Charette

Definition

A charette is a project meeting occurring early in the design cycle where preliminary or conceptual project details are aggregated or decided upon by the project delivery team.

Purpose

The purpose of a charette is to bring together stakeholders, including architects, engineers, clients, and other team members, to collaborate intensively on the initial design concepts and goals of a project. This helps ensure that all perspectives are considered and that the project starts with a clear, cohesive vision.

Examples of Use

1. Urban Planning: Conducting a charette to discuss and develop the initial layout and design principles for a new urban development.
2. Building Design: Holding a charette with architects, engineers, and clients to brainstorm and decide on the main design features of a new building.
3. Community Projects: Involving community members in a charette to gather input and create a preliminary design for a public park.

Related Terms

• Design Workshop: A collaborative session similar to a charette, focused on specific design tasks or problems.
• Stakeholder Meeting: Meetings involving all parties interested in a project to discuss objectives and concerns.
• Brainstorming Session: A creative meeting where team members generate ideas and solutions for a project.

Notes

• Charettes often involve sketching, modeling, and other visual tools to facilitate communication and idea generation.
• They can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity and scope of the project.