ARC 211 - American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017 Online Discussion Questions. The following pages document my responses to the online discussion questions.

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 - American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Ama Fuwaa
Spring 2017
Photo: http://www.lamar.edu/about-lu/diversity/conferences/diversity/

2. 1
Introduction
This thread provides you with an opportunity to "meet" each other and initiate a
connection with participants in your group. In responding to this discussion
thread, please introduce yourself and provide us with one interesting fact about
yourself. After posting your introduction, take a look through and reply to some
of the others. The purpose of this exercise is to develop a sense of community.
You might find that you share similar experiencesand can help each other in
many ways throughout the semester.
Hello Everyone. My name is Ama Fuwaa, I am currently a sophomore here at UB. I am
from Bronx, NY so being in Buffalo is like a whole new environment for me. I am
majoring in Political Science and minoring in Global Gender Studies. I have recently
been accepted in both my major and minor and I am excited to be going into my junior
year. I feel like Buffalo has become my second home these last couple of years and
the time is going by so fast too. I enjoy doing a lot of things especially traveling. I
haven’t had the opportunity to do so much of it and that’s why one of my long term
goals is to travel to 50 countries before I’m 50 years old. I like to read, dance, listen to
music and just have a great time. I LOVE MOVIES! I have seen a range of movies from
American, African, Indian and even Korean. My favorite genre is sci-fi for sure. My
favorite quick item to eat while on the run is a chocolate granola bar and sometimes an
apple.
I have to say that starting the semester off , I didn’t know what to expect from this class but, I learned a lot of things that have opened my eyes to
the ways of designs and how they impact social groups not just in the US but, around the globe as well. Ever since I started taking this class my
way of seeing design has changed and I pay more and more attention to little details. I tend to ask myself why this architect build this building this
way and that way. I stared to look at some of the buildings on campus such as Ellicott complex and how certain places such as the terrace is not
as accessible to individuals as it is to everyone is. Also some of the lecture halls have really small chairs and desks that are not tailored for people

3. 2
of all sizes. I learned a lot from this class. I learned that most designs are made for the majority of people without factoring in minority groups. I
idea of Universal Design should be applied for all designs concepts. Universal Design is the design of products and environments that can be
used the fullest extent by people of all ages and abilities. It thought of on the basis of inclusion of all people not the majority that it benefits. What I
found to be the most compelling was the week we learned about class and economic status. I found that to be very compelling because we did a
reading called “The Hidden Ways Urban Design Segregates The Poor”. I learned that are some exclusionary designs that are tailored towards a
specific group of people such as the homeless in Tokyo. The parks in Tokyo are designed with all kinds of benches that make it uncomfortable to
sit down for long periods of time, sloping forward to put pressure on the feet, they are made with steel that is burn in the summer and is freezing
cold in the winter. All this is to make sure that the homeless don’t aren’t able to use the parks as the sleeping grounds. Reading this actually took a
lot out of me not to get too emotional but it just came to me as a shock. Instead of using design to exclude how about using it to solve social
problem because I do believe that through design there is a potential for social good. This class has really opened my eyes and I am very happy I
had the opportunity to take it here at UB. The followingpagesdocumentmyresponsestothe onlinediscussionquestionsinthe Spring2017
versionof ARC211 AmericanDiversityandDesignatthe UniversityatBuffalo –State Universityof NewYork.
Photo: Ama Fuwaa

4. 3
Response to "What is design?" from Hello World
On “What is design?” from Hello World: Where Design Meets Life by Alice Rawsthron
The author opened her chapter with the example of Ying Zheng, the ruler of the Qin empire, one of the most powerful and enduring
empires I the history of China. She explained how design innovation contributed to Ying Zheng’s success. For example, in the
development of weaponry, he resolved many problems by standardizing parts, and this single innovation gave his armies great
advantage over other armies.
For this discussion, let’s move away from 246 B.C. China, and into the U.S. Describe an innovation or invention (can be current or
historical) that gave advantage to a group of people in the U.S. or to the population as a whole. What were the social impacts of this
innovation? Were any groups negatively impacted by this innovation? For example, the telegraph, developed and patented in the United
States in 1837 by Samuel Morse, permitted people and commerce to transmit messages across both continents and oceans almost
instantly, with widespread social and economic impacts. This heightened communication speed allowed business persons to make
decisions with up-to-date information, often resulting in big profits. Those without access had to rely on outdated information, which
put them at a disadvantage.
The invention of the airplane in 1903 changes people’s lives
drastically. Like cars and trains, it provided a quick transport not
only across countries but across the world. It has reduced travel
time from destination to another. Airplanes allowed people to be in
different counties in matter of hours instead of weeks and months
that it might take by boats. It took people to counties that could not
be accessible by boats or other vehicles. It changed the global
economy by increasing trade as imported and exported goods
could be easily moved around. It brought many advantages such
better access to healthier foods and medicines. It made movement
across the globe far easier than ever before. However, the airplane
was not assessable to everyone. Not until more recently in the late

5. 4
20th century that accommodations have been made for handicapped individuals. People in wheelchairs were not always able to fly like those who
didn’t have disabilities. Flying was considered and is still considered to be a luxury to a small group of people that could afford it. Flights are more
expensive the farther they are and that can discourage people from travelling or moving far from family.1
Photo: http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/May-June-08/On-this-Day--First-Commercial-Jet-Flight-Takes-Off-From-London.html
1 Drye, Willie. "First Flight: How Wright Brothers Changed World." National Geographic. December 17, 2003
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1217_031217_firstflight.html Accessed May 1, 2017.

6. 5
Response to "Introduction" from Diversity and Design
On “Introduction” from Diversity and Design: Understanding Hidden Consequences
The editors state that “diverse participation in the design process, from both professionals and public citizens alike, yields more
equitable results.” This makes sense, but typically has not been the case. Nonetheless, many marginalized groups have impacted
design in ways that have changed our visual and physical worlds as well asour systems, policies, and institutions. For example, in the
1960s, disability rights advocates designed media events to raise awareness about barriers in the physical environment. They persisted
with their efforts for decades, and, finally, in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. It mandated accessibility in public
accommodations such as restaurants and stores, public transportation, communication, and other areas of public life. This dramatically
changed our physical environment (from curb cuts to ramps to automatic doors) and the results made public life more equitable.
Now it’s your turn. Describe a design that was impacted by a diversity group. How and why did it change form and/or
circumstances? (Note that a design can be anything requiring planning and development prior to the production of an action, system,
visual, material object, or environment. Also, keep in mind that, for our purposes, a diversity group is a group of individuals who are
underrepresented in society in some way—children, older adults, the economically disadvantaged, those with cognitive disabilities,
etc.)
A design that was impacted by diversity group was health care. In 2010, President Obama passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that was
nicknamed Obamacare. Obamacare made health insurance affordable by subsidizing the cost to over 40 million of Americans in the lower and
working class that are would not be able to get a quality healthcare without the act. The act expands the availability of private and public health to
a larger scale of people. Healthcare in the United States is very expensive and many people prior to Obamacare could not pay the price the health
insurance companies were asking for and that left millions of citizens left without the support of insurance to help pay for doctor visits and/or
medication. Overall Obamacare raised the standard of basic health care coverage in the U.S. Now more and more people are able to have the
privilege of being insured increasing the quality of life.2
2 Secretary, HHS Office of the, and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). "About the ACA." HHS.gov. March 16, 2017. Ac cessed May 01,
2017. https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html.

7. 6
Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED Talk on Photographs
FROM: Chapter in Media/Society and TED Talk Photos that Changed the World
Where would you place the imagesshown in Photos That Changed the World into Croteau and Hoynes' diagram entitled “Model of
Media and the Social World”? Identify a mass media photograph taken in your own lifetime that has served as an icon of an event. (Feel
free to add an attachment.) What roles does this photo play in the communication of the event?
If I had to place the pictures in the TED talk in any one of the categories of Croteau and Hoynes piece, I would say they belong under the subtitle
of Relationships Between the Media and the Public. These photos sparked reactions among the public leaving behind marks in our history that will
not be forgotten. The picture below shows Barack Obama making history as the first African American of the United States in 2008. This is such a
historic moment for not just Americans but, for the whole world. Obama and his family are shown surround by waving U.S. flags held by the many
millions of supporters that voted for him in the election. His win
symbolized a fresh face to the presidential office and a sign that the
United States is moving forward. This country's history of slavery and
post-civil rights movement has made this election so
significant because we went from a time when the black man could
not even vote to become the most powerful man in the world. 3
Photo: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/obama-election-
2008/?lp=true
3 Nagourney, Adam. "Obama Wins Election." The New York Times. November 04, 2008.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/us/politics/05campaign.html. Accessed May 03, 2017

8. 7
Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
FROM: “Fashioning Protest for the Women’s March on Washington” and “The Worst Design of 2016 Was Also the Most Effective”
Typically, we do not think of hats as elements of mass media or social media. However, the two hats (red and pink) discussed in the
articles certainly have taken on that role. Why the two hats (red and pink) mentioned in the articles vehicles of communication design?
What meanings do each of the two hats carry? In terms of communication design, how are they similar? And how are they different
from one another?
These two hats are both vehicles of communication design because they are both trying to send a message to the large public about their
platforms. In both ways they stand for unity. With Trump and his red "Make American Great Again” hate he was able to create a design that was
simple and all American to his supporters. For moment people looked past his comments and found a common place to relate to him forgetting
that he is a billionaire. For what was considered the worst design it was
what helped push his campaign and ultimately gave him the
presidency. Supporters saw the hat as a symbol of a new beginning "
Making America Great Again" to say that he can promise to take America
to greatness once again. However, I wonder at what point was America
great and how was he going to take us back to that time of greatness?
The Women’s March pink pussy hats were a symbol of feminism that was
meant to reach women of all backgrounds. It was meant to symbolize
their strength and was made as a response to Trump comment about
grabbing women in their gentile. Both of their hats were created to make
a statement to the media while one was sending a positive message
about women and the other about building a wall.4
4Budds, Diana. "The Worst Design Of 2016 Was Also The Most Effective." Co. Design. January 03, 2017.
https://www.fastcodesign.com/3066599/the-worst-design-of-2016-was-also-the-most-effective. . Accessed May 03, 2017.
Rogers, Katie. "Fashioning Protest for the Women's March on Washington." The New York Times. January 18, 2017.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/fashion/womens-march-washington-fashion-protest.html?_r=0. Accessed May 01, 2017

9. 8
Response to “Industrial Design” by John Heskett and "The Incredible Inventions of Intuitive AI" by Maurice Conti
In his chapter on industrial design (written in 1987), historian John Heskett claims that the methods of mass production introduced by
Henry Ford in the U.S. involved new concepts of the standardization and integration of the production line that were adopted across the
world. With Ford’s method, work could be completed by relatively unskilled workers; it was more efficient and with this method,
products were made more quickly and cheaply than previously possible. What were some of the social consequences of Ford’s
production line? In other words, how did this system change our U.S. society? Do any of those changes remain with us today? Now
consider Maurice Conti’s TED Talk, and the predictions he makes about production. How do you think manufacturing processes will
change in the next twenty years? How do you think these changes will affect our U.S. society?
The introduction of Ford's production line
changed the U.S in many ways. First this
innovation reduced the time it took to
assemble an automobile from 12 hours to an
average of 2 and a half hours. The assembly
line also made the mass production of a
spectrum of products faster and more
effectively. It increased businesses and
market sizes allowing for more jobs and
intense competition. It also led to the loss of
craftsmanship and de-skilling of the workforce.
With manufactured goods
readily available virtually everyone's lifestyle
and living standard was altered in one way or
another. However, in modern day society
companies are looking for more and more
skilled workers moving away from factors jobs that could be done with machines to looking for engineers/experts that can control the machines to

10. 9
tell them what to do. More and more factories are moving out of the country to places that have cheap labor to increase the production of the
product and greater profit. According to Maurice Conti's TED talk we are moving towards a new age, the augmented age. In the next 20 years
humans and technology will be working as one. They would be interconnected, designing products that people actually want and need not what
they think they would want. It's definitely going to change the way our society is. It going to make the need for education in specialized field far
more important, especially if one is trying to find a good job. Many jobs that could be done with machines are going to be leaving a lot of people
jobless, but creating a whole new different job market fixated on technological advancement. 5
Photo: https://sites.google.com/a/imagineprep.com/theindustrialrevolution/inventors/henry-ford
5 O'Grady, Sean. "Model T Ford: The car that changed our world." The Independent. October 22, 2011. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-
style/motoring/features/model-t-ford-the-car-that-changed-our-world-790395.html. Accessed May 03, 2017.

11. 10
Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle concept developed by architect William McDonough
and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart? How does this product resist or disregard the concept? Provide an example any products that
embraces Cradle-to-Cradle design? Please describe and cite your source.
The product that seems to defy the Cradle to Cradle design concept is the
VARD Offshore Subsea Construction Vessel. The product’s main goals
were to be " more economical and efficient to result in wider operational
window and elevate the on board quality-of -life to attract future captains
and crew on their new home away from home". It's not wrong to make the
quality of life for the people who will be working on the ship but it doesn't
speak of how the creation of this product will be better for the
environment. It’s not giving anything back to the planet. It’s just built for
comfort and luxury. A product that embraces the Cradle to Cradle design
is the BoneAid. The design is like no other made before, it is the one
board that can be used to treat arm, leg and ankle fractures with one
board. Due to its reusable nature, it has a longer usage span than other
designs. The BoneAid is made with polypropylene which is cheaper than
other products that are used for fracture fixation. It can also be massed
produced in the instances of disasters and earthquakes. Due to its flat size and weight it can be shipped in large numbers to anywhere in the world
including developing countries more efficiently. 6
Photo: http://www.red-dot.sg/en/boneaid/
6 Red Dot Design Award for Design Concepts." Red Dot Design Award. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.red-dot.sg/en/boneaid/.

12. 11
Response to All Module 4 Materials
Your readings and viewings this week present different ways of thinking about architecture. Mies Van der Rohe describes architecture
as “The will of the epoch translated into space.” Andrew Ballantyne describes architecture as the background for life. Jeanne Gang
describes it as the act of building relationships. All agree that architecture can change based on context and culture. Choose two works
of architecture from any of your materials this week—one with sensibilities about the past and one with sensibilities about the present
and/or future. How do each of these buildings either reflect or challenge their cultural contexts?
The building that has the sensibilities of the past would have to be the Virginia State Capital
that was built in 1788. The designer Thomas Jefferson himself did not particularly like the
Georgian architecture seen all around him. It was a style imported from Great Britain and it
clashed with his sense of style and politics. The building was his way of showing his
architectural independence. Thomas Jefferson spent many years in France as America 's
minister a found inspiration in Greek and Roman works. He designed this Virginia building just
like the Maison Carree Temple which is located in the South of France However, when he first
laid eyes on the building that he designs he was not happy with the building, it was too large
and it was missing his grand front steps. His design inspired American architects to use the
temple form as a face for new nation.
The South Dale Center built in 1956 is another building with sensibilities of the future. The was
the first modern mall of its time. Victor Gruen design was inspired by the street life of Vienna, Austria where he grew up. He didn't like the
numerous numbers of strips he saw all over the suburbs after post WWII. The mall wasn't just a place to buy things but, more of a community
center. Shoppers spent more time and more money. It reflected the culture of time because during post WWII times consumers were spending
more money and saving less. With all the stores people wanted in one building people found it more convenient to shop.
7
7
PBS. Accessed May 01, 2017. http://www.pbs.org/program/ten-that-changed-america/10-buildings-changed-america/.

13. 12
Response to Ballantyne and Zumthor Articles
Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor present ideas about architecture that seem to value the sensorial and material elementsof
life. How are Ballantyne’s and Zumthor’s viewpoints on architecture alike? More importantly, how do they differ?
Ballantyne and Zumthor viewpoints on architecture are somewhat similar as the both view architecture as an art. Buildings become the focus of
our attention. It is something that can appeal to our emotions and sense of touch. However, Ballentyne believed that there is a habit that comes
with one dwelling. We must see a building through the habits of everyday life. When someone stays in their home for a long time they begin to
have a certain behavior in that home and once they move they find it difficult to adapt to their new surroundings. There is a bond between a man
and his home. Also, he believed that home that one lives in establishes his status in society and cannot be separated from it. Zumthor on the other
hand believes that when it comes to architecture its focus is on the dialogue of the issues of the time. Buildings are placed where they are for
certain reasons. Each building reflects the inventors' feelings and reasoning behind their work. Both of these men have a pas sion for what they do
as designers no matter how they view it individually they both find it to be work of art. 8
8
Ballantyne, Andrew. "Architecture, Life, and Habit." The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism 69, no. 1 (2011): 43-49. doi:10.1111/j.1540-
6245.2010.01445. x.
Zumthor, Peter. Thinking architecture. Basel: Birkh©Þuser, 2015.

14. 13
Response to Levy Article
Here is your discussion question on the Levy article. Please post your
own response, and respond to at least two other students' responses.
John Levy’s article, “An Overview: The Need for Planning,” discussed
ways in which planning can determine the characteristics of a place.
For example, some smaller towns restrict the heights of buildings to
maintain a certain scale. How did planning define the character of the
place in which you grew up?
Even though I have been living in the New York City for a few years, I grew
up in the town of Manchester, Connecticut. The town was a mixed of houses,
condos and small apartment complexes. Even as a small town we had a very
large population. The town had 1 middle school, 1 public high school and 1
vocational high school. So over the years the same people you went to elementary school with would end up going to middle school and high
school unless you moved. Almost all the kids in my neighborhood were friends and once the school bus dropped us off we would hand out outside
before we went home. It was a close knit community where I lived. Summertime came and everyone would always be outside, blasting music,
lawn chairs out just having a good time. Nothing was really walking distance. Unlike in the city, there was no corner store. Everything had to be
driven to such as the supermarket, Walmart, Target and the Buckland Hills Mall. There also public transportation but, it wasn't very popular. Most
people had cars. Teenager usually got their license at 15/16 and had their own cars too. Knowing how to drive at a young age gave lots of
freedom to the teens and their friends, It wasn't often that people moved away so you see and interact with the same people all the time building
strong bonds with one another. You feel right at home and your neighbors became family.
Photo: https://newsandviewsjb.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/0171.jpghttps://newsandviewsjb.com/2012/04/13/mini-mecca-of-popular-chain-
restaurants-expands-on-buckland-street-in-manchester-ct/

15. 14
Response to Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen, and Larson
Imagine that you are part of a urban planning and design firm working with Emily Talen (author of “Design That Enables Diversity”) and
Kent Larson (who gave the TED Talk "Brilliant Designs to Fit More People In Every City" The thee of you have been tasked with
developing a plan to rebuild Pruitt Igoe in St. Louis. City officials told the three of you that that they want to do it right this time. Identify
three strategies for rebuilding Pruitt Igoe in ways that promise to be more successful. What would Talen do? What would Larson do?
What would you do? How would your strategies differ from those of
the original urban planners/designers of the project? Why would
your strategies be more effective?
Three strategies for building Pruitt Igoe in ways that promise to be more
successful is to promote a more diverse community, structurally
appealing to the eye and more future forward. These things will able to
help keep the Pruitt Igoe Project there for longer than it did.
Talen would work hard with planners to build a community in Pruitt
Igoe that will build economic help, the creation of this now project will be
used to increase the growth of the local economy. Having physical
elements such as parks or creation of town centers that bring people out
and together. Also promote diversity by having mixed housing. So instead of just these tall high rises we had some low rises, condos so that
people of all social classes would get what appeals to them.
Larson would get rid of the sprawl model that cities were so used to. He will build into the Pruitt Igoe bike lanes that will be used for the shared use
vehicles or bikes that would help people without cars get around. He will use technology to give people the choice to build what they need and
want in an open space of the apartments. The space could be converted into basically anything. He would use newer technology that would make
the project more modern and exciting while making the space more useful.

16. 15
I honestly think that the original design of the Pruitt Igoe Project was not appealing to look at and it was only targeted toward a certain group of
people. Once people started moving to the suburbs, there should have more done to keep the majority of the people around by creating benefits
that would be more appealing to the large population of those who already lived in the apartments. I would make sure that the building would
appealed to a larger demographic. That was the first mistake that the designers made was not making the apartment accessible to everyone. I
would had businesses, schools and stores nearby so people can easily find jobs and be close to home. It will just a good way to get involved in the
community. There wasn't so much a sense of community in the old projects, neighbors got along well but, what about the rest of the public? 9
Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruitt-Igoe
9 Larson, Kent. Kent Larson: Brilliant designs to fit more people in every city | TED Talk | TED.com. Accessed May 03, 2017.
http://www.ted.com/talks/kent_larson_brilliant_designs_to_fit_more_people_in_every_city? .
Talen, Emily. "Design That Enables Diversity: The Complications of a Planning Ideal." Journal of Planning Literature 20, no. 3 (2006): 233-49.
Accessed May 2017.

17. 16
Response to F.L. Olmsted
Displaying his plan at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Frederick
Law Olmsted stated that "Buffalo is the best planned city, as to its streets,
public places, and grounds, in the United States, if not in the world." What was
the basis for this claim? Would Olmsted still make that claim today? Why or why
not?
Frederick Law Olmsted stated that "Buffalo is the best planned city...." and the basis
for his claim is that he designed a city within a park by creating the nation's urban park
system. He created each park for their different activities, made sure that they would
always be connected and that you can move without feeling like you left any park. As
Buffalo being the 10th largest city at the time with booming economy and industrial
factories, Olmsted wanted to bring back some of the natural scenery that he was used
to when he visited his Uncle in western NY. He designed Buffalo in a way that no one
has else has ever thought to do because of the radical idea behind it. I think that
Olmsted would still make this claim today. The parks still represent the cornerstone of
Buffalo and this city is still his city. People still say how beautiful our side of the Falls
look from Canada and that is because of the park that he designed. The park system
has evolved and improved to fit the needs of the residents today as it should do
because the park is there for the community's benefit. This city was a place where
nature interfered with urban environment and just like Central Park, it works! 10
Photo: https://www.aoc.gov/capitol-grounds/frederick-law-olmsted
10 PBS. May 04, 2015. Accessed May 02, 2017. http://www.pbs.org/video/2365468061/.

18. 17
Response to Walter Hood's Work
Identify something that should be memorialized either on UB's campus or in your hometown. Imagine that you are the person who will
oversee this project, and that you are using Walter Hood's 'triad of investigations' as your approach to the project. What would your
landscape intervention commemorate/memorialize? How will you use Hood's 'triad of investigations' to design a new landscape
intervention? What do you imagine that the design will be? (Either written or visual descriptions are acceptable ).
I had a hard time with this one. I honestly couldn't think of
anything that I would want to be memorialized on campus of
at home. The only thing that I could think of to memorialize is
the open sitting area behind Greiner Hall on North Campus.
Greiner Hall was built according to the principals of universal
design to create an environment that supports a diverse
community. The building houses a large number of second
year students who all come from various backgrounds. The
space is used mostly when the weather is warmer, students
play football or have barbecues. Sometimes the staff even
brings bouncy castles. It's a place where people gather to
hang out or study while enjoying the weather. Using Hood's
triad of investigations, I wouldn't change much of the
landscape of the space. I would plant flowers here and there
to add a little more beauty. I think I would an automatic screen that filters out famous quotes of writers, philosophers, actors, architects, political
leaders, activates, people we may or may not know. Just words of encouragement to the students to push them to do their best at all times. These
words of wisdom could a reminder of the reason why we are all here at UB and that is to get a fulfilling education.
Photo: https://ubphoto.smugmug.com/keyword/greiner%20hall/

19. 18
Response to the Brookes
The abolitionist poster, the Brookes, is an iconic image that often is
included in exhibits that explore issues of race and power. It was
commissioned by Thomas Clarkson in 1788, and the Committee of the
Abolition of Slavery used it to inform and shock the public. While
some consider the poster as an important component of the
abolitionist campaign, it recently “has been strongly criticized by
some individuals and groups of African heritage as providing a very
limited view of the history of the transatlantic slave trade, resistance
and abolition (Hudson 2007).” The lesson here is that how a viewer
sees an image is dependent upon his/her social, economic, and
cultural position. Keeping this in mind, find another iconic graphic that
addresses racial issues and post it for others in your group to
view. How do you interpret the graphic? What is its meaning? Now
imagine that someone from a racial and cultural background different
than your own is looking at the same graphic. Briefly describe this
person. How might s/he interpret its meaning? How might this differ
from your interpretation? What are the possible reasons for these
differences? (Consider the three assessment principles mentioned in
the article to help you: a technology of vision, an instrument of
empathy, and a symbol of control
The image below shows the percentage of prisoners that have been
sentenced for drug offenses by race. To me as a Black women things don't
make sense or even add up. The statistics show that out of these two races,
Whites have a higher usage rate for all the drugs listed below but yet they have a lower percent of people being arrested for drug offenses. African
Americans are the highest percentage of any other racial group to be incarcerated. White people have an advantage when it comes of crimes

20. 19
related to drugs. They are less likely to get searched by the police and so are more likely to get away with the crime. Most of these people are
arrested behind what is called street crimes in which they would most likely be sentenced 2-3 times longer than their white counterparts for the
same crime. If a young White man was looking at this graph I think he would probably say that just because whites use the drug more doesn't
mean that Blacks are not in greater possession of the drug. He would also say that even though there is a large percentage there is still more
white people behind bars. The possible differences are that Blacks tend to deal with drugs on the streets and crime populated neighbors that
draws attention by the police while majority of White people keep a low profile often in their suburban homes. 11
Photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4433299608658138/
11 Knafo, Saki. "When It Comes To Illegal Drug Use, White America Does The Crime, Black America Gets The Time." The Huffington P ost.
September 17, 2013. Accessed May 02, 2017. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/17/racial-disparity-drug-use_n_3941346.html.

21. 20
Response to Charles Davis and equityXdesign's Work
Critique either the MLK Memorial or the National Museum of African American History and Culture using equityXdesign’s core beliefs
and/or design principles. (Use the beliefs or principles that are most relevant to your critique rather than all of them.)
I think that the MLK Memorial speaks to the present and the future. The design is there to remind us of the fight for equal rights that King fought for
during the Civil Rights Movement. King alongside other activists demanded for the legal recognition of the minority. The ROMA group created a
series of aediculae atop of the crescent berm and on the berm they wrote they names of the volunteers that contributed to his cause and others
such as Rosa Parks but most importantly they left space for names of future contributors. This signifies that the movement is not over but going
through a process that is going to evolve because King's Dream has not been realized yet. 12
12 EquityXdesign. "Racism and inequity are products of design. They can be redesigned." Medium. November 15, 2016. Accessed May 03, 2017.
https://medium.com/@multiplyequity/racism-and-inequity-are-products-of-design-they-can-be-redesigned-12188363cc6a#.k5y0sc57e.
Tauke, Beth, Korydon H. Smith, and Charles L. Davis. Diversity and design: understanding hidden consequences. New York: Routledge, 2016.

22. 21
Response to "Landscape Stories" Chapter
First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors and/or outdoors) that you think of as representative of
your own ethnic background and discuss why you consider this place to be ‘ethnic’. –OR-- Describe an object in your home that you
think of as representative of your ethnic background and discuss why this object is considered to be ‘ethnic’. (If possible, add photo/s.)
Is this object or place something that you will keep or continue when you establish your own home? Why or why not?
Now let’s move into your community. In “Landscape Stories,” the authors show how landscape architects develop a historical narrative
that sifts through and interprets the culture and material of underrepresented groups. Think about the community where you grew up.
Describe and discuss any evidence of cultural influences on the physical environment in your community. If possible, describe
evidence of the cultural influence of an underrepresented group. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this cultural influence being
acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or why not?
In my home, I there isn't a place in the house that I
would say represents my ethnic background but
something that I would consider to be ethnic is some of
our clothing. We have this cloth called Kente which is
made in Ghana. It is hand made using silk and cotton
fabric that is interwoven into various patterns. It is a
sacred cloth that is often worn on important
occasions such as traditional weddings. It can be sown
into dresses and tops and bottoms.
Photo: https://afrolegends.com/2013/08/15/kente-cloth-
an-ashanti-tradition-dating-centuries-back/

23. 22
In the community that I grew up there wasn't any culture influence on the physical environment. There wasn't representation of any of the diverse
groups that lived there. However the only thing that I can say was that I would consider to be ethnic was that Manchester high school athletic team
was called the Indians. The school has always had that name for the mascots since the school opened in the 50s and it is meant to be a sign of
respect to those who have walked on the land prior to the building of the town. Even though the school and the town is somewhat more diverse
than other towns nearby there isn't anything that stands out ethnic wise.
Photo: http://manchesterathletics.org/teams/?u=MANCHESTERHIGH&s=htosports

24. 23
Response to Article on Sports Branding
Recent controversies about sports branding focus on ethnicity. The Washington Redskins team is just one example of the larger
controversy, but it receives the most public attention due to the name itself being defined as derogatory or insulting in modern
dictionaries, and the prominence of the team representing the nation’s capital. Should sports team branding designers use ethnic
references (Fighting Irish, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Braves, etc.)? Why? Why not? What are some of the complexities of this issue?
I think sports team branding designers should have every right
to use ethnic references if they are used them in a respectful
and inoffensive manner. By showing respect to heritage would
be one way of using it. The Redskins for an example isn't not an
appropriate use of the ethnic reference because the term
redskins is already a racial slur towards Native Americans and
many find it to be very offensive. Not only that but, the logo
is liberality a Native American man with red skin. However, the
Chicago Blackhawks name honors a real person, Black Hawk
so in that sense it is ok. I think all that matters is that the ethnic
reference represents the group in the right way. 13
Photo: https://chicago.thelocaltourist.com/news/cara-
carriveau/tickets-chicago-blackhawks-2014-preseason-home-
games-go-sale-monday-morning-10am
13 Sports, Erik Brady. "The real history of Native American team names." USA Today. August 25, 2016. Accessed May 03, 2017.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2016/08/24/real-history-native-american-team-names/89259596/.

25. 24
Response to "Visualizing Gender" Chapter
In their chapter “Communicating Gender,” Maya Ganesh and Gabi Sobliye discuss two primary visual advocacy approaches: 1) get the
idea, and 2) stories in data. Find a new example of either of the two visual advocacy approaches to gender issues, and post it in this
thread. Cite the source.
First, identify the approach. Then explain how the designer uses the approach to communicate a gender issue. Is the approach effective
in this example? Why or why not? How could this graphic be improved?
The visual below uses the "get the idea" approach to
communicate that there is a serious wage gap between men and
women. As we can see for every dollar that a man makes a
woman only makes 76 cents. The man is making almost a whole
quarter more than a woman. Even if that doesn't seem like much,
that eventually adds and mean the difference for someone being
in the lower class as opposed to making enough to be considered
middle class. I think that the approach is very effective because it
actually shows you how much difference of how the work of a
women is valued opposed to a man who may be doing the exact
same job. Even though the wage gap is higher than it has ever
been in the past, it is still a pretty big gap. Let me not forget that
the gap is even larger for women of color. There should be no reason why a man should be getting paid more for the same jobs that requires the
same qualifications. How the graphic could be approved is by getting rid of the pink and blue that is tied with each gender. Already the picture is
saying that the color blue is for men and pink is for women and I don't see how and why color should have any correlation to gender. 14
Photo: https://www.google.com/amp/www.nbcnews.com/better/careers/amp/recent-female-college-grads-near-pay-parity-not-over-long-n427731
14 Pearson, Catherine. "No, The Gender Pay Gap Isn't A Myth -- And Here's Why." The Huffington Post. December 13, 2016. Accessed May 03,
2017. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/no-the-gender-pay-gap-isnt-a-myth-and-heres-why_us_5703cb8de4b0a06d5806e03f.

26. 25
Response to Bathroom Bill
Last year, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that repealed local LGBT anti-discrimination laws, and required
people to use the bathroom that corresponded with the biological gender written on their birth certificates. This prompted massive
backlash. McCrory stated, “You know, we all have to make adjustments in life. And we’ve had the proper etiquette situation for decades
in our country, and all of a sudden through political correctness we’re throwing away basic etiquette.” Just this past Thursday, the
North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill to repeal the law while placing a moratorium on nondiscrimination measures.
Should people be required to use the bathroom that
corresponds with the biological gender written on their
birth certificate? State why AND state why not. In other
words, to receive full credit for this question, you need to
present an argument for both sides of the issue. As a
designer, how would you solve this gender dilemma?
People should be required to use the bathroom that
corresponds with the biological gender written on their birth
certificate because letting transgender individuals use
whatever bathroom they want violates the privacy of others. By
letting access based on gender identity defiles common sense
and puts women at risk of assault in their safe space. By
passing this bill individuals feel safe and comfortable with sharing that space with others of the same gender.
People should not be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with the biological gender written on their birth certificate because the gender
of their biological written may not be the gender that one presently identifies with, There hasn't been any public safety problems with the existing

27. 26
laws allowing transgender people to use the bathroom they consider themselves to be. By passing this law, they are violating federal
nondiscrimination rules and is unconstitutional. The law offers no more protection to women and children in bathroom than it did before and it will
only heighten the amount of harassment and violence that trans gender already face. Not only this but in order for one to use the bathroom you
have to disclose information about your sex and your medical history as proof which goes against your rights to privacy.
As a designer I would want create bathrooms for all genders that makes bathroom use inclusive. By creating all gender bathrooms, one wouldn't
have to disclose their gender just to relieve themselves. That’s the real meaning of privacy which all citizens have the right to under the 4th
amendment of the Bill Of Rights written in the US Constitution. Not everyone goes into the bathroom with the intent to harass someone so there
should be no reason why a transgender women cannot use the women's bathroom. 15
Photo: http://www.peacock-panache.com/2016/05/becker-bathroom-bill-legislation-22874.html
15 Park, Madison, and Eliott C. McLaughlin. "North Carolina repeals 'bathroom bill'" CNN. March 30, 2017. Accessed May 02, 2017.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/30/politics/north-carolina-hb2-agreement/.

28. 27
Response to Hidden Ways
Author Steven Flusty categorized five types of disciplinary architecture that perpetuate
what he calls urban spatial injustice: 1) stealthy, 2) slippery, 3) crusty, 4) prickly, and 5)
jittery. Go out into the city of Buffalo, and find/photograph two examplesfrom the list of
five. Identify what type of space
you’ve photographed and why it
might discriminate against a
specific population. Identify the
location where you took the
photograph, and make certain
that you are in at least one of
the two photographs.
This photograph is of a bench that
I found and I thought that if it might
fit into the prickly category. The
reason why I believe it to be in this category is because even though these seats might be
comfortable to sit in for a while there is no way if laying down because of the arm rests that are placed in between. In the summer time the seat
can get hot and uncomfortable and in the winter it can be very cold. There is no way of laying on this bench so it is a way of making sure that
homeless people in the area cannot be able to rest there. I would that it also discriminates against people of a larger size because the spacing of
the seats is very small, made for the average person. Due certain travel circumstances I couldn't be able to go into the city and so I took a trip to
South Campus and that is where I found this space near the train station. Even though the campus is an open one this is one way to make sure
that someone who might not belong there doesn't stick around for too long. 16
Photos: Ama Fuwaa
16 Jaffe, Eric. "The Hidden Ways Urban Design Segregates The Poor." Co. Design. April 28, 2017. Accessed May 02, 2017.
https://www.fastcodesign.com/3034206/slicker-city/the-hidden-ways-urban-design-segregates-the-poor.

29. 28
Response to People Like Us: Tammy’s Story
After almost two decades of public assistance, Tammy Crabtree took herself and her family off the welfare rolls. But her job cleaning
bathrooms at a local Burger King barely paid the bills. Crabtree wanted to do better and hopes to go to college and become a teacher.
Imagine this scenario. You are a designer who works at the well-known firm, iPD (Integrated Planning and Design). You work on a team
with planners, urban designers, policy designers, architects, and social designers. You have been tasked to develop/design a way for
Tammy Crabtree and her family (and others with situations similar to Tammy’s) to move themselves out of poverty. What will your team
to do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What approach will your team take to address this difficult problem?
If I was a designer, I would use the resources such as the open land to help build the community up. There is so much open land so we can build
affordable apartments that will bring more people to the community. I would definitely build a community center where the kids would be able to
have tutors that would help them with their homework so that once they are doing well in school it would give them more courage about possibly
going to college one day. Also I would build building apartments that would attract
more people to the area and bring in more money to the community and helping to
create more jobs. Tammy wouldn’t have to walk miles to go to work and would be
able to spend more time with her boys. My approach is that by building the
community center, I’m looking to invest in the next generation’s education because
they are the ones that will help get their parents get out of poverty into the middle
class. 17
Photo: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-motivated-brain/201509/5-reasons-why-poverty-reduces-self-control
17 Sherman, Arloc, Danilo Trisi, and Sharon Parrott. "Various Supports for Low-Income Families Reduce Poverty and Have Long-Term Positive
Effects On Families and Children." Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. June 10, 2015. Accessed May 03, 2017.
http://www.cbpp.org/research/various-supports-for-low-income-families-reduce-poverty-and-have-long-term-positive-effects.

30. 29
Response to Carroll Article: “(Re)forming Regent Park: When Policy Does Not Equal Practice”
The development of Regent Park is phased, and there are several more phases to the project. What actions could be taken to en sure
more social integration for the older people living in the ‘new and improved’ Regent Park?
Actions that could have been taken to ensure more social integration for the older people in the area was having the grocery store, bank and other
retail stores near the senior only building. Even the nearest Tim Horton's is a located in market rate buildings only, far reach of the senior building.
We already know that most seniors have a mobility problem and having these facilities a whole two blocks away from their hous ing makes it hard
for them access these resources. Another issue that needs be thought through is having the laundry rooms on every floor instead of just on the
second floor. It would even be better if they could have their own machines in their apartments so they wouldn't have to move so much. Even
transportation is a problem as well. If one
does not have a car, one has to walk to the
nearest bus station at a minimum of one
city block. All these little issues can be
solved if designers think carefully about
how their design ultimately affects the older
population. 18
Photo:http://www.socialsolutions.com/academy/affordable-senior-housing-scarce-as-boomers-age-report/
18 Tauke, Beth, Korydon H. Smith, and Charles L. Davis. Diversity and design: understanding hidden consequences. New York: Routledge, 2016.

31. 30
Response to Enriquez TED Talk: “What Will Humans Look Like in 100 Years?”
For this question, we will focus on Juan Enriquez’ Life Two civilization, which alters fundamental aspects of the body. We are living
longer than ever before in human history. Enriquez argues that, because of advances in bio-medical technology, the possibility of living
to 120 years of age and beyond is quite possible for many of us in this D+D class. Assuming that his assertion is accurate, how do you
think extended life spans will change our societies and built environments? What new issues might designers face because of e xtended
life spans?
If humans are able to live to 120 years then there are going to be issues that arise. I first problem that the earth will not be able to contain the
future population, if people are being born every day and living longer then the population will only continue to grow and grow. Eventually finding
space to contain everyone will become a problem. Designers have to find a way to create housing that will contain the growing population. Without
a doubt building into the Amazon Rainforest or other land reserves might become a reality. Also resources such nonrenewable gas becomes more
and more scarce for the growing generations. Even though there will be growing advances in technology and by that time most people might me
driving electrical cars, gas is something that we need and as the amount of it continues to disappear overtime it will almost become a luxury that
only few of the population can afford. The advantages of people living longer is the wisdom that older people possess gets passed to the young.
Grandparents will also be around longer to help raise the younger ones as their parents are pursuing their careers and so forth. Not only that but
the young ones can teach their grandparents about the newest technology so they don't feel disengaged from the younger generations. 19
19 Easterbrook, Gregg. "What Happens When We All Live to 100?" The Atlantic. August 20, 2015. Accessed May 03, 2017.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/10/what-happens-when-we-all-live-to-100/379338/.

32. 31
Response to PPT, Smithsonian, and Roy
The two most frequently mentioned models of disability are the ‘social’ and the ‘medical’ models. The medical model of disabi lity views
disability as a medical ‘problem’ that belongs to the disabled individual. The social model of disability, in contrast, draws on the idea
that it is society that disables people, through designing everything to meet the needs of the majority of people who are not disabled.
There is a recognition within the social model that there is a great deal that society can do to reduce, and ultimately remove, some of
these disabling barriers, and that this task is the responsibility of society, rather than the disabled person.
In the Smithsonian online exhibition, the story about the superhero hand, and Elise Roy’s TED Talk, you saw examplesof ways to
engage disability that use the social model rather than the medical model. In the Disability and Design PowerPoint, you were introduced
to the concept of Universal Design (UD) (sometimes called inclusive design, design-for-all, or human-centered design). Certainly, UD
embraces the social model of disability. In this same PowerPoint, you saw positive and negative examplesof each of the seven
principles of universal design.
For the Module 12 Thread 1, please select one of the seven universal design principles, and post photographs that show both a positive
and a negative example of the principle. Then address the following question: How do your examplesem power or disempower various
people? Describe the specific features of the positive example and the specific features of the negative example. Discuss ways that the
positive example could be even further improved.
I picked design principal # 6 Low Physical Effort. Below are pictures of two door handles. The first one door knob and the second one a door
handle. The first picture which being a knob is often hard to get a grasp of and takes effort to turn in order to open the door. If someone probably
has a hand/ arm injury, it makes it harder for the individual to hold the knob in order to open it and get through the door. However, the second
handle can be used by anyone. Because of the handle, an individual can use any part of their body to press down on it to enable entrance into
wherever they are trying to enter. It very good for the someone who may have arthritis and finds it hard to move their joints. I think that the
extension of the handle is a great idea but the only thing about these handles is that once the door is open then they tend to snap back into place
very quick so if there was a way that it would slowly return to its position, it will also make it a lot safer too.

33. 32
Photos: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-Hartford-Satin-Nickel-Privacy-Knob-TGX210/202053154
http://blog.akatlanta.com/2013/06/top-17-universal-design-features.html

34. 33
Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
Currently, we have the technology for you to choose many of the survey
characteristics in your future child, and this ability to choose poses some
ethical questions. Of course, we all want the best for our own child. However, as
we move into a more collective situation, we need to consider how the
consequences of majority choices for children might change who we are asa
species.
In the film trailer FIXED, you were introduced to the dilemma of living in a culture
in which the “science-fiction of human enhancement” has become almost a way
of life, from prenatal genetic screening to bionic body parts. In the video, “A Man
with Three Ears” you are introduced to an artist who is using current technology
to move humans beyond their current abilities. Last week, Juan Enriquez asked
us if it is ethical to evolve the human body. All of these videos suggest that the
concept of disability ‘as we know it’ could cease to exist in the future.
This leads us to this week’sdiscussion question:
What lessons do you think we should learn from history when thinking about
emerging enhancement technologies and reproductive technologies? What are
some of the possible consequences (both positive and negative) of being able to design our bodies and the bodies of our children?
What ethical quandaries do these technologies pose?
When thinking about emerging enhancement technologies and reproductive technologies, we should know that as history has shown us time and
time again that these newer design always exclude a population of people. It is great that designers are making advanc ements in Bionics which
connects the bridge between disability and ability in some way. However, in FIXED activist Patty Berne states, " I really don't understand the

35. 34
desire for enhancement technologies, we don't have basic healthcare not only in this country but globally......talk about misplaced priorities". These
technologies are giving life to people yes, but what about people that cannot afford them and what about people that just need come proper
healthcare. There so much money that is going into researching these enhancements that could be used for other things to help other disabled
individuals.
When we think about designing our bodies and our babies we all want our babies to be healthy and have great skin and nice hair and average
height. There a reason why humans weren't given such power. However, if given that power, we are creating a world which lacks diversity and a
world where people are all the same doesn't give room for new discoveries, to see someone who is different from you and looking at them and
seeing their individual beauty. The uniqueness that we individually possess will no longer be there. If we are all the same entirely then there’s no
room for evolution and innovation. The only bright side to it all is that these designed babies would grow to be the smartest, strongest and
healthiest of any generation before it. 20
Photo: https://www.iconfinder.com/icons/2055463/advance_clone_cloning_dna_human_man_technology_icon
20 MotherboardTV. YouTube. August 06, 2013. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNdV8Ilw9Nc .

36. 35
Response to Titicut Follies
The state of Massachusetts tried to ban the 1967 documentary Titicut Follies,
arguing that director Frederick Wiseman had violated the patients’ rights by not
getting written permission to film them. The case went to court, and Wiseman
argued that he had consent from their legal guardian, the institution. After a judge
ruled in favor of the state, the legal appeals carried on for several years: in 1969,
Massachusetts allowed the film to be shown to doctors, lawyers, and health care
professionals; in 1991, a superior court judge ruled it could be released for the
“general public,” as privacy concerns were no longer at issue, so many years later.
Should Wiseman have been allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility? Why or why not? Ho w
might this film be of value to designers (communication designers, product, designers, architects, interior designers, planners, landscape
designers, systems designers, and/or social designers)? In other words, what might they gain from this film that they could use in their
work?
In my opinion I do believe that Wiseman should have been allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility because
he did give full disclosure about what he wanted to film and that he planned on showing the film widely. Even though he didn't get anyone written
consent I believe that he did consent from the facility and none of the patients and their family members made a complaint about the movie. I don't
agree with the banning the movie wasn't made with ill intent but to show people what actually happens in a facility of this sort. I feel like this movie
really showed to people the inhuman conditions that these patients were put through and how that could be changed. How this movie might have
been a value to designers was that it gave them the opportunity to witness how the professionals treated the patients and which I believe was eye
opening for most .Moving forward they will get better trained attendants and more trained staff to take care of the patients. Even though they inmates
and may have committed some outrageous crimes, they have mental problems and they need help.
Photo: http://www.horrorhomeroom.com/titicut-follies-1967-review-when-horror-is-real/21
21 Bernstein, Paula. "Frederick Wiseman on His Banned Classic Titicut Follies." Filmmaker Magazine. Accessed May 15, 2017.
http://filmmakermagazine.com/98264-frederick-wiseman-screening-his-once-banned-classictiticut-follies/#.WQvP7dLyu00.

37. 36
Response to PPT, The Architecture of Autism, Public Space
Prelude: Wolf Wolfensberger's seminal work "The Origin and Nature of Our Institutional Models" posited that society characterizes
people with intellectual disabilities as sub-human and burdens of charity, He argued that this dehumanization, and the segregated
institutions that result from it, ignored the potential productive contributions that all people can make to society. He pushed for a shift
in policy and practice that recognized the human needs of those with intellectual challengesand provided the same basic huma n rights
as for the rest of the population.
The Scenario: Imagine that you and your four children live in Amherst, New York in a $650,000 home at the end of a cul-de-sac on the
edge of a ten acre woods. The town has purchased a one acre lot three houses away from yours, and plans to build a group home for
ten intellectually challenged adults.
As a resident of the neighborhood, would you support or oppose this proposal and why?
You've learned additional information about the residents of the proposed group
home in your neighborhood. In 2013, three of the ten intended residents exhibited
challenging behaviors including screaming, public masturbation, repetitive rocking,
and echolalia (elective incontinence). However, these behaviors have not occurred
since then.
How would this change your opinion about the construction of the group home in
your neighborhood?
The residents in your neighborhood voted (14-3) to reject the town of Amherst’s
proposal to build a group home in the neighborhood. Town officials agreed that the
home would not be built in your neighborhood if you and your neighbors could
develop a workable alternative.
What are some possible solutions that would allow the residents of the home to be
provided with “the same basic human rights as the rest of the population”?

38. 37
I would support this propose and that's because I believe that intellectually challenged people are part of our society as much as everyone else
and they shouldn't be hidden from the rest of the world. I live in a building for many years where many of the tenants are intellectually challenged
and I never dealt with any issues. They just have problems with learning and preforming daily tasks without assistance. Knowing this new
information wouldn't bother me because I believe that they all have professionals that watch and assist them and they will help to control their
behaviors. If these behaviors haven't occurred then that alone should also mean that it’s not a problem. Even if my neighborhood voted against I
will still be in favor for it because if the land is there and not being used why can it not be used for the group home to house these individuals that
need a home. I think that need to understand that just because they are intellectually challenged doesn't mean they shouldn't been respected and
have the same rights as others. Maybe if the people in the neighborhood were more educated on the conditions of the people they would be more
open to the proposal. I find it hard to turn people away on the basis of a condition that they have no control of. Everyone deserves to be given
equal respect and care in our society, regardless of their disabilities. 22
Photo: http://www.jjslist.com/blog/mental-illness-the-invisible-disability
22 Tortorello, Michael. "The Architecture of Autism." The New York Times. October 09, 2013. Accessed May 15, 2017.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/10/garden/the-architecture-of-autism.html?_r=0.

39. 38
Response to The Connection Between Religion and Urban Planning by
David Engwicht
In his article, David Engwicht discusses the fact that religions (of all
types) have played major roles in the development of our cities. Today,
places of worship are primary components of almost all urban centers.
Author Lorne Daniel writes “From their often active role in supporting
people who live in city centers to their iconic influence on design and use
of space, religious structures tell us a lot about our history, our current
needs, and where we might be headed in the future. This is an aspect of
our urban future that planners and urbanists should attend to.”
Identify a place of worship with which you are somewhat familiar. (If you
are not familiar with any places of worship, do a bit of research on one in your own city or town.) Show a photograph of this religious
structure. (You may use photographs from the web.) What roles has this place served in the development of your city/town? How has it
influenced the design of the area around it? How has its role changed over time? What roles could this place of worship play in the
future development of your city/town?
A place of worship that I believe is pivotal to my community is the Community Church of New York. There are many church in the New York City
however, I chose this one because it has been there for a very long time. Its history goes as far back as the 1800s. The church is run basically by
the members that come from the surrounding community. They are the ones that elect the ministers and even adopt the annual budget. There are
many committees and groups in the church that members are freely open to join. They encourage personal and religious growth in each of their
members. The community house is used for adult education programs, shelter for the homeless and countless activities. The church is located in
Manhattan which is the heart of the city and so people from all areas could attend and it has been there for a long time so the design hasn't
changed much. I think that it is going to continue to help those who are seeking God and a spiritual family to come and worship at free will. 23
Photo: http://www.nycago.org/Organs/NYC/html/CommunityChurch.html
23 "Community Church Of New York: Home." Community Church Of New York Home Web. Accessed May 15, 2017. http://www.ccny.org/.

40. 39
Response to Prospects for the Future of Diversity and Design
Consider the quote in your syllabus from educator Michael J. Shannon: “Design, as vision in action--the intersection of understanding
and creation--is a universal human capability that can play a fundamental role in social evolution, in the process that transforms
resources, energy, and information to make our world.”
At the beginning of this course, we discussed the idea that we are all designers regardless of our profession or field of study. We’ve
asked some big questions along the way, and the conclusion section of our textbook raises additional issues that require inpu t from
people who might not consider themselves to be part of the formalized design professions.
Think about your own major and/or future profession. What is the biggest challenge, problem, or question that your field need s to tackle
right now? What do you plan to do to address this challenge, problem, or question either as part of your studies or professional life?
As a political science major, pursuing a career in law, possibly family law, I think that my biggest challenge is how to really how to make sure that
the decisions that my clients are making is going to be what’s best for the entire family especially those who have kids. My profession is most likely
to deal with divorce, child custody and adoptions. As an outsider looking in, I need to be able to really listen to the needs of my clients without
damaging the family any further or help to restore a broken home if possible. I know this doesn't have much to do with design but I believe that
children that are brought up in a two parent household have different experience than those in a one parent household which in itself is social
design. The environment in which we grow and learn is what makes us who we are today