-
William Lennertz introduces the course.
-
This chapter defines and explores the origins of the term "charrette."
-
Creativity requires uninterrupted, focused work. Charrettes are an antidote to our unfocused, multi-tasking culture. Creativity is a three-phased process, punctuated by a chaotic period. Creativity takes perseverance.
-
Mindfulness is a practice of relaxing, becoming fully present, and, in doing so, releasing tension to allow creative energy to flow. In a charrette, this practice is extended into a community-wide setting, accomplished through a multiple-day period of uninterrupted singular focus.
-
It can take three interactions with a person or group to transform from the position of resistance, to a position of listening, and then to a position of understanding.
-
Design as the Third Point
This chapter discusses the role of design in a charrette.
-
Charrettes are inclusive. Rather than resist input from left field, all ideas are considered and measured against the same metrics. All participants feel that they were heard and that their input may have an impact.
-
This chapter explores the ability of the charrette to draw people out of narrow perspectives, to learn from each other, and to create a generalist approach from a group of specialists.
