As someone who is passionate about architecture, I find that incorporating architecture-themed icebreaker questions into events can be a fun and engaging way to spark conversation and connections among attendees. One format that works well for this type of activity is using “This or That” questions, which present participants with two options and ask them to choose their preference.
How to incorporate Architecture themed This or That questions
To incorporate architecture-themed “This or That” icebreaker questions into your upcoming event, follow these steps:
- Research and prepare a list of questions that are related to architecture, design, and urbanism. You can find inspiration from books, articles, exhibitions, or online resources. Make sure the questions cover a range of topics and levels of complexity, so that everyone can participate and contribute.
- Choose a format for presenting the questions that suits your event’s setting and audience. For example, you could print out the questions on cards or posters, display them on a screen using slideshow software, or use an interactive app or platform that allows participants to vote and see the results in real-time.
- Set up a space and time for the icebreaker activity, ideally at the beginning of the event or during a break or transition. Encourage participants to form small groups of 3-5 people and take turns asking each other the questions. You can also create a rotation system where each group moves on to the next question after a set amount of time (e.g., 2-3 minutes).
- Make sure everyone has a chance to answer each question and listen actively to their responses. Encourage follow-up questions, comments, and discussions that build on the initial answers. You can also share your own insights and opinions about architecture to keep the conversation flowing.
- After everyone has had a chance to answer all the questions, gather your participants in a larger group and ask them to share their favorite or most surprising answers. You can also use this opportunity to highlight any commonalities or connections that emerged during the activity.
- Consider using some of the insights or stories that came up during the “This or That” icebreaker as a springboard for further conversations and activities throughout the event. For example, you could organize a tour of a local architectural landmark or building, invite a guest speaker to give a talk on a related topic, or create a collaborative design challenge or project.
Ideas on different themes of questions
To keep your architecture-themed icebreaker questions fresh and engaging, you can explore different themes and categories that are relevant to the field. Here are some ideas:
- History: Ask questions about the evolution and development of architectural styles, movements, and technologies throughout history (e.g., “Gothic or Renaissance?” or “Brick or Stone?”).
- Form and function: Ask questions that explore the relationship between aesthetics and utility in architecture (e.g., “Form follows function or form over function?” or “Minimalism or Maximalism?”).
- Sustainability: Ask questions about environmental, social, and economic aspects of architecture (e.g., “Green roofs or Solar panels?” or “Passive design or Active design?”).
- Culture and society: Ask questions that relate to the cultural, social, and political contexts of architecture (e.g., “Modernism or Postmodernism?” or “Public space or Private space?”).
- Technology: Ask questions about the role of digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence in architecture (e.g., “Parametric design or Generative design?” or “Virtual reality or Augmented reality?”).
By incorporating these different themes of questions into your architecture-themed icebreaker activity, you can create a stimulating and inclusive environment that encourages participation, dialogue, and learning among attendees. So why not give it a try and see how it can enhance your next event!
My favorite Architecture themed This or That questions
- Modern or traditional architecture?
- Rooftop garden or backyard pool?
- High-rise or low-rise building?
- Minimalism or maximalism?
- Bright colors or neutral tones?
- Concrete or brick?
- Straight lines or curves?
- Sleek glass or cozy wood?
- Commercial or residential construction?
- Public space or private residence?
- Urban or rural architecture?
- Open floor plan or divided spaces?
- Flat roof or pitched roof?
- Tall windows or small windows?
- Vertical garden or hanging plants?
- Circular staircase or straight staircase?
- Outdoor seating or indoor seating?
- Classic columns or contemporary pillars?
- Stone or steel construction?
- Sustainable or non-sustainable design?
- Low-energy or high-energy building?
- Industrial or rustic style?
- Simple or ornate facades?
- Indoor garden or fireplace?
- Glass walls or solid walls?
- Exposed beams or hidden infrastructure?
- Maximum natural light or clever artificial lighting?
- Ventilated roof or skylight?
- Visible ducts or hidden pipework?
- Art deco or postmodern design?
About the author
Jon Zajac
Founder & Chief Icebreaker
I started Icebreaker Spot because I truly believe that strong connections are the foundation of successful teams. I wanted to create a platform that would make it easy for people to find and share icebreakers and team building activities, empowering them to build trust, foster collaboration, and ultimately, achieve greatness together.