Providence Tomorrow: What is a Charrette?

The French word, “charrette” means “cart” and is often used to describe an intensive, interactive problem solving process with meetings convened around the development of specific plans. Historically, this term is said to have originated from the École des Beaux Arts in Paris during the 19th century, where proctors circulated a cart, or “charrette”, to collect final drawings while students frantically put finishing touches on their work.

Providence Tomorrow Neighborhood Charrettes
Within the city of Providence there are 25 distinct neighborhoods – each with its own unique character and identity. Because they are so unique, each neighborhood has its own set of planning issues that need to be addressed on an individual basis. An integral part of the Providence Tomorrow process will be to conduct neighborhood-level charrettes in each of the 25 neighborhoods. Just as with the city-wide charrette--held in October of 2006--these smaller charrettes will be opportunities for residents to voice their opinions and concerns and to have a hand in guiding the future development of their neighborhoods.

The Benefits of Charrettes in Planning

Charrettes provide a framework for creating a shared vision shaped by community involvement, directed by consultants representing all key disciplines.
Charrettes provide and opportunity to improve and expand the relationships between residents and their government through meaningful public involvement and education.
Charrettes help a community to develop a shared vision of its future by allowing for increased opportunities for residents to make positive contributions to the planning process
Charrettes help to create better plans by gaining more diverse input and involvement and help increase the likelihood that plans will be realized.