I apologize, upon reviewing the materials provided I do not see a reference to an article by John Levy titled "An Overview: The Need for Planning." Could you please clarify which article you intended me to respond to in discussing how planning defines the character of a place? Without the specific source material it is difficult for me to adequately address the question.

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 – American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Benjamin Starr
Created by Benjamin Starr

2. Welcome!
American Diversity and Design has had a great influence on my thought about design. I have always wondered what it takes to be able
to design a monumental piece of work. Through this course, I have realized that it takes much more than simply thinking of a design
and then making it. As an Architecture major, I have adapted to the creative ways design has been used throughout the course and the
course discussions provided. I have learned about many influential designs that have occurred overtime and have led to the creation of
greater ideas. The course focused on many great designs, and many poor ones as well. Within the course, the documents provided
have enabled a designer such as myself to use different ways of creating, placing and building a structure to make sure that a design is
expressed as well as it possibly can be. Prior to taking this course, I believe that I had an idea of what it means to be a designer. But
even a semester of Architecture studio can’t prepare me for what it truly means to design something from multiple viewpoints.
American Diversity and Design has showed me how past designers have compelled their work through many different forms of
creativity.

3. Created by Benjamin Starr
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.

4. 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 experiences and can help each other in many ways
throughout the semester.
Hello my name is Ben, I'm from a small town in Westchester, New York. I am majoring in Architecture here at UB. I have always
been a builder growing up. Whether it was Legos or building forts I was always constructing new projects. The excessive amount of
time I spent doing stupid, but creative things throughout my life set the path that I'm currently taking.
Created by Benjamin Starr

5. 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.
Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company unveiled the Model T on October 1st, 1908. This mass produced automobile brought
vehicles into the homes of everyday Americans, and gave jobs to the unfortunate in order to get them the funds needed to purchase a
Model T of their own. There were about 200,000 cars on the road prior to this movement because only wealthy citizens could afford
them. With the assembly line at work, Ford Motor Company was able to sell the Model T at a reasonably affordable price and gave
U.S citizens a new way to get around. This set the stage for new, improved vehicles for the people of the U.S to pick and choose
which vehicle they prefer.1
1
"Ford’s assembly line starts rolling." History.com. Accessed May 02, 2017. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/fords-assembly-line-starts-rolling

6. 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 as our 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 particular design that has really made an impact on life is Uber. The lift service app has created a movement that has impacted many
different groups in society. The ability for people to easily become a service driver has ultimately taken over this industry. Taxi
services are being overtaken by people who would rather open up their phone and press a button than hail a cab. This substantial loss
of business is putting people out of jobs while the business rises and expands into suburban areas. This application has helped the
public by creating a new, fast form of transportation services, but economically could create potential problems for certain groups and
individuals.

7. http://www.thebubble.com/whats-the-deal-with-the-buenos-aires-court-ruling-that-uber-is-legal/

8. Response to Media/Society and TED Talk Photographs
FROM: Chapter in Media/Society and TED Talk Photos that Changed the World
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?
The hurricane that struck down early morning on August 29th, 2005 left the people of New Orleans struggling to survive through 100-
140 mile-per-hour winds. the storm stretched almost 400 miles long. Hundreds of thousands of New Orleans citizens were displaced
from homes and loved ones. Many were too wounded to make it out of the terrible conditions. The aftermath accumulated around one
billion dollars in damage from the category 3 storm. It was predicted that the Gulf Coast would be inhabitable for weeks. Fortunately,
around 80 percent of the city's population was evacuated by night. The aftermath effected the country as a whole, the U.S citizens
were made aware of the conditions and made effort to help fix and reconstruct the nearly ruined city back to the flourishing and lively
place it was.
https://ublearns.buffalo.edu/courses/1/2171_14992_COMB/db/_3565942_1/Unknown.jpg

9. 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 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?
I believe that the two hats in the article are vehicles of communication because they have definite purpose. It is clear to an
outside viewer what the hats are representing. I can agree that these hats are publicity, and whether or not they are viewed
positively or negatively, they are still being viewed by a huge majority of the public. The "Make America Great Again" campaign
slogan used by our current President was put on a red hat and therefore the red hat became a way for the general public to
imply that they agreed with the movements followed under the "Make America Great Again" slogan. The pink hat implied the
movements followed by the Women's march on Washington. Whether or not someone, man or woman, was actually marching,
they wore the pink hat to imply that they stood for the movement and represented themselves as someone who follows the
views that this march stands for. These both have a very powerful effect on the public and they both follow practically opposite
views. It stirs conversation and creates mass publicity for the movement. All publicity is good publicity and it is a major reason
as to why these movements have created such a gigantic amount of followers.
Credit: AFP / Getty Images / Andrew Caballero-Reynolds
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/10/06/hey-lets-all-make-our-own-donald-trump-hats/?utm_term=.67216dd64efb

10. 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?
Henry Ford's innovative production line set a standard for production as a whole. Having the ability to mass produce models at
such a fast rate while being able to sell them for an affordable price gave Ford a major advantage during this time. This method
become a key process towards the production of not only the Model T, but was used to manufacture many products to come.
The people of the United States were able to keep this assembly line running because the affordable products were much
more enticing to the consumers. While Industry as a whole has changed drastically since this time, the production line method
is still used to this day. As time goes on the method has adapted and grown with the United States. The processes and methods
used in production can only adapt as time goes on and with the fullest potential that we as U.S citizens can create. We are able
to innovate new products as long as there are methods of manufacturing such products.1
1
"Ford’s assembly line starts rolling." History.com. Accessed May 02, 2017. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/fords-assembly-line-starts-rolling

11. Response to 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? Describe another
product that embraces Cradle-to-Cradle design, and give specifics about how it does so.
The Rolls Royce defies the concept developed in Cradle-to-Cradle. For such an expensive vehicle, the luxury car gives nothing back
to the environment. it is a high end vehicle that has extremely poor fuel efficiency. Ultimately this vehicle is a waste of money and it
gives nothing back to the environment once the car has reached its end. The premium fuel emits poor air and the materials used in the
manufacturing of the vehicle can be used in much better ways. On another note, I can complement all-purpose cleaning product
because it is extremely natural and biodegradable. The use of materials and ingredients such as corn and coconut make this product
more natural and environmentally friendly.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshmax/2015/10/12/2015-rolls-royce-phantom-drophead-coupe-review/#e995f1458888
http://privatelabelcleaners.blogspot.com/2014/06/private-label-cleaners-all-purpose.html

12. 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.)
Louis Sullivan's Wainwright Building has extreme sensibilities of the past. Mostly due to the fact that it was built in 1891. It changed
the design of skyscrapers, soaring ten stories high. The design of this building is impeccable for this time. It is a tripartite design, with
a 2 story base, and a magnificent body portraying the skyscraper's inner structure. Finally the building is topped off with the third part
where the columns burst into ornament. The building emphasizes past architecture. Louis Sullivan portrays the past designs from
which he has learned from, but express what is to come in architecture. The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo
College in Michigan portrays many sensibilities about the present and what is to come. The simplistic structure creates a very
futuristic design both inside and out. The inside area "breaks down traditional barriers between different groups" with beautiful areas
designed to create calming areas and perfect moments to have conversations with friends and many new peers that you will meet
throughout the socially-manipulating structure. The purpose of this building is clearly shown as it brings people together through
architecture.
http://interactive.wttw.com/tenbuildings/wainwright-building

13. 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.)
Peter Zumthor's "Thinking Architecture" describes designing with both conceptual and spatial sensibility. Zumthor's view on
architecture seems to prioritize an experience for the viewer by looking in depth at the incorporation of senses within an
architectural design. Zumthor has grown up perceiving spatial awareness through his personal experience. Through the form of
shapes and spaces in which we inhabit, Zumthor unconsciously influences reactions and perceptions of a certain environment.
Ballantyne's view on architecture has similar qualities in which buildings can be more closely implicated within people’s daily
lives or someone's identity. The buildings that someone sees everyday have become an unconscious part of their background
while still being a part of our system of habits. Ballantyne differs his viewpoint by stating that the "distracted masses" which
"absorb the work of art into themselves" are the primary focus of a viewer. Ballantyne claims that the architecture and
aesthetics in a building blend in with the background of a certain setting in which viewers solely take notice of. While Both
argue that the human body plays an extremely important role within the beauty of architecture, both have different views on
how a building influences a viewer.
https://ublearns.buffalo.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-4051548-dt-content-rid-
14735253_1/courses/2171_14992_COMB/Ballantyne.pdf
https://ublearns.buffalo.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-4051636-dt-content-rid-
14749617_1/courses/2171_14992_COMB/Zumthor_A%20Way%20of%20Looking%20at%20Things.pdf

14. 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 in a small town in Westchester, New York. Being located in Westchester, the planning of my town was controlled by the
ultimate planning of the greater area. The planning of Croton on Hudson set the stage for what this town has become. There isn't much
space to work with, but the town and the people within it have definitely learned how to work with whatever is given to them. Because
it was so small, the kids grew up together, the parents socialized solely with each other, and the store workers know everyone's face.
The town is also split right down the middle where Croton meets Harmon. The Harmon area can be stereotyped as the "townies".
These are the families that have children who have gone to Croton public school since kindergarten. All of these people are connected
by sports, hobbies, family relations, etc. Either way the Harmon area has become a very close circle of residents. The Croton area is a
little different. While this area can generally be categorized as having the same aspects as the Harmon area, Croton is also home to
many families living on Mt. Airy. This small mountain divides Croton with the Cortlandt area, which is the next town over. But
Families and residents in the Cortlandt area still consider themselves as a part of Croton due to the planning and dividing of this
general area.
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/shop-small-croton-hudson

15. 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?
Pruitt Igoe simply needs to become more appealing to people. Its reputation holds but the community's success can be brought up
through reconstruction. The community must become more open and functional. The diverse groups that are attracted to the area must
live together instead of splitting apart. The community must work as a whole. This is supported by Talen. By integrating the
community, the area will become better on its own. Money is always an issue and the people attracted to this area would be more
likely to live there if they were affordable options. Larson's idea of by making less space through modern designs and structure. Also
simply integrating ones’ space with another's, making living in this community even more affordable. By adding social areas for
residents to leave their homes and meet new people around the community the people are more integrated as a whole. The Pruitt Igoe
community would benefit by becoming more of an actual community.1
1
Stefanik, Chandra “The Pruitt Igoe Myth”. YouTube Video. 1:23:08. Posted September 2015. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKgZM8y3hso

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?
Olmsted claims that Buffalo is the best planned city because of the spectacular landscape that WAS Buffalo. When Olmsted decided
that Buffalo would have 3 separate parks, he could sense the flow of the city as the 3 main roads all had a park and connected to one
central area. Time has passed since the parkway came apart of Buffalo. With the additional highways and such cutting through
Olmsted's beautifully planned city, the city doesn't seem as beautiful. And the plan is certainly not as it once was as it has expanded
and adapted overtime.1
http://library.buffalo.edu/maps/buffalo-wnymaps/location/olmsted.html http://olsonfarlow.photoshelter.com/image/I00001fSIk38aYRg
1
Rich, Nathaniel. "When Parks Were Radical." The Atlantic. August 12, 2016. Accessed May 02, 2017. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/09/better-than-nature/492716/.

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).
In my hometown there is a place off the Hudson River named Mayo's Landing. It is not significant at all but just so happens to be a
point where a bunch of students go to swim and jump off cliffs. This area has been more or less shut down by the local police because
kids were trespassing on private property in order to reach cliffs. Soon after the area became patrolled by police, students saved locals
who were unable to swim in the water. I believe that this area should be memorialized and by using Walter Hood's 'triad of
investigations' you can see that the area deserves the proper memorial. It is a safe point to access the water so locals can easily enter
the water. It commemorates the students that risked their own lives to save those who were unable to be saved by police patrol. Also
with the patrol, this public area can be monitored and would be more safe for children. If locals actually worked to make the area a
better, safe, and fun attraction, the citizens of Croton on Hudson would be much better off on a hot summer day.
https://www.riverkeeper.org/blogs/boat-blog/mysterious-white-chalk-material-along-the-croton-river/

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. (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.)
This image can be interpreted as a citizen expressing his beliefs towards the past election. It shows that this man openly disagrees with
the ideas that Trump has pushed throughout his campaign. Someone can look at this and get many different ideas of what this picture
might represent. By ripping the Trump sign in half one might find that offensive if they believe in what Trump stands for. Some
Trump advocates have been violent towards people of color during the election process. This silent protest shows that violence isn't
needed to express opinions.

19. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/donald-trump-rally-st-louis-features-protests-article-1.2561617

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.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
The MLK Memorial's intentions are clear. The history that is bundled up within this memorial is apparent. The memorial
simply expresses the goals and achievements that MLK set out and reached. Historical context has been embedded within in the
memorial through the success that MLK had throughout his life.
The Memorial shows an important significance. The memorial and the statue of MLK itself represent an important time in history
when a African American has been honored and memorialized. It is important to look at the fact that this is the first time this has
happened. By making the invisible visible, the effort and advancements that MLK made for American society can be expressed
through the MLK Memorial.
http://feministing.com/2011/08/23/mlk-memorial-unveiled-this-weekend-on-national-mall/

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 interpets 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?
My house is filled with different artifacts and historical items from different places my parents have travelled to in their lives.
They used these cultural pieces to teach me about all the places they had been which greatly impacted my life. The historical pieces
with the modern style of the house embraced the 21st
century style, while still keeping alive important historical parts of so many
different cultures.
My hometown Croton on Hudson is along the Hudson river where General Washington had a fort set up during the
Revolutionary War. Though the old rock fort is merely piles of boulders now, the foundation shape remains, and will be kept
untouched for as long as it exists. Croton is a fairly small white town so there isn’t much variety in the cultural groups to be
underrepresented.

22. https://www.britannica.com/place/Hudson-River

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 believe that there is no need for ethnic references in sports branding. I also believe that the reason that these references are used is to
bring people closer to what their area is known for. The nation is filled with stereotypes about all areas across the country, and the
sports brands use these known references to market the product.
http://www.redskins.com http://games.espn.com/flb/clubhouse?leagueId=4647&teamId=7&seasonId=2017
http://www.nba.com/celtics/

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?
https://xkcd.com/385/
This image uses the "get the idea" approach for advocacy and it expresses how females can be categorized and stereotypes are made
but males are more individualized. The image criticizes males for individually criticizes their own gender but often categorize the
female gender as a whole and create stereotypes for all women.

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? Use the SEE-IT method to respond to this
question.
One side of the argument is that a person has the right to identify themselves as a certain gender so they have the right to identify
themselves with a certain bathroom. A lot of concern for certain people come from these who identify themselves as something
different from birth, but if they believe they are what they are they have rights.
Another side of the argument would be that gender assigned from birth is the gender bathroom you must use. It is possible that this
could cause many more problems and could make those who identify themselves as trans very uncomfortable.
As a designer, I would make gender neutral private bathrooms. Before worrying about other genders being in a bathroom with
you there are already weird people in each gender so more privacy would be better for everyone.

26. 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 to do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What approach will your team
take to address this difficult problem?
As a designer for iPD, I would primarily focus on the necessities that Tammy and her family need throughout their daily lives. A focus
for me would be to create an accessible area for the Crabtree family to live in that provides the necessary accommodations that they
need such as parks, transportation, schools, and local markets. These things are all necessary and can create a social living
environment that is stable for her family. It might be difficult to find a perfect area with all these present nearby. But with public
transportation around a certain radius can provide enough help for Tammy and her family to reach necessary destinations. Bus stops in
the area will give much more accessibility to Tammy as she can reach destinations easier and more efficiently.
http://www.jamaicaplainnews.com/2015/11/17/joint-venture-including-jpndc-tapped-to-renovate-build-more-than-500-housing-units/15434

27. 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?
One problem that could be resolved through a phase in the development of Regent Park is the elderly community that resides there.
This 22 story tall building creates many struggles for residents living at the higher floors. The design for the 'new and improved'
Regent Park should include a much smaller building that stretches throughout the area to create a better living situation for the elderly
residents. Mobility is commonly a big struggle for older people and this should be considered when designing the new Regent Park.
http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/06/neighbourhood-node-new-and-old-regent-park

28. 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?
The extended life span would cause great problems for the world as whole, as it is already struggling. The increasing population
would deplete the world's resources at a rapid rate. An elderly majority could occur which would lead to much changes in the built
environment. Design of buildings and houses must stress this extremely old population and consider the necessities that these people
require to get around and live their daily lives how they please. It is going to be extremely hard to take care of the needs of this
growing population.
https://lifeboat.com/ex/immortalist.utilitarianism

29. 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
disability 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 examples of
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 examples of 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 examples empower 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.
Equitable use, the principle meaning design that can be used by all.

30. Moving walkways are a positive example because anybody can use this design. Whether the person wants to run, walk, sit, do a
handstand, etc. the design provides what is needed to get the user around easier. It makes life easier as people don't even have to move,
yet they're moving forward. Walking is a negative example of this principle. While walking serves the same purpose that a moving
walkway provides, it's not as easy for everyone to do. Some people like those who are handicapped struggle to walk at a pace that
people are accustomed to. It is much more difficult for someone to walk forward than it is for someone to stand or sit and be moved
forward.

31. Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
Our 2017 Design-A-Baby survey yielded the following characteristics as indicated by a majority of you:
• Sex: Male (47%)
• Hair Color: Dark Brown (22%)
• Hair Texture: Wavy (33%)
• Eye Color: Blue (26%)
• Race: Caucasian (36%)
• Height: 5’-10” to 6’-1” (45%)
• IQ: 131-140 (20%)
• Memory: Excellent (43%)
• Athletic Ability: Excellent (43%)
• Weight: Average (79%)
• Disease Carrier: None (85%)
• Beauty: Somewhat attractive (46%)
• Empathy: Very empathetic (38%)
• Creativity: Very creative (37%)
Sounds like an all-around lovely person!
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.

32. 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?
There is so much that is under looked when it comes to our past history and when we think of the emerging technologies that are to
come based upon where we our now, we are able to predict many positive and negative results from this enhanced technology. The
positive attributes are endless; we don't know what we will be capable of until it happens. As we grow, we are able to become more
and more adapted with our environments, and have created ways to make ourselves stronger and live even longer. While this has
many positive attributions, it also creates problems as we will overpopulate and only the minority that is able to afford these new
technologies will grow to use our capabilities to its full potential. Humans have the choice to decide whether or not it is good to use
these technologies to modify the species as a whole.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/future-humans-evolve-look-like-7165771 http://jaysimons.deviantart.com/art/Future-evolution-of-Man-362652184

33. 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 believe that Frederick Wiseman should not have been allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional
Facility. This is mostly due to the fact that there was no consent from the residents themselves, rather the institute that gives them a
home. I believe that when a home is documented the current owner of the home should give consent that it is okay to document the
home. When the resident of that home is to be documented consent is needed for that as well. It is one thing to film the facility but
recording the residents daily lives without consent is an invasion of their privacy. But despite this matter, the film serves a greater
purpose towards professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and designers. A designer can use this film to look back at the past designs of
facilities such as this one and be better able to understand the relationship between design and the resident that inhabits such design.
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/law-enforce-and-cj/prisons/doc-facilities/bridgewater-state-hospital.html

34. 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 this neighborhood, I would support the proposal to build the group home on certain circumstances. I believe that the
residents of the group home aren't a problem, but could lead to one. More importantly the group home might not fit well in the
neighborhood. There are definitely better locations for a group home that provides space that won’t affect neighbors and could provide

35. the needs of the residents. The challenging behaviors exhibited by the residents should be taken into consideration when designing the
group home. If this is considered the group home could work in the neighborhood as long as it doesn't disturb its neighbors. Either
way the group home would affect surrounding areas. There is no way give these residents the same basic rights unless they are not a
bother to the community.
http://www.c2karch.com/projects/stephens-place/

36. 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?
The Holy Name of Mary Church located in my hometown of Croton on Hudson, New York, is an important part of the community,
whether you are a church goer or not. I for one am not a church goer, but the Church has still done so much for myself and the rest of
the community. The Church plays many roles in religious education, as well as athletics. I grew up playing youth basketball for the
church at the church's gym. The area is surrounded by a park that the community fills on certain occasions. There's a lot of parking as
the area is used for so much more than religious practice. Overtime, the surrounding area has changed and become less used by the
community, although the youth programs still strive. I believe that the Church will continue to provide what it has been for the past
years and as the community grows, it will too.

37. https://www.yelp.com/biz/holy-name-of-mary-church-croton-on-hudson

38. 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?
As an Architecture major, the field is constantly adapting to the changes overtime. By the time I would enter this field, the challenges
one currently faces might not be apparent anymore. I believe that one challenge that is occurring right now is the fact that designers
want to be as creative as they possibly can. With the up rise of new technology, a design that was once thought to be impossible can
now be creative quite easily. A designer must realize when creativity becomes crazy. By using these new ways of building one must
consider the practicality and the safety of those who inhabit it.
https://ced.berkeley.edu/academics/architecture/programs/bachelor-of-arts-in-architecture