A Charette is a method for entering the design stage from a conceptual stage
Normally in a Charette you break down into small groups that all work on the same issue. Then each small group comes back with a report or proposal and the whole group can go through and say Oh we like this part of Group A’s proposal and this part of Group B’s etc. As there will be few of us we’ll be working together as an inclusive group.
What is a charette design?
A Charette is an intense participative effort to solve any design/architectural problem within a limited time. The beauty of the Charette is that non experts can participate indeed in terms of participative town planning (urban architecture) it is a powerful tool for citizen participation. For me there are 3 stages/areas in this Charette for a successful fun outcome.
1. Learn and Listen.
Learn about the background to the issue. Read conceptual outlines and related articles. That is generally verse yourself in an overview of the matter at hand. Work together to come to an understanding about the project of goals and limitations are and how these might fit with my ideas.
2. Deliberate and Envision.
Deliberate with others in the group about their pros and cons of particular design ideas. Imagine together all of these various considerations to come up with a realistic and creative proposal which will be interesting while at the same time financially environmentally and otherwise feasible. I’m a very visual person – my imagination is huge. I can smell it taste it and imagine it.
3. Cost & Sustainability.
By cost I don’t mean the exact $ amount but an understanding of the area demographic and my ability to afford this renovation/extension. Also I want to make my home as green as possible yet liveable for me. This is an area I wish to pursue so I would like my home to be the ‘display home’ for Universal Housing Design for everyone – the aging population young families and people with disabilities etc. I don’t like houses which look like a ‘disabled circus’!
I have had plans drawn up which I’ll reveal after your opinions. These plans are my ideas but are certainly not set in concrete.
Bring your creative mind sense of fun and love!
