converge · Planning, Problem Solving, Ideation · 1440–3360 min · A core design team plus stakeholders and public at set feedback points · high energy
Charrette
A multi-day design event held near the place being designed. A team of designers and specialists works in an open studio, and stakeholders and the public come in at set moments to react to drafts. At least three feedback loops move the work from alternatives to a preferred plan that is tested for feasibility before the event ends.
When to use Charrette
Use when a plan for a place or a shared facility needs input from many parties and months of back-and-forth meetings are not getting anywhere.
What it solves
Plans drawn up by a few experts get blocked by the people who have to live with them.
How to run Charrette, step by step
- Prepare over weeks: stakeholder mapping, base data and maps, and a studio space near the site (prep).
- Opening public meeting to hear values and ideas. The design team then works up several alternative concepts (day 1).
- First feedback loop: stakeholders review the alternatives in the studio (2-3 hours).
- The design team develops a preferred option. Second feedback loop with stakeholders and an open house (1-2 days).
- Refine the plan and test it for feasibility. Third feedback loop (1-2 days).
- Closing public presentation of the plan and the next steps (2-3 hours).
Materials needed
- Dedicated studio space open to the public
- Drawing tables, base maps and printers
- Pin-up walls
- Meeting room for public sessions
Facilitator tips
- Keep the studio open with drop-in hours so people can watch the work and talk to designers.
- Bring decision makers into the feedback meetings, not only the final presentation.
- Test feasibility, costs and regulations during the event, not afterwards.
Common pitfalls
- Running a one-day workshop and calling it a charrette. Without feedback loops there is no charrette.
- Keeping everyone in the room all the time, which exhausts people without adding input.
Variations
- A three-day version for simpler projects with fewer parties.
Running it online or hybrid
Stream the feedback meetings and post drafts online for comment, but keep the design studio physical and close to the site.
What it produces
A preferred plan, tested for feasibility, that stakeholders have seen evolve and responded to at least three times.
Origin
A collaborative design format from architecture and planning. The National Charrette Institute, now part of Michigan State University, codified the modern multi-day version with feedback loops. — source
Build a session around Charrette
METODIC places Charrette inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.