Design Charettes & Negotiation
A design charrette is a brief joint meeting during which members of a certain group quickly cooperate with each other, making sketches and design models to explore, acquire, and share a wide range of ideas in design and architecture. It is an essential way to unite the concepts pertaining to separate members of the whole group into one set of ideas to come up with a decision that takes into account the best features of every approach. Many people involved in the sphere of art, architecture, and design, point out that it is the way to ensure the great level of performance.
According to Condon (2012), design charettes are fast and efficient. The author of the book "Design Charrettes for Sustainable Communities" points out that he has taken participation in design charettes that last between four and seven days. He repeatedly claims that charettes are remarkably efficient as they comprise a "more conventional process to produce a comprehensive sustainable community plan" (Condon, 2012, p.26).
A design charette can be referred to as a particular kind of a brain-ring that is aimed at a fast generation of ideas and their proper critical assessment. To conduct a successful design charette it is vital to gather not only those people who make a design or planning, but also those who are responsible for the execution of work as well as investors and other people who are involved in the current project. Everyone present at the venue should briefly outline the essence of their concepts and ideas on separate sheets of paper. It would be useful to write the major concept in the center of the big whiteboard. It can pose a challenge to the participants of the meeting in order to fuel their interest and force them into active thinking. The members of the charette should sketch their ideas using creative words, methods, and approaches, trying to think outside the box and note everything that comes to their minds. After maximum 5 minutes it is crucial to present their concepts and start a so-called brain-ring to discuss all concepts in general to come up with the best idea that takes into consideration the most powerful features of each approach presented.
It is hard to overrate the advantages of design charettes used as a tool for facilitating negotiation. Many designers claim that conducting these activities greatly contribute to the broadening of horizons and visualization of the opportunities that are ahead of people. One of the most crucial positive features of the design charettes is their enhancement of the overall understanding of a project proposal and its correlation with the interests of the community. These meetings stimulate collective work as well as they also encourage people to communicate extensively and stay deeply involved in the process of decision-making. One of the most indispensable benefits that are provided by the design charettes is the immediate feedback. It is crucial for both designers and workers as it gives everyone a fundamental picture of the …
