A charrette is an intensive planning session where citizens, designers and others collaborate on a vision for community planning. The design team and consultants set up a full working office in the community, with computers, printers, drafting supplies, copy machines, and wall maps. This provides a forum for real-time brainstorming and drawing of ideas submitted from residents and stakeholders. More importantly, it allows everyone who participates to be a mutual author of the plan.
This interactive process achieves several goals.
First, everyone who has a stake in the project develops a vested interest in the ultimate vision. Second, the design team works together to produce a set of finished documents that address all aspects of design. Third, since the input of all the players is gathered at one event, it is possible to move forward with a true community-supported vision for future planning. Finally, the process is more cost-effective and efficient due to the intensive focus and community participation throughout the week.