CHARRETTES

A Charrette is an intense, collaborative design event, distinguished by a holistic approach, focused on a feasible solution. They are generally held ‘on site’ and include all affected stakeholders at critical decision making stages.

SSM have been involved in a variety of Charrettes such as Leith Docks Development Framework, Leven Town Centre and Perth West Masterplan. We work with teams of other professionals to design, draw and test numerous possible solutions in response to a particular project context. These event generally take place over a two or three day period and involve a series of ‘feedback loops’ that record opinions aired and decisions taken and provide a constant record of the process.

The purpose of the Charrette is to:

• Engage local people, businesses and agencies in the co-design of the Masterplan.
• Marry the professional expertise of the consultant team with local knowledge and aspirations
• Create an agreed Masterplan based on a strategic proposition for the future development of the town, addressing economic, commercial and community aspects.

We consider that drawing is a critical aspect of any design charrette. The ability to talk and draw is essential to the sessions with stakeholders and members of the community, it allows people to illustrate a proposed solution, it allows others to understand and ultimately to agree to the proposal.