Charrette
An intensive, collaborative workshop, often lasting several days, in which design teams and affected people propose, present and revise solutions in rapid cycles.
What it’s for
It keeps projects with many stakeholders from dragging on through back-and-forth: it brings everyone together at once to decide together.
Key elements
Everyone at once
The disciplines and the people affected, in the same room.
Short cycles
Propose, present and revise.
Fixed time
A firm deadline forces decisions.
How it’s done
Prepare the problem and decide whom to invite.
Work in groups and present to everyone.
Revise based on what you hear, until you reach a plan.
Applications in design
When to use it
In urban or service projects with many stakeholders.
Avoid
Calling a two-hour meeting a charrette.
Don’t fall for it
Publish afterward what was decided and what happens with each proposal.
Connections
Authors and works
- 2008
Bill Lennertz, Aarin Lutzenhiser and Tamara Failor
Explained the charrette in planning: several days of collaborative work with review cycles.
- 2006
Bill Lennertz and Aarin Lutzenhiser
Wrote the National Charrette Institute’s reference handbook, with its phases and review cycles.
Sources
Original sources
- Lennertz, B., & Lutzenhiser, A. (2006). The charrette handbook. American Planning Association & National Charrette Institute.
Secondary sources
- Lennertz, B., Lutzenhiser, A., & Failor, T. (2008). An introduction to charrettes. Planning Commissioners Journal, 71, 1–3. View source: Lennertz, B., Lutzenhiser, A., & Failor, T. (2008)
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