Our Insights Left and Below VLK Architects worked side by side on concepts for Keller ISD 5-8 Middle School. Opposite top Team members from Waller ISD move game pieces on a gaming board. Opposite middle VLK creates design concepts for Houston ISD’s Energy High School based on the team’s process, and participants vote on their favorite option or characteristics. Opposite bottom Teams at Katy ISD work on their gaming charrette options.
Reflections from Our Charrettes by Ken Hutchens, Principal of Creative and Dr. Dalane E. Bouillion, Educational Planner
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he most meaningful instruction usually involves a “hands on” approach where learning can be discovered involving collaboration, investigation, trial and error, and the manipulation of tools in order to deeply understand. The goal of a well-designed learning experience is to engage students. At VLK Architects, our charrette process incorporates these attributes while capturing the thoughts of our clients. Ultimately, as partners, we work together to ensure we respond to the design elements that are desired. In the end, our clients think like an architect while using their educational backgrounds to help us realize the best educational facilities, and our designs are recognized as uniquely independent, clearly articulating the needs of the community. Reflection, as a powerful tool for learning, enables us 26
2015 | EXPERIENCE | Inside VLK
to inform our practice to better serve the needs of our clients. Our own reflections this year have taught us a few things as well about our charrette process. Accelerates the development of the vocabulary used in the design of a school. Put fourteen educators in a room and ask them what a classroom looks like and guess what you get…fourteen descriptions. Through consensus building, we work with those fourteen educators to develop a collective, singular vision for the classroom they desire. We ask questions to ensure we address specific instructional needs, probing to detail the most important aspects of teaching and learning as they relate to space. Once vocabulary is developed, the language for the project is defined, which carries throughout the entire process, including construction.
