RDA charrette to envision Rice Village

Rice Village is a Houston jewel, but how will it remain so? A challenge posted by the Rice Design Alliance (RDA) will take the issue head-on this week.

The rdAGENTS, RDA’s young professionals group, will host its annual design charrette Aug. 2 at Rice’s Hanszen College with the theme “Visions for the Village.” Participants will be challenged to envision how Rice Village will evolve with the city, while paying attention to such issues as mobility, walkability and accessibility.

The nature of a charrette is to brainstorm on a deadline. Architects, designers, artists and others – either individuals or in teams of up to five people – will work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hanszen to assemble plans that envision Rice Village in the future.

A guided site visit July 26 will precede the competition.

The charrette will conclude Aug. 4 with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hanszen. Designs will be displayed and jurors will name the winners. The reception is free and open to the public.

Download a registration here. The fee for participants is $25 for RDA members and $35 for nonmembers, and it includes coffee, breakfast, lunch and refreshments.