My Diversity and Design online discussion questions

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 - American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Anthony Marinelli

2. Introduction
My name is AJ Marinelli and I am an eighteen-year-old freshman at the University. My current
major is undecided Engineering. This Diversity and Design class has influenced by it made me
realize how much other people’s opinions can help myself reflect on my work. I learned a lot
about many different things that I have never even looked into before. I would strongly
recommend this course to a peer to take in the future.
The following pages document my responses to the online discussion questions in the spring
2017 version of ARC 211 American Diversity and Design at the University at Buffalo – State
University of New York.

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 out-dated information, which put them at a disadvantage.
One invention that has had a huge impact on the U.S. is automobiles. Cars gave a huge
advantage to people in the U.S. that could afford them. Cars made getting from point A to point
B much faster than walking, bikes, or anything else. No groups were negatively affected by the
invention of cars but people who could not afford a car have definitely wasted tons of time not
being able to get somewhere as quickly as someone who ones a car.
http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2016-mclaren-p14-supercar-25-cars-worth-waiting-
for-feature-gallery#1

4. Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED Talk on Photographs
Where would you place the images shown 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?
I would place these images in the print medium, A photo I can think of but was not taken in my
lifetime is of the 1980 USA men’s olympic hockey team after defeating the soviets in the gold
medal game. The picture of the celebration of USA winning this game gave hope to every team
for any sport that nothing is impossible if you put in the effort.
http://www.usahockey.com/miracle

5. Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
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 are 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?
Both the red and pink hats represent something larger than just a piece of head wear. They
represent groups of people that support the reasoning behind the hats. The red hat a campaign
method for current president Donald Trump read "Make America Great Again". The pink hat
which represented feminism and equal rights for women. These hats are different from each
other because the red hat represented people who supported Trump and the pink hat was worn by
people against Trump.
https://shop.donaldjtrump.com/products/official-donald-trump-make-america-great-again-cap-
red?variant=26118358278

6. 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?
This system changed our U.S. society by this method of mass production by it offered jobs to
many unskilled workers. This though caused people who were skilled in these areas to become
less of a value to the company or making of a certain product. But these methods of mass
production resulted in products to be made more quickly and efficiently than ever before. Yes,
these changes do still remain with us today as we still use mass production to make products.
I think the manufacturing process will change over the next twenty years in that robots will be
doing almost every bit of the work as technology increases. This will affect our society by that
many people will be out of jobs because why pay someone when we could have a robot do it for
free and probably much more accurate and precise than a human could.
http://www.keywordsuggests.com/D3NDhZRmrcNzhhed5|0mh5WAg0y9zbtDylL6Kjq0d2oHE0
bDtPhxTU60CDss|JVDvQO3Ihd4wmB8Gp8jvr19HQ/

7. 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 of any products that embrace
Cradle-to-Cradle design, please describe and cite.
One product that seems to defy the cradle-to-cradle concept is the Google OnHub because it does
not seem to be made out of any recycled materials and when people are done with it or it breaks,
it is a product that is just going to be thrown out and not re used. A product that embraces the
cradle-to-cradle design is the TetraPOT as the whole purpose of the design is to help the eco
system by defending against soil erosion and also made by decomposable materials.
https://on.google.com/hub/

8. 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? (Use the SEE-IT
method to respond to this question.)
The Virginia State Capital obviously has sensibilities about the past being built in 1788. The
design of this building started a type of architecture used for so many government buildings that
are still around today. Its use of perfect symmetry and straight lines just gives it that look of
more of an older building than what were used to seeing with some buildings now a days. Also
the columns used in the design right away makes people think how early of times it must have
been built in. A building that has sensibilities of the present and future is the Walt Disney Music
Hall being designed so complex there was no way it could be designed before computers were
part of our technology. All the Curves and the stainless steel look give it the impression that is a
newer building. It also offered a new model of how to create successful public buildings for the
future.
http://interactive.wttw.com/tenbuildings/virginia-state-capitol

9. Response to Ballantyne and Zumthor Articles
Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor present ideas about architecture that seem to value the
sensorial and material elements of life. How are Ballantyne’s and Zumthor’s viewpoints on
architecture alike? More importantly, how do they differ? (Use the SEE-IT method to respond to
this question.)
"Ballantyne's and Zumthor's viewpoints on architecture are different because Ballantyne says
"Aesthetic analysis is necessary contemplative in character" he believes the aesthetics play a
huge in roll in the design of the building and gives it its character. While Zumthor says
"Memories like these contain the deepest architectural experiences that I know" and he goes on
to talk about how when he designs a building he thinks of these memories and what it meant to
him and how it could help him now.
https://smartprimaryed.com/2015/10/03/dap-developmentally-appropriate-practice-part-2-the-
aesthetic-domain/

10. Response to Levy Article
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?
I grew up right here in Buffalo and still live in the Town of Tonawanda. This town by it is built
mainly of single family houses with very few apartment complexes in the area. it has a great a
social atmosphere with TONS of amazing food places and shopping centers. We have a brand
new bike path built that runs right through the center of the town that is extremely long and tons
of people use it. We also have many middle and high schools in our area which makes for great
rivalries and great games to attend too almost every day. It has lots of activities to engage in and
Is a great and safe area to grow up in.
http://www.wkbw.com/news/new-curbside-appeal-of-a-changing-kenmore-avenue

11. 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?
A strategy Talen would use is the idea of building a complex that was more socially and
economically diverse. Something Larson would do is building housing complexes that are very
small but function as if they're twice as big to help accommodate for as many people as possible.
A strategy I would use for rebuilding Pruitt Igoe would be to build more but smaller buildings as
it was said that the buildings were torn apart quickly because people could not adapt to the high
rise city life. I also would design room for sports facilities to be built like a basketball court,
baseball diamond, or soccer field. My strategy would differ because the buildings would not be
as tall as they were built and something more that the citizens of St. Louis were already used too.
Also my idea for sports facilities would keep people entertained and occupied.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/516788125968374896/

12. 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?
Buffalo was the nations first urban park system. It was a Booming city, the 10th largest in the
country. The basis of Olmsted’s claim was that you could walk out your front door and within a
block be in a park landscape, the notion of a "city within a park" which has never been designed
before. By investing in parks people would want to come and live near these places. Olmsted
also started the Free Niagara Movement and the purpose was to buy back the private land on the
American side for scenic preservation. I believe that Olmsted would still make this claim today
because we still work on maintaining his traffic circles and his parks in the city. By improving
the park system to fit the needs of the residents today.
http://library.buffalo.edu/maps/buffalo-wnymaps/location/olmsted.html

13. 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).
Something in my hometown of Buffalo that I always thought should be memorialized and that a
lot of work has gone into lately is Canal side. This space downtown is great hangout to socialize
with tons of activities to partake in. It has tons of memorials commemorating veterans and past
wars/battles. The landscape was turned into the perfect area to walk, sit, hangout, or engage in
something to do. With the board walk, the park, and the canal all being in the area it was perfect
place to redesign. The work that has been done to Canal side couldn't be much better it is now an
extremely popular place in downtown Buffalo.
http://cuhmmc.org/wp/things-to-do-in-the-buffalo-area/

14. 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. (Add it to your response by clicking on
the picture in the tools section. Do not add it as an attachment that needs to be opened.) 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.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
I interpret this graphic as friends having a meal but everyone felt uncomfortable to sit next to the
only African America of the group. The meaning behind the photo is that all the white kids are
separate from the African American at the table, showing signs of racism. Now someone with an
African American backround would instantly look at this picture and be offended by the seating
arrangement. wondering why the are arranged the way they are. Someone who isn’t of the
African American descent might look at this photo and realize not even notice anything wrong.
These differences are because some African Americans may be used to seeing others of their
ethnicity treated this kind of way, and when they do they take notice of it. While others might not
be used it and just think of it as any other picture.
http://www.tor.com/2016/11/23/the-charlie-brown-thanksgiving-special/

15. 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 keepor 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? (Limit your response
to 250 words.)
An object in my home that describes my ethnic backround is the multiple jars of spaghetti sauces
we have in our pantry. My family is mainly Italian and as a matter of fact I am going there this
summer. We have sauce for dinner 1-2 times a week and it is the go to meal when we have
family and friends over. This is most certainly a tradition I will continue in my own home with
my own family. Something in my community that has cultural influence is one of the high
schools in my neighborhood Kenmore East which has the highest diversity of all high schools in
Western New York. This then tends to bring more people of cultural difference to the Buffalo
area as it proves that they can get by even if they are not from this country.
https://www.sbarro.com/menu/pasta/spaghetti-meatballs/

16. 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? (Limit your response to 150
words.)
I believe that it is ok for sports team branding designers to use ethnic references. No professional
sports organization would be mocking the ethnicity that it is named after. If anything it is out of
respect and they have the name they do for a reason. In my opinion I wouldn't think this would
be a problem in the first place. Some of the complexities of this issue are maybe things like
political correctness or pride for the few people that this might offend for some reason.
https://twitter.com/redskins

17. 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? (Limit your response to 200 words.)
source: https://berniesanders.com/issues/fighting-for-womens-rights/
The approach being used here is presentation of data. The designer of this image uses this
approach to communicate a gender issue by showing that is very obvious using a bar graph that
white men vs. women, no matter what the ethnicity, make more money than the women do. Yes,
I think that this approach is extremely effective. It is simple, easy to understand, and gets the
point the across. This graphic could be improved by adding another different color bar that
shows the earning of the other ethnicities earnings for men as well instead of just using white
men.

18. 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? Use the SEE-IT method to respond to
this question. (Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
Why? : Using a bathroom that corresponds with the biological gender written on their birth
certificate should be required. First of all because of privacy reasons. Second of all for safety
reasons knowing that only the same born gender as you are the only people using this bathroom.
Lastly, because it is the bathroom that you're just supposed to use, I really don't see the need of
this issue yet it is a big problem right now.
Why Not? : Using a bathroom that corresponds with the biological gender written on their birth
certificate shouldn't be required because as society evolves and open mindedness becomes more
tolerant people don't identify as genders as the way they used to.
Solution: If I was a designer I would solver this gender dilemma by designing bathrooms that
were all stalls with a door that you would have to a bedroom and walls that went from the floor,
or I would create a project to install men’s. women’s, and a unisex bathroom in every building.
http://www.multiplemayhemmamma.com/2013/04/public-bathroom-kids.html

19. 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 examples from 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 photographs, and make certain that you are
in at least one of the two photographs.
I have photographed Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo right along the S turns on Delaware. This
location represents crusty because it has large gates blocking the entrance, it is only accessible
during certain time periods, which stops people from wanting to go to a relatives or friends grave
whenever they would like. My second photograph represents prickly because it is just a flat
wooden bench with no backrest and a bar in the middle to prevent the homeless from sleeping on
them. This photo was also taken in Buffalo, Downtown by fountain Plaza.
https://paththroughhistory.iloveny.com/listings/Forest-Lawn-Cemetery/30257/

20. Response to People Like Us
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 do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What
approach will your team take to address this difficult problem?
My team of designers will help motivate this family in doing the things that they need to be
doing. Starting with jobs, and seeing the house they live in and the condition of it is everyone
person living in that house needs a job and needs to contribute. Then Tammy and her kids who
are able to attend college need to go to a local community college. Then when they have the
grades transfer to an affordable school after financial aid and loans. With this education they can
all up their jobs. My team would help with the job search and for things that they each want to
do. Then then my team of designers would gladly build a house in their budget for them to move
into. The last step would be working on repaying any money they owe from the schooling they
received. This all could easily be done with a little effort even though it will take years to be a
completely finish this process.
https://ubernerkle.com/stunning-9-images-trailer-home-for-rent/realtors-talk-trailer-homes-rent-
month-2

21. 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 ensure more social integration for the older people living in the
‘new and improved’ Regent Park?
The chapter states "studies show that the opportunity for contact between people is most likely to
occur along main pathways that users travel." So, one action that could be taken ensure more
social integration for the older people living in the 'new and improved' Regent Park would be to
make more pathways that connect and cross over each other so that more people will cross paths
and interact with one another more often.
https://brookfieldpathways.wordpress.com/about/

22. 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 extended life spans?
Extended life spans will change our societies by that people would need more specialized care
than what is normal to us now and the cost of medical care would increase significantly. Also the
cost of living would increase as there would millions more people. The built environment would
change by almost all buildings would need to be wheel chair accessible and many more nursing
home and assisted living facilities would need to be built. New issues designers would face
would be making all these buildings wheel chair accessible. Or having to change buildings to be
able to accommodate more people.
http://www.nursinghomeabuseguide.org/news/what-to-look-for-with-nursing-home-accessibility/

23. 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 as a
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’s discussion 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?
A lesson I think we should learn from history when thinking about emerging technologies and
reproductive technologies is that in today’s world even though someone may have enhanced
amputations that are better than the average human, people in this world will still find a way to
make fun of them or classify them as different and treat them differently. A positive consequence
of being able to design our bodies and bodies of our children would be that our children would
be able to have some better qualities that we did not have. A negative consequence of this would
be the lack of uniqueness in each child as if we can design our children then there’s chances of
being almost exactly the same as someone else. An ethical quandary these technologies pose is
something malfunctioning and causing harm to the human body that the technology was given
too.
http://www.hortonsoandp.com/how-microprocessor-controlled-prosthetic-knee-joints-have-
enhanced-amputee-leg-movement-over-the-last-20-years/

24. 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? How 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?
I don't think he should've been allowed to film the residents because I know if I was one of those
residents I would not want to be filmed. This film might be of value to designers by that they
could see what the cells were like and facility like this so long ago and be able to design new
ones that would be better for the residents.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/453385887459294965/

25. 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 challenges and provided the same basic human 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”?
As a resident of the neighborhood I would not support the proposal, but I would not be against it
by all means. I would still go about my business and it would not make much difference to me. If
the behaviors haven't occurred in four years? I still would not mine because I would consider that
progress and the chances of those behaviors happening after this long are slim. An alternative to
the group home could be to build this group home not in the middle of a neighborhood.
Somewhere where if something wore to occur, behavioral wise, it would not affect the people
and children living in the homes around them.
http://www.leek-news.co.uk/disabled-group-has-found-a-new-
home/story-30277662-detail/story.html

26. 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 servedin 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?
Growing up I went to a catholic elementary school, St. Christopher's Parish, right here in
Western New York. This was a great place for any kid to go to school as I want there from Pre-k
3 all the way to eighth grade. There is church connected to the school building and tons of people
attend it besides just the people who go to school here. Its role has not changed much as all they
do is run an outreach program through the church we people donate food and it is given to the
less fortunate. This program has grown pretty big and will continue to do this for people who
can’t afford to eat every day in my town.
https://www.wnycatholic.org/news/article/featured/2015/10/14/101105/st.-christopher-parish-
hosts-family-day-saturday

27. 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 input 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 needs 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?
I am currently an undecided engineer and right now my biggest problem is choosing the field of
engineering I want to go into. I still am unsure what I want to do in my future and there are so
many different things I am interested in. So, my biggest challenge is making a decision of which
specific field of engineering I would like to pursue. I plan to talk to majors of each field I am
interested in and see what kind of jobs they are involved and get an idea of which one I like the
most and have as a job for my own future.
https://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/engineer.html