What is a Charrette?
A charrette is an intensive workshop where nationally renowned and local design experts work in teams with faculty and graduate students to produce design solutions to difficult urban problems. Up to 75 participants work for five days in an atmosphere of creative competition to develop specific design proposals. The effort culminates on the evening of the fifth day with a public presentation at a prominent venue in Detroit, to which all involved parties, including citizens, business leaders, the media and public officials, are invited. Each of the teams includes 12–15 students from architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture and art programs at U of M and other local institutions (e.g. Cass Tech, Detroit Mercy). Depending on the site and problem, economists, historians, community representatives or public artists also participate. During the balance of the winter term, college faculty members lead follow-up studios to develop the general concepts and specific downtown building projects in greater detail. The charrettes and the studio work conclude with the preparation and publication of a book during the summer. The book is widely distributed and available as a tool to help the public and private sectors refine and implement some of the proposed concepts.

Why a Charrette?
Charrettes are the best way to involve a broad spectrum of stakeholders to create a shared vision for a city’s future. Charrettes can clarify ongoing initiatives and jumpstart new projects that might be overlooked or never conceived. They are an interactive process that allows for the illustration and testing of ideas and plans in three dimensions. They are a cost-effective and efficient tool to generate visions and galvanize the community.

Why Detroit?
The college has been invited to hold charrettes in other Michigan cities, but holds Detroit as its first priority. As long as there are willing partners, the college will continue to focus charrettes and studios on design and development opportunities in Detroit.

Why Downtown?
Downtown is ready for development and represents Detroit’s best chance for true rejuvenation into a world class city. Charrettes are the ideal tool to help shape the downtown into a more coherent district incorporating business, residential and entertainment uses and providing for human comfort, safety and convenience.

How is the Charrette Funded?
Each year funds have been raised from interested stakeholders, beneficiaries and benefactors. Detroit Edison has consistently provided generous work space at their headquarters on Second Avenue, as well as equipment (computers, printers, plotters, copiers, etc.), security, on-site support staff and most of the meals for the participants. Taubman College and other units at the University of Michigan have contributed funds, student and administrative time for the preparation, implementation and follow-up of the charrette. In addition, the venue for the public reception and presentation has been donated. Annual hard costs are approximately $75,000. In total, including donated faculty, student and administrator time, and in-kind contributions, a single charrette of this magnitude has a monetary value approaching $250,000.

Who is Involved?
Several distinguished design professionals have accepted the invitation to participate, including nationally acclaimed design professionals from outside Michigan. Each guest will co-lead one of four teams with a faculty member from Taubman College and a design professional selected from a local design firm or institution. Each team will have a dozen graduate students, primarily from Taubman College, but also from the School of Art and Design and the Landscape Architecture Program of the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Students from Cass Technical High School will also participate.