Arc211: American Diversity and Design Jaxon Klein

University at Buffalo
ARC 211- American Diversity and Design-Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Jaxon Klein

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 Jaxon Klein. I am a freshman architecture student who is originally from Long Island, New York. An interesting
fact about me is I have previously tutored children with special needs. American Diversity and Design has influenced me to
incorporate the lifestyles of minority groups into my designs. In this class, I learned how to view design from a societal standpoint.
What I found compelling about this course was the amount of ways design is not built to accommodate all of humanity. My
viewpoints have remained relatively stagnant, seeing as I have always been accepting of minorities.

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

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 motion picture is an American invention that aided in revolutionizing our society. The motion picture provided the general
American society with new social ideas and attitudes. What is so revolutionary about a motion picture is that each adaption of the
motion picture provides a different idea for society to reflect on.

http://econlife.com/2014/07/reclining-seats-change-supply-and-demand-at-movie-theaters/

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.)
The wheelchair has helped the minority group of people with physical disabilities that are unable to walk without aid. The wheelchair
has changed overtime by becoming electronic, providing the person using the wheelchair less physical strain while using it.

http://www.drivemedical.com/wheelchairs

Thread 1: 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 photo of an American soldier holding a wounded child in an Iraq war ground is an important image that exemplifies why the
American public had made criticism about the Iraq war. The image plays a role in communication, as it informs both media and the
public what affect the Iraq war had on both innocent civilians and American soldiers. The sadness shown by the American soldier
communicates the emotions caused by the consequences of war.
http://media.photobucket.com/user/bdruggan10r/media/soldierchild.jpg.html?filters[term]=soldier%20holding%20child&filters[prima
ry]=images&filters[secondary]=videos&sort=1&o=9

Thread 2: FROM: “Fashioning Protest for the Women’s March on Washington” and “The Worst Design of 2016 Was Also the
Most Effective”
NOTE: Use the first three part of the SEE-IT method of critical thinking (State, Elaborate, Exemplify) to address the
following questions:
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?
The two hats are both vehicles of communication design in which they both have literal messages on the front displaying their
respective ideologies. The red hat was created to spread Donald Trump's message of making a country with certain issues, and
redeeming it in a vague manner. The red hat is designed to resemble a trucker hat in order to communicate with a certain demographic
that would share similar views as Trump. The pink hats are designed to respond to Donald Trump's views in a blatant manner. These
hats are similar in the sense that they both speak to a certain audience, and display their own views on general society. They are
different in their political ideologies that are displayed on the hats themselves.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crocheted-cat-ear-hat

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 social consequence of Henry Ford's model is the amount of workers needed to maintain the mass production. In the early 20th
century, this resulted in hiring inexperienced people to do the jobs. However, as time progress and technology became more advanced,
the need for actual human workers dissipated, and using machines on the assembly lines became a more cost effective system. These
changes still remain today, as technology is continuing to advance, thus making the need for human workers less significant. In the
next 20 years, manufacturing will have an even higher reliance on technology, limiting the amount of jobs an actual person can obtain.
https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2013/08/05/model-t-facts.html

NOTE: Use the first three part of the SEE-IT method of critical thinking (State, Elaborate, Exemplify) to address the
following questions:
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.
The "Goodle OnHub" is a 2016 IDEA Gold Award recipient that seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle concept. It only serves one
purpose, which is to connect all other wireless devices to the Internet. Not only does this not benefit the environment in any way, it
could potentially harm the environment due to the radiation that they emit. An example of a product that embraces the
Cradle-to-Cradle design is the Hubb Lifetime Oil Filter, which cuts down oil emissions.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2490675,00.asp

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.)
Currently existing architecture has the ability to contain sensibilities about the past, the present, and the future. Some of these
buildings hold great significance in modern day society. An example of a building with sensibilities about the past is the Virginia State
Capitol Building. The building was designed by Thomas Jefferson, a former president and a founding father. Wanting to stray away
from the British inspired architecture that was popular in the colonies at the time, Jefferson wanted to make his building, the Virginia
State Capitol Building have a style that defied British styles. In order to accomplish that goal, Jefferson was inspired by a Roman style
parliament building for his design. This shows Jefferson using architecture with sensibilities about the past for his design. An example
of a building that has sensibilities of the future is the Robbie House. Built by the iconic architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, this house was
the first example of a prairie style house, an architectural style that focuses on flat roofs, large bands of windows, and an open concept
for the rooms. These elements defied as to what were usually put into a home at the time, which were gabled roofs, small "punched
out" windows, and closed off rooms.

http://interactive.wttw.com/tenbuildings/virginia-state-capitol

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.)
Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor's ideas about architecture draws a large amount of comparisons and contractions. For example,
they both compare works of architecture as a form of artwork, comparative to sculptures or poetry. The also agree that the aesthetics
of the building is what makes a building appreciated by the public. Their ideas differ as to what makes architecture significant. In the
case of Peter Zumthor, architecture should have a relationship with its outside surroundings. In the case of Andrew Ballantyne,
architecture should have a relationship with the people who inhabit it.
http://nykyinen.com/salone-del-mobile-the-social-cave-by-the-faculty-of-architecture-of-columbia-university/

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?
I grew up in a fairly small beach city located on the south shore of Long Island, around 25 miles away from New York City. My
home city is a barrier island surrounded by both the beach and the bay. This city is not even a mile wide at its widest point, but
stretches 3.5 miles long. Because of this, there is a strong exaggeration on horizontal streets, having the most significant streets
in my city both run horizontally. The only purpose any of the vertical streets have is to get onto much longer horizontal streets.
Since the beach and the bay are a large part of the city's economic gain, there is a higher significance of these areas. The beach is
where the tallest buildings in my city are,which are mainly apartment buildings. The bay and the beach is where the most
expensive housing is located, as being near the water and having a picturesque view causing an increase in the value of a house.
The houses in between the bay and the beach tend to be smaller and less expensive. As far as the commercial district goes, there
is only one street where all of the commercial buildings are located. This street runs through the entire city, stretching past the
city's borders. The street is located in between the bay and the beach, distancing itself away from most of the residential houses.
Therefore, my city is designed in order to attract people towards a marine-based surroundings by emphasizing the areas located
near the water, and having streets run parallel to the beach and the bay, so that residents and visitors are reminded of their
natural surroundings at all times. There is also very little significance towards the commercial part of the city, making it more of
a summer vacation based city, even though there are thousands of year-round residents (including myself). There is a large
significance for the summer season since my city is popular for people from New York City to come and enjoy the beach.

http://www.longbeachny.gov/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={33BD7D65-42BC-45CB-ABAB-A6E2B4FB1BFB}&DE={D0E9A3E2-
8DCC-4401-9372-0261671B4B80}

Here is your discussion question on the Pruitt Igoe project, the Talen article, and the Larson lecture. article. Please post your
own response, and respond to at least two other students' responses.
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?
The Pruitt Igoe buildings were a series of high-rise housing complexes that housed people living in slums. While it seemed like a
solution to the slum problem, even worse problems were created because of the Pruitt Igoe building. Since these problems
became so devastating, they were eventually torn down. However, if the Pruitt Igoe building were to ever be rebuilt, some
changes would have to be made. Kent Larson would plan an apartment in which rooms can be created by a mobile wall, making
the space seem bigger. One of the problems with the original Pruitt Igoe building was the small amount of space, causing an
increase in health issues. Having more space in an apartment would lead to better living conditions. Emily Talen would
suggests that there more ethnic and economic diversity for the residents in the Pruitt Igoe buildings. Most of the residents in
the original Pruitt Igoe buildings were poor African Americans, which caused a lack of diversity with the complexes, leading to
social competition and violence. Ethnic and economic diversity would create a social balance. I would plan for the Pruitt Igoe
building to sponsor programs that benefit its residents, giving them a larger contribution to the greater society. In the original
Pruitt Igoe building, there was no purpose of the building other than to give its residents a cheap place to live. This caused
problems such as poor health and violence due to all of the negative interactions people had. With programs that would benefit
the residents, such as one that helps educate people, gives them occupations, and improved their quality of living.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruitt%E2%80%93Igoe

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?
While in Buffalo, planning the park systems for the city, Frederick Law Olmsted claimed that Buffalo is the best planned city in
the United States, if not the world. Olmsted made this proclamation because of the untouched nature and the long, broad
streets. This gave Olmsted the opportunity to blend nature with the existing man-made structures so that people would have
constant interaction with nature. Olmsted would most likely not make the same claim if he were to come to Buffalo today. There
is a significant drop in the focus of nature as industrialization has since increased. The feeling of constantly being in a park
while navigating through the city has been tarnished, as settlements have been created in substitution to the natural
surroundings.

http://www.olmsted.org/
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 is meant to portray everyday life during the end of the segregation era. The segregation era was a century long
period that provided both a physical and social divide between African Americans and Caucasians. However, towards the end of
the 1960s/ early 1970s, there were multiple social movements devoted to ending segregation. These movements proved to be
effective, as African Americans and Caucasians began to intermingle in the same locations, breaking their current social and
federal rules. The image is meant to show the adaption to the breaking of segregation laws. Someone of a different ethnic
background, most likely of a darker skin color, would probably view this image negatively, as the African-American girl in the
image is being looked at in shock by her classmates, they would most likely detest the classmate's response to the girls presence.

The way the girl is viewed is dehumanizing, creating an offensive perception of African- Americans in general. I may view this
image as in a more historical context, as I am not part of the culture that this image is targeted to.
http://segregation-opportunity-race.tumblr.com/

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 is significant in remembering one of the most important activists of the civil rights era. However, there are
aspects of the memorial that could be criticized. For example, Martin Luther King is bounded by the rock that surrounds him. This
could be representative of his activism being held back by some force. There is also the fact that Martin Luther King is shown to be
standing alone, and not with other activists or supporters of civil rights, diluting what MLK's imapct was.The memorial also depicts
Martin Luther King in a restrictive pose, with both his arms crossed, which could represent being reserved as opposed to being active
in a movement.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Memorial

Thread 1
This is a two-part question. Please post your own response by Friday, March 31at 10:00 am, and respond to at least two other
students’ responses by Sunday, April 2 at 10:00 pm.
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? (Limit your response to 250 words.)
A place in my house that is representative of my culture would be the kitchen. Within the kitchen, there is a collection of kosher foods
and matzah. That is also where we place our menorahs for Chanukah. I consider the Menorah to be a part of my ethnic background,
because even though this is part of a religious practice, it was common place in the households of my relatives. Since most of my
relatives come from the same geographic location, these practices were common place for my ancestors. There has been an influence
from the Jewish community on the physical environment is evident, as there are multiple places of Jewish worship. The influence is in

fact being preserved for multiple generations, as there architectural style is reminiscent of traditional Jewish architecture, which is
complimented by the fact that the Temples have been around for decades.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Memorial

This thread will focus on the ethnic characteristics of sports branding. Please post your own response by Friday, March 31at
10:00 am, and respond to at least two other students’ responses by Sunday, April 2 at 10:00 pm.
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.)
While these controversial names could very well be deemed offensive, forcing these teams to change the names still would not fix the
bigger problem. That problem being that people still deem it okay for these offensive names to still be used. Changing the title of these
team names will most likely cause some sort of uproar from the public claiming that the people in charge of these sports teams are
being too sensitive. The problem is social attitudes towards these kinds of issues.
http://americanfootball.wikia.com/wiki/Washington_Redskins

Please post your own response by Friday, April 7 at 10:00 am, and respond to at least one other student’s response by Sunday,
April 9 at 10:00 pm.
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.)
This image is meant to communicate the idea that men and women are equal in society. Within the image, an outline of a man and a
woman are placed upon a scale. This type of scale is commonly used in the American court justice system. This means that within a
high power in American society, symbolized here with the symbol for the court system, men and women have the ability to be equal.
https://instanonymous.com/t/womenpower

Please post your own response by Friday, April 7 at 10:00 am, and respond to at least one other student’s response by Sunday,
April 9 at 10:00 pm.
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.)
(Other students in your group can comment on which of your two arguments is the most convincing and why.)
Requiring people to use the bathroom based on their biological gender seems like an unnecessary waste of money. How would
the government determine what gender someone is? If a person looks like someone of the opposite gender, are they just not
allowed to use that bathroom? People use the bathroom of the opposite gender all the time. I've had to use the women's
bathroom due to certain circumstances, my family members have had to do the same, and my friends have had to do the same.
If you want to try and make people use the bathroom the matches their biological sex, then go ahead. It's just a waste of the
people's money so that some people can feel more comfortable while being surrounded by other people's bodily functions.

I also do not see how this bill would stop sick people from entering a bathroom. Unless theres a bouncer outside of every
bathroom checking to see if someone has a criminal background, then there is nothing this bill can do to prevent that. The thing
about criminals is that they don't seem to follow laws, so I doubt a bill will end their ways of sexual assault and make them law
abiding citizens.
http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/322677-transgender-bathroom-bill-gets-first-hearing-in-texas

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 photograph, and make certain that you are in at least one of the two
photographs.

The above image was taken at Buffalo's historic Silo City. I would describe this location as crusty, as many of the buildings have been
abandoned for decades. many of the buildings have not been preserved well, and are starting to fall apart. This discriminates against
people trying to learn about the history of Buffalo.
The above image was taken at a Macy's in Buffalo. I would describe this location as jittery, as one is constantly surrounded by
products in a setting with harsh, bright lights. This location discriminates against people of a lower economic standing, as they may
not be able to afford some of the products that is constantly surrounding them.

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?
Employment is the most significant method of helping people out of poverty. The housing for Crabtree and people in a similar
situation should be placed near an industry with a high societal importance. They should also live near a public transportation route, as
transportation can become an issue. Next, my team and I would develope a housing system for people with a similar line of work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ZpauS5Doo

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 thing that is more than likely to get a group of older people to intermingle with one another could be events that remind them of
their youth. This could include music and film from their era being placed in a certain era so that people can form a bond over a
common interest.
https://www.northpennymca.org/our-programs/older-adult-programs/
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?
If people are living longer, the need of more mass production for nearly all vital objects, such as food, drinks, shelter, etc., must
increase. In order for this to happen, more diverse employment must occur to meet the increasing need. With more human
employment, the dependence of technology will be stronger than ever. Technology is one of the main aspects causing people to live
longer lives, as it helps doctors with medical breakthroughs. Technology will have a bigger role in finding new medicine, physically
assisting people in their more advanced age, and providing more ways for people to become social in order to maintain a healthy
mindset.
http://advtechconsultants.com/WhatisTechnology.htm

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.
I chose Low Physical Effort as my universal design principle. The first photo shows a sink with two knobs for hot and cold. Both
of the knobs do not seem to conform to the design of the human hand, nor does it show any clear instructions as to how to turn
it. The second picture shows an automated sink that can turned on by a simple touch of the hand.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g312630-d1186136-i149732729-Laughing_Waters_Guest_House-Hazyview_
Mpumalanga.html

https://wshg.net/the-home/2013-11-05/the-beauty-of-universal-design/

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.
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?
As technologies for reproduction enhance, society must remember a more advanced society can still result in a harsh social hierarchy.
These social hierarchies will be different from what we have in our current society, but will still result in the same conflicts. Being
able to genetically engineer our own children will result in more pressure on children to be as close to perfect as possible.

http://www.newgrounds.com/bbs/topic/1170266

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 Wiseman should have been able to film in the facility. Common areas of the Correctional Facility should have been
areas where anyone could film, seeing as it would oversee a large group of people. Filming individuals may seem like a more direct
violation of personal privacy, but perhaps focusing in on certain people in a more crowded situation could ease the tension on that
issue. This film can be of value to designers by showing them how certain areas can lead to social interactions.
http://www.zipporah.com/films/22

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”?
Not wanting a group home built could be common for families who could be concerned about their kids. Actions like public
masturbation and screaming would most likely turn adults off to the idea. However, people with challenging behavior do need a

place to reside. I would support a group home, but certain accommodations should be made. The group home should have
multiple layers of privacy from the street so that spontaneous interactions do not cause any problems. The group home should
have a well crafted sound proof wall to silence the screaming, and one sided windows so that the residents can see outside, but
the public cannot see inside in order to not see lewd acts being performed.
https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Nature-Our-Institutional-Models/dp/093754003X

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?
St. Mary of the Isle is one of the most popular places of worship in my hometown. It is a Catholic Church located on the main street of
my town. Seeing as how popular the Catholic faith was with the original developers of my home town, many of the most commercial
buildings were developed near the church. Since more places of worship have been developed over time, as well as an influx of other
religions, the Church may not be as significant as it once was, but is still used by a large population. In the future, the church could be
used as a location to see what types of commercial businesses can be used nearby.

https://leebythesea.me/2015/12/23/sipping-the-season/

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 someone in the architecture major, one of the most common problems we face is how can we make architecture applicable to every
type of person. We address this issue by taking the needs of these people into account, and then designing a way for people to function
without facing any challenges.

Arc211: American Diversity and Design Jaxon Klein

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