Innovation in Collaboration
Cities are most resilient when people help each other and work together. Fostering an environment of collaboration begins with creative ways to bring the public and private sector together. While what motivates each entity varies, those involved tend to share a commitment to building community.
UTILIZE DESIGN CHARRETTES “Innovation” is the operative word as cities try to do more with less. Local governments are challenged every year with budget constraints coupled with rising costs in infrastructure and services and the desire to maintain a robust quality of life. To maximize investment and taxpayer buy-in, some local governments are bringing in new experts: their citizens. Public input is invaluable in providing local knowledge and experiences to better shape public spaces. Opportunities often present themselves through open collaboration. While implementing change through public spaces or semi-public spaces, design charrettes often maximize these opportunities. Leveraging experts’ talents with the local knowledge of stakeholders, property owners, elected officials, and businesses and input from those who will ultimately use the space, will create a better product.
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Plan Manchester 2021
A design charrette is an excellent method for implementing public participation and often is required depending on the funding sources of a project. It also creates a sense of ownership for the citizens involved. This, in turn, adds to community support and pride of ownership. This method of design and citizen input should be continued to activate social spaces. In collaboration with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, the City of Manchester, private sector representatives, and the interested public, plans were developed for Gateway Park. This process was an extensive workshop and multi-day charrette, resulting in a work scope that included education, historical reference, public safety, technology, and permaculture.
