What the Heck is a Charrette? Let’s start here….
A Charrette is a structured, topic-oriented open forum where a group meets to discuss and resolve complex design issues. The primary goals of a Charrette are to generate design ideas from the public in a “hands-on” way and build consensus for development and design solutions. The Charrette has three goals:
Give the public a voice in determining the future of City Hall;
Develop consensus regarding uses and redevelopment of City Hall, and;
Most importantly, allow the public to develop and present specific development concepts, ideas and plans for the City Center, which will be used to complete a final development plan.
My new favorite word and they are so much fun!
The first portion of the evening was Lead by Kevin T. Greiner, a Research Fellow representing FIU College of Arts and Sciences. His presentation encompassed statistics and info graphics catching us up on the current state of Dania Beach.
Then came the Main Event! The announcement of a brand new City Center in Dania Beach. Here is the map of the area to be redeveloped.
The room was broken into small groups. Mom and I found ourselves perfectly paired with our group of entrepreneurial business owners, who brought so much to the table and created something extraordinary in just under an hour.
First we addressed the needs of the city center, voted on funding options and then it was to the drawing board!
Everyone in the room was then able to vote on the 8 different proposals and Our Team and another team tied with 12 votes each!
Our concept’s theme was coastal modern with a twist I brought up to install a kinetic Wave over the open promenade area. This amazing installation would add artistic beauty to the City Center! I was not able to show this video during the presentation so I has to improvise by using a larger sheet of tissue paper to create a simulated wave while describing the material in vivid detail. (I can’t wait for the pictures!) Apparently, I got my point across and the room was very receptive to it!
In our drawing the wave cascades down the tallest building in our concept (10 stories)Map:HUB, reaches across a large outdoor amphitheater, crosses over Dania beach Blvd and continues over our Greenspace/Dog Park. It will be seen from Us-1, Airplanes taking off from FLL and possibly I-95.
Here is the art installation I was referring to so you too, can fall in love.
The wave will reinforce the new city branding and become an asset to the city for any one working and playing in Dania Beach’s New City Center! It will become a destination for locals and tourists alike. A Must See!
Who doesn’t want a giant Wave simulator outside their office window?
I will leave you this evening and my Teams Tag Line…
