I took part in my first charrette on Monday. We were instructed to do two, one-hour charrettes with two teams of three. Our first team was “interlocking.” We found that we quickly were able to formulate design ideas, and our individual concepts were compatible with theirs. We quickly realized each other’s strengths and assigned the tasks accordingly. Never having taken part in a charrette before I found the process invigorating. It forced us to commit to an idea and move forward quickly, whereas the typical design process may take up to a few days. I was surprised at our success, and the ideas that came to the table so quickly with our first group. The second group we worked with was “beaucoup.” I did not feel that we were able to combine our structures as cohesively as with the previous group. However, we did quickly formulate ideas, and produce what was expected within the hour’s time. We formed what would be “straight curves” should our new design be chosen and we move forward. I feel, however, that in moving forward the design we had with “interlocking,” now “pinnacle” would be a stronger design. We each had some form of forced navigation, and obstacles that you must go around to find your destinations. Together we formed a pyramid-like structure where you reach your “epiphany” (my original word) in the final stage of your journey. It was an intriguing, and interesting design, one I hope to move forward with, and explore. With “beaucoup” and “straight curves” our structures have very distinct and different design languages. Their original structures embody curvilinear lines, and waves, whereas ours is about right angles, and geometric shapes that encompass the necessities for living in these units, such as the bedrooms, kitchens, baths, etc… Overall I would be most pleased to work with “interlocking,” as I feel we will be able to accomplish whatever tasks are put before us the most successfully.
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