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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Use our Contact Form to ask questions. We will
reply to them privately, or here on this page depending
on the type of question. |
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"Test" Submittal |
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Can we submit a "test" submittal to see how our project is uploaded and seen in the virtual gallery? This would then be followed by "final" submittal before the deadline. |
Once you submitted your entry form and received the password you can start uploading your project(s) and see what they will look like to the general public and the Jury. As long as you didn't "submit" them to AIAIC, they will only be visible by you and you can change the images and their sequence and any text that you uploaded for display. Once you "submit" your upload to the committee it cannot be changed anymore. It only becomes visible to the general user of the website once AIAIC has approved its display. |
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Where are our Entries? |
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Our office submitted projects to the Awards a few days ago but they are still not visible on the Awards Website. Is there some problem with our entries? |
As outlined in he Submittal Requirements, the AIAIC staff has to review all entries before they become visible in the public gallery.
Especially on the days around the deadline, it can take up to a week for the staff to review all projects. |
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Project Descriptive Information |
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What is the type of Information that should be included in the Project Description? |
In general, we encourage precise and short text. One should be aware that the Jury is reviewing many projects within a limited time.
Some projects might need some more explanatory text and some less. |
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72 dpi or 92 dpi? |
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When submitting the images should they be 72 dpi? |
It doesn't matter what DPI settings you are using - DPI is only for printing. Monitors are only interested in the pixel size of an image - that's why we specify the maximum size of images in pixels:
Max. Height: 800
Max. Width: 1,400
In case you are interested, there is a very good (and long) explanation about all this here:
http://www.scantips.com/no72dpi.html
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Maximum Pixel Dimensions |
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Does it matter which direction of the image is 1,400 pixel and which is 800 pixels? |
Yes - the maximum HEIGHT is 800 pixels and the maximum WIDTH is 1,400 pixels. They are NOT reversible. The reason for this size is so that viewers with smaller screens or projectors (the jury) can see the complete images without the need to scroll. |
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The max. File Size of 500kb results in low Resolution |
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Can we upload PDFs instead of JPGs or GIFs?
The drawings resolutions for JPGs under 200kb with max 1,400 x 800 pixels is really low. |
PDFs are ideal for printing purposes but not usable for the display of images in web galleries. A correctly saved JPG image with the maximum size allowed for the Awards is actually very crisp and not low in quality at all.
The file size will be below 500kb by using Photoshop to optimize images and saving complex, maximum sized images (1,400 by 800 pixels) with "Save for Web.." at a preset of "High Quality".
Other software is able to compress images even smaller with the same high quality (no visible pixelation on a computer monitor).
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Some images don't show up on the "TEST" page. |
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Although the images are listed in my Submittal Work Area, some don't show up on the "test" page. |
Images have to be saved in RGB 'color space' and not in CMYK (color space used for printing) because Internet Explorer on Windows can't display JPG files that are saved from CMYK 'Mode'.
In Photoshop, sekect Image > Mode > RGB Color to convert them before saving the images optimized for "Web and Devices". |
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Multiple Entries |
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Are multiple entries permitted? |
Yes |
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Slides versus Digital Images |
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How can a digital image that is 1,400 x 800 illustrate the details of a drawing? |
Digital images are graphic representations of the projects. The goal of the submittal is to clearly and succinctly illustrate the project in a way that the jury can understand. The fact that it is a digital image versus a slide should not be a factor in the submittal process. It boils down to a graphical exercise and a communication exercise. The same issues of how to communicate the design intent of a project on a 35mm slide applies.
We would suggest that the submittals take into account that all the judging will take place on a computer screen or a projector connected to a computer. It is good to keep this in mind when submitting. For photographs of buildings and renderings it is not as much of an issue. Hardline drawings and CAD work on the other hand have limitations when reduced down to a smaller format. This is the case if it is reduced from 24x36 drawing to a letter size sheet or from a 24 x 36 drawing to a 1,400 x 800 pixel image. You must keep the intent of the graphic in mind and reduce or zoom in accordingly. Text on a 24 x 36 drawing dropped down to a smaller size will not be legible. In many cases the text on a floor plan will not be as important as the overall graphic presentation and the accompanying text to explain the project. Keep in mind that the judges will spend about 15 minute per submittal. Dividing this among the total images and text and you only have one minute per image to communicate the intent of the project. |
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