Reflections Three - Charrette process : Part 2

Reflection 3: Charrette Reflections: benefits and disadvantages?

Definition: The charrette is a process to involve stakeholders in developing worthwhile designing concepts for a new or changing learning space. Small teams are formed and collaborate to construct sketches and other informative designs, based on their shared and diverse design ideas. In terms of teaching, we must recognize that the physical environment, can be as important as other forms of learning strategies. 

Reflections of the Saturday LCN601 Workshop: Charrette Design of the Curriculum Area KG

I was part of a team that designed a new concept for the Curriculum Area for KG Library.  Each member of our four person team came from different backgrounds: i.e. Librarians, Vocational Teachers, Early Childhood and TESOL. Therefore, we had many different views on what the design should be. This is why I feel that a charrette team should at least have a common background, as time was wasted in discussion for what to include or not. We each wanted a design to suit our own particular teaching or job position area.

But do not get me wrong, the workshop was a very rewarding exercise, as I had not been part of a charrette before. It gave me a chance to reflect the importance of understanding others views and the need to reach agreement. More importantly, it was about making sure our design in the end met the objective of the potential users and learners of the learning space, and not our own personal whims.

Discoveries from the Charrette's Workshop

Benefits or Advantages :

  

1. While there might be a desire to build something, a valid reason or objective must be defined. The charrette team can clearly define the problem, and how it will impact the organisation (e.g. school, library etc.) with its implementation.

2. Charrette teams can identify various alternatives to the problem or learning space design. As well as, analyse the pros and cons of each solution, and action strategies to progress the design.

3. The charrette workshop can produce concrete results, in the form of: well-designed graphical illustrations, posters and other tangible ideas.

4. Generate strong citizen participation and motivation towards planning and community development.  If stakeholders feel they are genuinely involved in the design process then they will more-likely support the project.

Disadvantages of Using Charrettes:

  

1. Only used to resolve one particular problem, while charrettes participants may see that the problem involves multiple issues that need to be addressed or redesigned.

2. Easy to stray-away from the focus-issue (or design problem) due to the many people involved in the charrette process. The process requires a good leader to ensure charrette teams and individuals are driven towards the key issue.

3. While the final learning space maybe for a particular community or school, if the charrette team consists of only local members, then the design may not get a unique insights in fresh ideas and viewpoints to the design project. Outside charrette members or stakeholders should be part of the charrette process.