20/20 VISIONS

Collaboration in planning and placemaking is essential to creating thriving, sustainable communities. In 1967 the American Institute of Architecture held its first Charrette – a series of interactive workshops – as a way for architects and planners to bring the public into the design process. Charrettes are now an internationally adopted methodology. People’s views are heard and honored and planners tap into a wealth of local knowledge and creativity. Despite the demonstrable benefits, there are still many architects and planners who lack the confidence and expertise to collaborate with the public effectively. It is time to change the way things are done and to bring communities genuinely to the heart of planning and placemaking. 20/20 Visions: Collaborative Planning and Placemaking gives practitioners and communities the inspiration and confidence to introduce Charrettes into their planning processes.