Sharing the climate adaptive dream: the benefits of the Charrette approach

Climate change adaptation is a problem that is conceived as complex, operates on longer terms and requires anticipatory planning. Current planning processes facilitate mainly more straightforward and tame problems. In this paper we argue that to include wicked problems such as climate adaptation an alternative methodology and process is more suitable. The design charrettes, as experienced in Europe and Northern Americas offer such a tailored approach. Analysis of charrette theory and practice forms the basis for the development of an adjusted original for the Victorian situation. Our findings are that bringing the problem of climate adaptation in a charrette context bridges and overcomes initial hesitation to deal with the problem, offers the creative environment to develop innovative solutions and exposes participants to the challenge of starting to dream climate adaptive dreams.