach, preparedness/effectiveness of expression and support of ideas (visually and verbally), etc.