Design Charrette as Methodology for Post-Disaster Participatory Reconstruction: Observations from a Case Study in Fukushima, Japan

Abstract

Abstract:Although there has been a growing body of literature on post-disaster participatory reconstruction, a shared understanding on a participatory approach is insufficient. A design charrette is a participatory planning that is particularly suitable for situations in which multidisciplinary professionals and non-professional stakeholders collaborate to accomplish target tasks in a short period of time. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of design charrette as a methodology in the context of post-disaster reconstruction in Japan. This will be achieved through a participatory observation on a design charrette in Minamisoma City, Japan, after the Fukushima accident. The charrette includes the participation of multiple stakeholders in intercultural, intergenerational and interdisciplinary exchanges. The contributions and constraints of the charrette are analyzed on the basis of the authors' observation, and a strategy to improve post-disaster reconstruction charrette is thereby proposed. This study shows that the charrette is a useful method for communication and collaboration in the post-disaster context. Furthermore, it also demonstrates that assuring the participation of all key stakeholders, improving the training of participants and introducing resource analysis during the charrette's preparatory stage are the essential conditions for the legitimacy and policy compliance of the final result.

Reimagining Workshops

“…Dirrigl et al (2021) conducted a series of charettes on environmental sustainability that included academics, agriculture, business, local, state and federal government officials, grant program representatives, Native American community members, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Zhang et al (2015) supports the role of a charette in disaster response critical to “participatory reconstruction” device and Kilbane et al (2019) use the tool for “connectivity conservation” (or spatial connectivity conservation).…”

“…Today, the term has expanded to describe working intensely to meet a deadline and focused meetings designated for identifying design goals. Zhang et al (2015) defines a design charette as "participatory planning that is particularly suitable for situations in which multidisciplinary professionals and non-professional stakeholders collaborate to accomplish target tasks in a short period of time" (p. 6594). Howard and Somerville (2014) elaborate on this definition, stating that charettes "comprise a staged series of activities designed to build relationships, establish context, and create an environment for collaboration and co-creation to allow for developing feasible and practical solutions" (p. 48).…”

Social Innovation in the Undergraduate Architecture Studio

“…Some developed countries have used charrette workshops to engage local communities in designing shared places or even large-scale urban plans [4][5][6]. While the idea of "working together" is appealing in concept, its practical implementation can be difficult.…”

Reconstructing Post-Earthquake Settlement Using Community Deliberation Participation Approach in Yogyakarta-Indonesia

“…One of the methods to sustain a community after these disasters is through reconstruction and this has been reported to be hindered by the use of conventional top-down policy-making approach which is not understood or trusted by local residents. Therefore, a more cooperative and trustful approach involving the participation of residents in the decision-making and planning process of reconstruction is required to be intensified (Zhang, 2015). Moreover, one of the principles of the United Nations Development Programme is to "identify the need and priorities of affected populations by creating participatory processes that involve communities themselves in decision-making, service delivery, and recovery" (UNDP, 2016).…”