The American Institute of Architects San Antonio Chapter conducted an Environmental Design Charrette on February 24-25, 1996, at KLRN Studios. The EDC was an intensive, interdisciplinary effort producing creative, practical and sustainable development models for San Antonio's future growth and development. Five areas were identified which represent the diversity of San Antonio's natural, urban and cultural landscapes with water as a unifying element.

 Each site was studied by one of five design teams composed of an architect, civil engineer, planner, landscape architect, ecologist, developer and neighborhood advocate who considered a variety of design techniques, planning strategies, feasible technologies, and public policies in seeking site specific and mutually supporting solutions. The design process was fully participatory and utilized as a means of resolving conflicts among ecological, economic and social demands. This process includes the oversight of an advisory group which represents the design, engineering and scientific professions, regulatory agencies and community wide interests and will evaluate the design solutions to derive recommendations for future codes, policies and practices.

 In order to prepare for the Charrette, a series of design workshops were scheduled to enable the design participants to assemble, analyze site conditions, define problems, articulate a vision, establish design criteria and develop a program for each site. The architects facilitated the design process for each team and each participant invested 30-40 hours of structured time before the Charrette. Attendance by non-participating design professionals, advisory committee members, and the community was encouraged.

 In addition to the Charrette, AIA San Antonio has retained an independent professional producer who will assist in documenting the events, process and solutions for broadcast on KLRN-TV and other PBS Affiliates. The content for this documentary will be created by the Design Charrette on this Internet site and the resulting television show will publicly demonstrate the critical importance of sustainable design practices and the power of design as a means of conflict resolution.