The School of Architecture of the University of Navarra has launched a new international competition called award SketchUp-Joaquín Lorda/ First International Competition SketchUp-Joaquín Lorda, aimed at students of the Degrees Architecture and design of any academic center interested in 3D drawings of Fantastic Architecture made with Trimble SketchUp software.

This competition is a tribute to Joaquín Lorda, former professor of Architectural History and design at the academic center, researcher of group Architectural Research Team Theory and History (ART T&H). The origin of competition lies in the use that professor made of Trimble SketchUp software in his classes. As the coordinator of group of research, María Angélica Martínez Rodríguez, recalls, "with these new technologies, Professor Lorda stimulated the creativity of future architects or professionals of design. By means of work in small teams, they created large 3D architectural ensembles using forms and compositions with historical or fantastic roots".

"In this way, the students acquired historical and technological knowledge while stimulating their imagination to the point of imagining the future," adds the professor and researcher. This learning, she stresses, "serves them in the professional internship both to create the real architecture of their time and historical restitutions or fantastic architectures". Techniques with applications in theatrical, cinematographic or video game scenarios, as well as in the museum field and in the field of tourism.

1st and 2nd award of 1.000 € and 500 €. 

The agreement that the University of Navarra has reached with Trimble SketchUp defines a award that will be held biannually, with each call opening in September, so that students have all the academic year to develop the drawings. The first edition is already open and those interested can register through the contest website. Prizes will be awarded in September 2021.

"The works presented will be drawings of sets of Fantastic Architecture defined in 3D with SketchUp, which will allow the production of virtual walks through them, giving rise to complete aesthetic, formal and spatial experiences," says Professor María Angélica Martínez. "The idea is to bring creativity into play and stimulate inspiration. For this reason, both the architectural quality of the final result and the possibilities obtained in the management of the program will be valued," she points out.

The prizes will consist of €1,000 and €500 in cash for the first and second best work, as well as three runners-up prizes that will receive, like the two first prizes, licenses and other software products provided by Trimble SketchUp. In addition, the cutting-edge business at design of 3D will disseminate the winning entries internationally.