Charettes
One of the most fun and most lively aspects of Workshop are the design charettes. The design charettes allow the students to work side by side with landscape architect professionals on real world projects. Each charettes is hosted by a landscape architecture firm and is based on a project that they have worked on at their firm. The format of the charettes changes each year to keep Workshop fresh and unique. During registration, each participant will sign up for a project. All the projects are different and they cover a wide range of interests so that participants can choose a topic that interests them the most. For many of us, this is our first experience working with professionals, and it can be a bit intimidating. However, the professionals were once students just like us and know how to make it a fun and educational experience.
How they work
The charettes are typically on the afternoon of the first day of workshop. They are held on the third floor of the College of Architecture building in the landscape architecture studios. A brief introduction will explain the specifics of the charettes and let everyone know what to expect. Next, everyone will break up into their corresponding groups. The hosting firm will explain the project details, requirments and objectives. All the necessary information and equipment will be provided including trace paper, scales, and enough pens, pencils and markers to communicate your design. Each firm will determine how best to divide their group and students can then start. The design process typically lasts a couple of hours during which time the professionals will work with each student to help them with the process. The charettes end with each student or groups of students within a group presenting their design to the professional. The charettes conclude with the professionals presenting their design solution for the project.