Project 1.2.2 Design Charrette

Introduction

The White House is more than 200 years old. During that time the White House has been a testing ground for technological innovation. The White House was one of the firstfacilities to install plumbing, gas lights, elevators, and air conditioning.On Earth Day 1993 it was announced that the energy and environmental performance of the White House would be evaluated and that changes would be made based on the evaluation. This initiative was known as the “Greening of the White House.” In order to achieve project objectives, over 90 government experts and individuals from the private sector collaborated in a charrette sponsored by the American Institute of Architects.

Equipment

  • Internet access
  • Paper for sketching
  • Optional – presentation software
  • Optional – 3D modeling software

Procedure

In this activity you will work in a group of 4 to 6 students to complete a design charrette. At the conclusion of the charrette, you will present your idea in persuasive format to the rest of the class.

Design Charrette

An intensive workshop in which various stakeholders and experts are brought together to address a particular design issue

A design charrette is often described as a brainstorming/planning method used at the beginning stages of a structure, building, community, or other urban setting project. A charrette is an intensive workshop in which various stakeholders and experts are brought together to address a particular design issue.

  1. Divide into teams of 4-6.
  2. Familiarize yourself with the scenario that you have been assigned by your instructor. Assign each team member a role as a stakeholder from the list below. If you wish to represent a stakeholder not listed below, you must obtain instructor approval.
  3. Individually research the job responsibilities of your chosen stakeholder and complete A1.2.2a Stakeholder Role to prepare for the charrette. Online sources of information include:
  • Sloan Career Cornerstone Centerat
  • College Career Life Planning at
  • The American Society of Civil Engineers Find Your Dream Job at
  • Junior Engineering Technical Society Explore Engineering at
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook at
  • Engineer Girls at
  • The American Society of Civil Engineers – Civil Engineering Careers at
  • Discover Engineering at
  • American Institute of Architects – Careers in Architecture at
  1. As a professional, take personal notes of the meeting to record the discussion and conclusions.
  2. Within your group introduce yourself and explain what you see as your role in the charrette. Be sure to record the name and role of each participant in your notes. In addition, everyone in the group should consider the role of building user during the brainstorming session.
  3. As a team create a preliminary proposalto address your scenario.Your teacher will circulate during the charrette and act as the building owner, so keep a list of questions to pose to the owner when he/she is available.
  4. At the conclusion of the charrette,your group must provide an official record of the meeting. Create a typed document that each member of the charrette will sign to indicate that the minutes are accurate.
  5. Present your team’s ideas to the class. Youmust provide the following at a minimum for the presentation.
  • Introduction of each stakeholder and a brief job description.
  • Statement of the problem
  • Sketches (hand or computer-generated) to illustrate the vision
  • A bulleted list of the benefits of your plan
  • A bulleted list of unanswered questions and potential barriers,along with suggestions for answers and ways to overcome identified barriers

Project 1.2.2 Design Charrette

Potential Stakeholders

  • Architect
  • Architectural Engineer
  • Health and Safety Engineer
  • Commissioning Agent
  • Construction Contractor/Manager
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Energy Consultant
  • Construction or Building Inspector
  • Interior Designer
  • Landscape Architect
  • Urban Planner
  • Civil Engineer/Site Planner
  • Building Inspector/CodeEnforcement Officer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Cost Estimator

Scenarios

a.The city is considering purchasing a vacant warehouse in a blighted section of town.The area was once a busy manufacturing district along a riverfront near the downtown area. The city would like to convert the warehouse to a facility that provides a community service. The goal is to encourage redevelopment of the area.

b.A wealthy citizen willed 100 undeveloped acres of wooded land bordering an urban area. In her will she designated that the land should be comprised of a mixed income community of 150 homes. Space for some shopping, doctor’s offices, restaurants, etc. should also be planned. Although streets for vehicle traffic are needed, it was her wish that it should be convenient and safe to travel by bike or on foot throughout the community.

c.It has been decided that a two mile long bridge must be constructed to connect two areas along a coast. Officials believe this willpromote tourism because it willconnect two areas that are currently separated by a 30 minute drive.This bridge willspan a wetland where the tide comes in and out. Typically at low tide much of the area is dry; however, a narrow channel remains navigable by small vessels except at extremely low tides. The average tidal range is around five feet. The development should also include a small community boat ramp, dock, and public facilities.

d.A historical society has purchased an 18th century farm house on ten acres of forested landthat was designed, built, and owned by a former United States President. The structure has undergone many renovations; some were well done and others were not.The structure is deteriorating quickly and may be lost if some action is not taken.

Conclusion

  1. Why is it important to recognize challenges and barriers during the charrette and then identify solutions?
  2. Among the ideas or thoughts that you prepared for the charrette, were there any that were disregarded by the group? Why? Do you think it was the right decision?
  3. What is the value of using a charrette to investigate the feasibility and development of a building project? Describe specific advantages over a traditional approach in which the client meets with an architect and the architect develops the plan.
  4. Identify and explain a potential drawback of the plan your team drafted.

Project Lead The Way,Inc.

Copyright 2010

CEA – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.2 – Project 1.2.2 – Design Charrette – Page 1