Design Charrette

A design charrette is often described as a brainstorming/planning method used at the beginning stages of a structure, building, community, or other urban setting project. A charrette is an intensive workshop in which various stakeholders and experts are brought together to address a particular design issue. We divided into teams of 4-6 and began using the scenario:

 A historical society has purchased an 18th century farm house on ten acres of forested land that was designed, built, and owned by a former United States President. The structure has undergone many renovations; some were well done and others were not. The structure is deteriorating quickly and may be lost if some action is not taken.

Danny Langevin- Architect
Andrew Rohkohl- Architectural Engineer
Joe Siddy- Buildin
Michael Sidell- Cost Estimator
Joe Doran- Civil Engineer
Darshan Padmanabhan- Structural Engineer

Goals for Restoration

Structural Engineer:

1. The building must be able to withstand the forces of nature that will be applied to it.
2. The building must be able to stand on its own.

Architect:

1. Restore the Farmhouse.
2. Make sure restoration meets the original design/look

Architectural Engineer:

1. To make sure that the original design of the house remains intact
2. To make sure that the construction does not harm the original house
3. To make sure the restoration is done without harming the house
4. To maintain the house to its original image
5. To make sure that the structure of the house is stable

Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer:

1. Make sure plumbing is up to code
2. Make sure wiring is up to code
3. Make sure heating/cooling systems are up to code
4. Make sure building has adequate entrances and exits that are up to code
5. Make sure foundation of the building is stable

Civil Engineer:

1. What is it going to look like?
2. What materials are going to use?
3. How are we going to make it safe?
4. How can we use the building the way it is to make it better?
5. What color paint are we going to use?

Cost Estimator: "We have an unlimited amount of money in our budget due to the fact that It is government funded.”

1. What needs to be rebuilt?
2. What materials could we afford to use rebuilding?
3. Can we afford to rebuild it all? YES
4. Are there any parts that can go without rebuilding for right now?
5. Do we have enough money and time to rebuild previous renovations that were done poorly?

Common Goals

Exterior:

Reside the entire building
Replace the windows
Repaint entire building
Re-enforce structural elements of house
Fix sagging roof, if not able to install a NEW roof

Interior:

Repaint interior to as close to as old color as possible
Sand and resurface floors
Replace rotten wall

Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer

1. I learned what a design charrette is.

2. I enjoyed sketching the house.

3. I didn't like the situation or prompt that we were given.

4. If I could do the project differently, I would put for detail into the sketch.