Glossary

Glossary

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• Charrette

  The word charrette may refer to any collaborative session in which a group of designers drafts a solution to a design problem. While the structure of a charrette varies, charrettes often take place in multiple sessions in which the group divides into sub-groups. Each sub-group then presents its work to the full group as material for future dialogue. Such charrettes serve as a way of quickly generating a design solution while integrating the aptitudes and interests of a diverse group of people. Compare this term with workshop

• CONRAIL

  The Consolidated Rail Corporation, commonly known as Conrail, was created by the federal government to take over the potentially profitable lines of bankrupt carriers, including the Penn Central and Erie Lackawanna railways.

• Form Liner

  A type of Wall Treatment used in the preparation of designs on concrete walls to create more attractive walls for highways, neighborhoods and parks. Form liners come in many different shapes and designs, and can produce a variety of textures and designs on concrete.

• Gateway Signage

  Signage or artwork that occurs at an entrance or "gateway" between two neighborhoods or distinct areas.

• LED Lighting

  An abbreviation for Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs provide light while using much less electricity than both incandescent and compact florescent lights.

• Public Space

  A space that is open and accessible to all.

• Retaining Wall

  A wall designed to hold back, or 'retain', higher level ground behind it.

• Right of Way

  Right of Way includes everything within the limits of publicly-owned property—typically the road, sidewalks and landscaped areas.

• Streetscape

  The elements within and along the street and sidewalk that define a street's appearance, identity and function, including street furniture (benches, trash cans, etc.), landscaping, trees, sidewalks and pavement designs, among others.

• Wall Treatment

  The application of a color or design on a wall or other vertical surface