Originating in the US in the 1960's, ‘Charrette’
involved an intensive two-week consultation process, usually preceded
by a massive public relations campaign. The aim was for a local community
to developed social, economic and physical plans combined the resources
of a number of local bodies, and integrated them all into a prioritised
programme of action.
The resource people (consultants, experts, professionals)
were usually brought in from out of town to bring fresh minds to the
problems. The Charrette building had to be able to provide for large
evening forums, small group discussions during the day; and also for
secretarial services, the press, television, child care, lunch and light
meals. It was a ‘live-in, work-in, 24-hour facility’.
The main stages were as follows:
- A large public relations campaign (often including a questionnaire
and several pre-Charrette workshops to give the community a chance
to discuss the problem and to introduce it to the dynamics of Charrette.
- Introductory speeches.
- Split into sub-groups
- Sub-group brainstorms, to help build key relationships and to
identify community objectives and goals.
- Sub-groups explored possible solutions to agreed issues, with
public and private officials being available to discuss the impact
of resource limitations and political climate, and to establish
responsibility and accountability.
- A detailed implementation strategy and action plan was then produced,
with models, drawings, reports, graphics, etc.
- The final proposals were presented before top-ranking officials,
the media and the whole community, in a climate of strong community
commitment.
- A report was produced so that anyone could discover what happened.
Local newspapers, TV and radio were usually closely involved.
[Source:
www.mycoted.com
]