Walters Architects are excited to report that WAP ’21 is on.

Despite recent challenging times at Leeds Beckett University the staff and students are trying their utmost to carry on as best as possible and this week the university has confirmed that they will be arranging for Walters Architects to launch the award for best BA3 concept sketch in the coming weeks.

The prize will be awarded at the end of this academic year and is aimed at promoting ideas through sketching, whether it be a freehand sketch or a concept visuals like last year’s winner.

Communicating strong ideas in architecture is always a challenge and students can sometimes be tempted to rush straight to the computer, being restricted by rigid geometric thinking. We accept that not all software packages are restrictive in creativity and some do allow for users to be fluid and fast thinking. However, nothing replaces the speed and fluidity of a quick scribble or sketch for communication initial ideas instantly.

Walters Architects believe the temptation to produce photorealist images is all too tempting for students and has replaced the ability to communicate through drawings so we hope our little prize will help keep the conventional approach alive.

Last year’s winner did not create a conventional pen/pencil sketch but produced a rather interesting concept image that demonstrated her ideas through, and associated with, theatre. We felt the ideas were captured brilliantly and continued through her work. whilst the work wasn’t a conventional drawing it was still just the basis of an idea and proved that great ideas drive brilliant architecture.

We very much look forward to meeting the students in the coming weeks and can’t wait to review their drawings early next year. We were really impressed with the standards of last year (our first WAP) and hope this year’s award will both motivate and celebrate creativity.