ARC 211: American Diversity and Design: Morgan von Hedemann

Morgan J. von Hedemann
University at Buffalo
State University of New York
American
Diversity and
Design
Discussion
Questions
ARC 211: American Diversity and Design
Spring 2017

Welcome:
Hello, my name is Morgan von Hedemann and I am a freshman at the University at Buffalo for
the 2016-2017 school year. Taking this Diversity and Design course has really been a revelation for
me. This course has led me to develop a new perspective on that way that I see things. For example,
when I look at an entrance of a building, I used to look at it and simply think that it was designed just
to look nice. However, through this course that I learned that everything is built with a purpose and
carefully designed to fit the needs of the people. Now I look at the entrance and I see so many
different functionalities that to many go unnoticed. As a future engineer, I really think this course will
help me in seeing the hidden potential in things and allow me to make innovations that others simply
would not see. Everything in this world is designed and built for the optimal results no matter who
uses it. That is the beauty of this course. That is Architecture. 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.

Week 1 Module Thread 1: Introduction
This thread provides you with an opportunity to "meet"
each other and initiate a connection with participants in
your group. In responding to this discussion
thread, please introduce yourself and provide us with one
interesting fact about yourself. After posting your
introduction, take a look through and reply to some of
the others. The purpose of this exercise is to develop a
sense of community. You might find that you share
similar experiences and can help each other in many ways
throughout the semester.  
Hello, my name is Morgan von Hedemann and I am a
freshman here at the University at Buffalo. I am planning
to go for a dual degree in Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering. Growing up, I lived in Niagara Falls, NY about
two miles from the actual Niagara Falls and a stone’s
throw away from the gorge. My sophomore year of high
school, my family and I moved out to Sanborn, NY, a
farming community. Hockey has been a big part of my life
and I have been playing it for most of it. I grew up playing
on mainly local teams and branched out and began to
play across the country. I am currently a goaltender on
the Men’s D1 ACHA Hockey team here and love every
second of it. I am excited to start my second semester
here at the University at Buffalo. Go Bulls!!
This is a picture of me taken at the Rochester
Institute of Technology by my friend Sydney Celeste

Week 1 Module Thread 2: Response to “What is Design?” from Hello World
On “What is design?” from Hello World: Where
Design Meets Life by Alice Rawsthron
The author opened her chapter with the
example of Ying Zheng, the ruler of the Qin
empire, one of the most powerful and enduring
empires I the history of China. She explained
how design innovation contributed to Ying
Zheng’s success. For example, in the
development of weaponry, he resolved many
problems by standardizing parts, and this single
innovation gave his armies great advantage
over other armies.
For this discussion, let’s move away from 246
B.C. China, and into the U.S. Describe an
innovation or invention (can be current or
historical) that gave advantage to a group of
people in the U.S. or to the population as a
whole. What were the social impacts of this
innovation? Were any groups negatively
impacted by this innovation? For example, the
telegraph, developed and patented in the
United States in 1837 by Samuel Morse,
permitted people and commerce to transmit
messages across both continents and oceans
almost instantly, with widespread social and
economic impacts. This heightened
communication speed allowed business
persons to make decisions with up-to-date
information, often resulting in big profits. Those
without access had to rely on outdated information, which put them at a disadvantage.
One innovation that I think provided a significant advantage to a group of people was the invention of
the Rail Road Systems across the United states. Specifically, the Transcontinental Rail Road that was
finished in 18691
. Many people greatly benefited from the creation of this rail road. Some of these
people includes merchants, laborers, and the everyday person. Merchants were now able to ship their
items faster and to more locations across the country for a much lower price, not to mention it was a
lot more reliable as well. The laborers benefited due to labor being needed to build the tracks and get
them ready to use as well as to maintain the tracks so that the trains could run efficiently. Also, the
everyday person prospered from this because they could travel quicker and safer across the country.
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One group that suffered from the building of railroads were the Native Americans and Farmers. The
main disadvantage that they were victim to was that they were subject to their land being taken away
from them in order to build the rail roads. This was especially true with the native Americans. Many of
the farmers were at least offered some sort of alternative or compensation for their land but the
natives most of the time just had their land stripped from them.
1
"First transcontinental railroad is completed." History.com. Accessed May 02, 2017.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-transcontinental-railroad-is-completed.

Week 1 Module Thread 3: 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.)
One design that was affected by a diversity group was that of signs. At some point in time, a sign
simply only had writing on it to convey its information. For most people, this was adequate to get the
point across and convey the information. However, there were many people that were not able to get
the necessary information from these signs. One group that lacked the ability to gain information
from these signs was the blind. Since the blind clearly not being able to respond to and gather useful
information from these signs, something had to be done to make these signs useful for the blind and
visually impaired. Thus, the integration of brail was seen on the signs as a way for the blind to
understand the information on the signs.
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cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ADA-Braille-
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Week 2 Module Thread 1: Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED Talk on Photographs
Where would you place the images shown in Photos That
Changed the World into Croteau and Hoynes' diagram
entitled “Model of Media and the Social World”? Identify a
mass media photograph taken in your own lifetime that
has served as an icon of an event. (Feel free to add an
attachment.) What roles does this photo play in the
communication of the event?
One mass media image that served as an icon for an
event is the flag raising at the ruins of the attack on the
world trade center by the firefighters that were there.
This picture really speaks volumes to me and has stuck in
my head as something that is truly inspirational. After
these attacks, people across the nation went into panic
mode and did not know what to do. The country was in
shambles as they did not know who to blame. This picture
then became an icon in uniting the people and bringing
back a sense of nationalism to the country. With this the
nation began to stand tall and rebuild. The nation began
to look at these tragic events as a chance to band
together and stand up for one and other. Even now this
picture remains iconic not only as in to remember the
horrid events of September eleventh, but to show the
strong sense of nationalism across the country and the
perseverance of America. This is an image that truly
highlights the pride and American spirt that resides within
every American.
http://blog.onemodelplace.com/2011/09/08/story-
behind-iconic-image-of-firemen-raising-flag-during-
911/firemen-raise-flag-2/

Week 2 Module Thread 2: Response to Article on Hats as a Communication Design
Typically, we do not think of hats as elements of mass
media or social media. However, the two hats (red and
pink) discussed in the articles certainly have taken on
that role. Why are the two hats (red and pink) mentioned
in the articles vehicles of communication design? What
meanings do each of the two hats carry? In terms of
communication design, how are they similar? And how
are they different from one another?
Mass media is typically thought of to be something
through the news, radio, movies, or anything of that
nature. When we think of mass media, we normally do
not think of clothing, Why not? The clothing we wear
sends a message to everyone around us. In the two
articles the hats are prime examples of this. These hats
became icons for their causes. The red hat appealed to
the middle-class Americans that believed in a true
reform of the crooked American political system and the
thought that Trump can bring about that change. Also,
the believed in many of Trumps propaganda of
reforming the economy and cracking down on the illegal
immigration problem. The pink hats were essentially the
opposite of that. These pink hats were known as the
pussy hats. The goal of the people that were behind this
movement was to promote women’s rights and
ultimately show a strong protest for the new president
Trump as he was posed as someone who put down
women.1
Despite the distinct differences between these
two hats they did share some similarities. Both hats
became icons for their ideas. They became a form of
unification for the people that stood behind that issue.https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source
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Week 3 Module Thread 1: Response to “Industrial Design” by John Haskett and “The Incredible
Inventions of Intuitive Al” by Maurice Conti
In his chapter on industrial design (written in 1987), historian John
Heskett claims that the methods of mass production introduced by
Henry Ford in the U.S. involved new concepts of the standardization
and integration of the production line that were adopted across the
world. With Ford’s method, work could be completed by relatively
unskilled workers; it was more efficient and with this method,
products were made more quickly and cheaply than previously
possible. What were some of the social consequences of Ford’s
production line? In other words, how did this system change our U.S.
society? Do any of those changes remain with us today? Now consider
Maurice Conti’s TED Talk, and the predictions he makes about
production. How do you think manufacturing processes will change in
the next twenty years? How do you think these changes will affect our
U.S. society?
The effects of Henry Ford’s production line revolutionized the way
that things were produced. The idea off mass production was now
becoming the norm in the way of producing goods. The new systems
eliminated the need for mass amount of people needed to build cars
therefore cutting costs on a mass scale. This unfortunately put a lot of
people out of work. As other companies began to take on this system
of mass production the prices of all products went down drastically.
The companies were now able to sell their products for less, meaning
selling more of them, and making bigger margins on the products.
Today this idea continues today but is growing ion a larger scale.
Today with the advancements of technologies the need for humans to
make goods is almost obsolete because machines make just about
everything. In the next twenty years, I believe that technology will
develop a very efficient form of artificial intelligence that you will be
able to simply develop its own ideas about what it wants to design
and may even come up with the next big idea or revolutionary topic of
product. This could completely redesign the US society with new product that could change
everything from the we move, make things, and even think.
1
"Here's where all those pink hats at the women's march originated," Los Angeles Times, 7, accessed
May 02, 2017, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-pol-womens-march-live-here-s-where-all-
those-pink-hats-at-the-1485009172-htmlstory.html.
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Week 3 Thread 2: Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy
the Cradle-to-Cradle concept developed by architect
William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart? How
does this product resist or disregard the concept? Provide an
example of any product that embraces Cradle-to-Cradle
design. Please describe and cite your source.
While looking over the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products, I
couldn't help but to notice that some of the items are the
exact opposite of the cradle to cradle concept. The car, in this
case the BMW, is something that stood out to me.1
To make a
car it takes many non-renewable resources to make the car
and it takes these resources to make the car run as well. Not
to mention the pollution for the vehicle produces is harmful to
the environment. The only reason that we use the cars is for
our own selfish reasons of getting around which unfortunately
we do need to do. On idea that did make sense to the whole
cradle to cradle concept was that of cardboard virtual reality
viewers for cell phones.2
This is a great idea because we are
always coming out with new technology and becoming more
advanced. Therefore, our technology is constantly becoming
outdated and there is a growing amount of technological
waste. With the introduction of cardboard technology, these
outdated pieces would be more environmentally friendly and
the footprint on the Earth is being reduced.
1
"BMW X1." Industrial Designers Society of America - IDSA. August 18, 2016. Accessed May 02,
2017. http://www.idsa.org/awards/idea/automotive-transportation/bmw-x1-0.
2
"Considered Award: Cardboard." Industrial Designers Society of America - IDSA. January 20, 2016.
Accessed May 02, 2017. http://www.idsa.org/awards/idea/cardboard.
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alternative.html&psig=AFQjCNF8mQ25wXZvV
o2_CUlLAwc6zlXS7g&ust=1493260392304523

Week 4 Module Thread 1: Response to All Module 4 Materials
Your readings and viewings this week present different ways of
thinking about architecture. Mies Van der Rohe describes
architecture as “The will of the epoch translated into space.”
Andrew Ballantyne describes architecture as the background for
life. Jeanne Gang describes it as the act of building relationships.
All agree that architecture can change based on context and
culture. Choose two works of architecture from any of your
materials this week—one with sensibilities about the past and
one with sensibilities about the present and/or future. How do
each of these buildings either reflect or challenge their cultural
contexts? (Use the SEE-IT method to respond to this question.)
The two pieces of architecture that I chose are the Virginia State
House in Richmond, VA and the Robie House in Chicago, IL. I
chose the State house designed by Thomas Jefferson. I believe
that this building has some certain sensibilities about the past.
This is because this building essentially laid out the ground work
and basis for how much of government and political buildings
would look throughout time. Jefferson took the designs
from Greek and Roman times and recaptured them to send a
message to the people and to break away from the monarchy
of Britain. Specifically, the pillars and the roman architecture that
really defined that building. the same concepts can be seen in
buildings in Boston and Washington D.C. where much of the
political workings occurred at one point or another. The Robie
house, I picked because it was a modern-day house with a
modern-day design that relates directly to many modern-day
houses. This one particularly speaks to me because I live in one
of the houses that the design of that house inspired, the ranch.
Throughout the more rural areas these houses are seen
everywhere. And it’s to thanks to the Robie house, described as a
prairie house, that these houses exist and have become so
popular among today’s people.
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Week 4 Module Thread 2: 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.)
After reading the articles it is easy to see just how and
why these architects could gain the status they have. It is
obvious and almost is understood that both architects see
a profound beauty and importance in architecture that to
the common man’s eye can simply be skimmed over.
They both believe that during our day to day life we
overlook all the architecture that surrounds us and really
plays a vital role in the way go about or daily lives. In
Ballantyne's piece, he believed that the reason that so
much of the architecture that is overlooked is due to the
habits that we fall into. He compared them to playing the
piano. Where at the first sight of seeing the first sight of a
building we are captivated and almost struggle to
comprehend what is in front of us. Yet eventually we
become accustomed to the nature of the buildings or in
the example that he gave, the notes that lay on the paper.
We then focus on how everything flows together and we
no longer notice the beauty of the where it began and
what goes into everything when it is all "running smooth".
In Zumthor's piece, he believes that sometimes we are
simply just not aware of what the architecture is around
us and the moods and feelings that it can bring us. In the
beginning of his piece he captured this idea as he talked
about the door handle to his aunt’s garden and the
feelings that would come from that handle and what laid
behind that door. All the smallest things are what set the mood and give off the vibes and feelings
that web experience. Everything from the gravel underneath your feet, to the way that the tiles are
laid out on the floor to the way the lighting makes you feel. Every little thing, even without you
realizing makes you feel a certain way and can impact your mood and the way you feel.
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Week 5 Module Thread 1: 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 community that even though it was relatively large, it was very close knit. Everything
was pretty much in walking distance or a short bike ride away. The elementary school was at the
center off the main road, Lewiston Rd, and that was what the community was based around. It had a
baseball field and soccer field and was a popular hangout spot for kids and teens. There was a set of
fields and playgrounds down the street that were equally as popular as the ones at the school but
usually attracted an older crowd. All the other streets were basically branched off this street and
were mostly connected to one another making it quite easy to get around. This community was just
outside of the city so it avoided all the problems of the big cities yet was still close enough that we
could go into the city with just a bike or short car ride. Growing up, the community was only 3 miles
away from Niagara Falls and a stone’s throw away from the gorge. These became a big part of what
the community revolved around as well because of all the trails and paths that went through and
connected everything. The community was purely residential and was extremely close knit which
made it feel very comforting and welcoming. There were restrictions on noise and building size and
police officers patrolled around hangouts at night to ensure that the quiet community stays that way.
One of the main things that made this little corner of the world so special was the tree coverage and
natural beauty that was kept throughout the streets. These streets were especially beautiful in the
fall when the leaves changed color and really made this a special place to live.
I took this picture back in 2013 before I moved out of Niagara Falls. This is a section of my old street that shows the beauty of
all of the streets in the area.

Week 5 Module Thread 2: Response to Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen, and Larson
Imagine that you are part of an 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?
If I was a part of the urban planning team that was assigned to
rebuild the Pruitt Igoe projects there would be several things that
would be implemented. The first thing that I would bring attention
to would be would be the idea of creating a place that people want
to stay. Yes, the Igoe buildings were a nice place that people were
excited to at first be living at. But ultimately the people ended up
leaving. I believed if that if they were to directly integrate a
community within the buildings and make them a fun place to live.
Implements parks and recreation and stores and things of that
nature. There would also need to be an implementation of strong
maintenance crews to keep these things up and running and nice
again making people want to live there. Another concerning issue
would revolve around the pricing. On big problem was that it was
cheaper to live outside the city and with better conditions. This was a growing problem because a
growing number of people (primarily white) would move to the suburbs leaving the rest of people
(primarily black and other minorities) in the projects. This created a separation between the races and
made the African American people feel as if they were lesser and not respect the buildings as much. A
sense of equality needed to be established, and just because people had to live in the city (the
projects) to work, doesn't mean that they can be taken advantage of and letting the condition of
which they lived become more and more poor. Another thing that I would implement would be less
restrictions on the people that live here. When people first moved in, the people that ran the Igoe
buildings checked in on people regularly to make sure they followed all the implemented restrictions
such as no television's, no men in the homes, and not changing anything. The more freedom people
are given, to an extent, would make people want to live there and make it a thriving community.
Talen would agree with the ideals of equality between the suburbs and the projects to promote a
sense of equality and hopefully integration between the races so that the distinct separation between
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the races would decrease and hopefully bring an end sooner than prolong it. Larson would agree with
the ideals of applying almost a mini city within the projects making the people not wanting to leave
and so that they'd have everything right there at their disposal so that there’s no reason, need or
want, to leave.

Week 6 Module Thread 1: 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?
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&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblackcapitalnetwork.wordpress.com%2F2013%2F11%2F02%2Fbe-in-the-know-canalside-buffalo-is-
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As a Buffalo native, born and raised, it is easy for me to support and explain the basis for why Buffalo
is the best planned city. Buffalo, is very easily seen as divided up between residential and business. As
you get into the heart of the city, you much of the factories and the office buildings that provide a lot
of the employment opportunities for the public. As you began to move away from the city, the
residential sprawls begin to form housing much of the population. Although this divide can be seen, it
is not so distinct that it makes it hard to get between places. It is in fact very easy to commute both
into and out of the city and get around between all the different counties and subdivisions
surrounding Buffalo. All the streets in Buffalo are easy to navigate, so therefore it is hard to get lost.
They all connect and usually end up leading towards the main parts of the city. With several Parks,
Buffalo also was very strong in highlighting the natural beauty of the region. Plus, One of the seven
wonders of the world, Niagara Falls, is only a short distance away. This not only attracts people to the
city, but also encourages them to come to city and yet go back to the communities and explore all
over the area surrounding Buffalo. I believe that since that Olmsted made that statement, Buffalo has
only gotten better. I believe this to be true because not only is the city just a place for business, it’s
now a common place of leisure as well. By this I mean that people want to go into the city for reasons
other than work. With the addition of several sports teams, Canal-side, many concerts, Riverworks,
and many other attractions such as bars and restaurants, people flock to the city on weekends and
nights in their spare time to enjoy. Also, there have been many parks that have been implement that
people go to enjoy the scenery of the area. Due to this, all of Buffalo's surrounds have grown to and
people come from all over to live here. In addition, despite how much they complain about our sports
teams and our weather there is a reason that most people choose to stay here in buffalo. Buffalo is
still a center for business, but is yet a center for so much more now as well and has only grown since
then and that is all that it will continue to do.

Week 6 Module Thread 2: 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).
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj1jP2YmMHTAhUEJCYKHby8CCEQjRwI
Bw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fparks.ny.gov%2Fparks%2F11%2Fdetails.aspx&psig=AFQjCNH6FHC0AHEkEZiv_ihw2QI5O1TTYA&ust=149326393484
4041
One thing that I think should be memorialized should be the parks down in Deveaux in Niagara Falls,
the town where I grew up. I believe this because over the years many people have dedicated their
life's to taking care of and maintaining the parks even though they are state parks and should be
maintained by the state. These people outside their daily jobs and even long after their kids stop
using the parks or move away are still taking care of the parks. A couple have even devoted their life
to it. From this maybe more attention will be brought to it. The trails and fields are all over grown and
the playgrounds are so beat up and vandalized that parents don't even want their kids to go there.
With this, the park will become even more of a bigger part the town and bring in the community to
remember all the work that these people put in and how great the area is. This involve some pathway
that lead to the almost hidden paths outback that lead to the gorge and trim back the overgrown
forestry. Have crews repair the damaged buildings and improve them as well. Also, the sports fields
can be brought back to life to make the place a bit livelier and not look like a dump. One last thing is
that the addition of some benches and places to sit in the forests or places the beautiful scenery
would be involved for people to relax on and enjoy the beauty and nature of the park. From this you
will see people come here to walk the dog, exercise, or even just hang out.

Week 7 Module Thread 1: 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 heritages 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.)
Looking through pictures online, this one seemed to stick
out to me among others. Looking at this picture it really
makes me think about all the labels that the African
American men in today’s society are faced with. As a
person who grew up in Niagara Falls, where there was a
very diverse population, I was very accustomed to being
with and around people of other ethnicities and cultures.
From this i had a very diverse friend group. I knew that
these stigmas are extremely false because I do not know
of one person that fits the stigma of African American
men possessing these aspects. Therefore, seeing this
picture infuriates me because there are still people that
think this way even though it is not true. Those people
are the reason that the stigma still exists, because they
are too stubborn to believe anything else. If I were to put
myself in say an African American man's position I would
again be very angry because it is a stigma against my
culture that is false. This might differ slightly in a way
that they would be more offended because it is against
them and just makes people think bad of them before
even getting to know them.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s
&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUK
Ewidt-
rLmcHTAhUISCYKHTSVDVoQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%
2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fblackmattersus%2Fstatus%2F
689534047744176128&psig=AFQjCNE51dfwRfWJ9s
RjiWdPC8n3lFxHmA&ust=1493264406359117

Week 7 Module Thread 2: 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.)
I chose to analyze the MLK memorial in Washington D.C. A few
years ago, I presented with the opportunity to see this memorial in
person and got to witness the power that this monument really
has and the powerful message that it conveys. This monument
shows King symbolically breaking away from the norms of society
as he protrudes from a rock like formation which is the "norm". It’s
does a good job at highlighting the true power that his movements
had and how they affected others but I believe that a few things
could be changed. I think that since other people had a significant
influence and need to be recognized as well as King in this
monument. This is here I believe that the Historical Context
matters. All the people that supported King, all the big names that
really made his success truly possible should at least somehow be
worked into the monument. This would also involve the radical
inclusion. Also by doing this, it would make the invisible visible by
showing all the people that nobody knew about that made it all
possible. From this it will speak to the future and show the future
generations a way to get the things they want and promote
equality and the greater good in society. This can be done by
maybe including a wall with these people or a pathway out from
the stone to King lined with pictures and stories of these people on
the ground or signs.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j
&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=r
ja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiUoajHm8HTA
hVM6CYKHWVbDZ0QjRwIBw&url=http%
3A%2F%2Fwww.commdiginews.com%2F
life%2Fdr-martin-luther-king-asked-
when-will-you-be-satisfied-
3542%2F&psig=AFQjCNEixJ_Ewd9U3JO5
Pzm-
PHJg3L8MPg&ust=1493264921074124

Week 8 Module Thread 1: Response to “Landscape Stories” Chapter
First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors and/or outdoors) that
you think of as representative of your own ethnic background and discuss why you consider this
place to be ‘ethnic’. –OR-- Describe an object in your home that you think of as representative of your
ethnic background and discuss why this object is considered to be ‘ethnic’. (If possible, add photo/s.)
Is this object or place something that you will keep or continue when you establish your own home?
Why or why not?
Now let’s move into your community. In “Landscape Stories,” the authors show how landscape
architects develop a historical narrative that sifts through and interprets the culture and material of
underrepresented groups. Think about the community where you grew up. Describe and discuss any
evidence of cultural influences on the physical environment in your community. If possible, describe
evidence of the cultural influence of an underrepresented group. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this
cultural influence being acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or why not? (Limit
your response to 250 words.)
One thing in my house that describes my ethnic
background is the painting of my family crest that is hung
in our living room. The von Hedemann family is originally
from Denmark where the von stands nobility. My family is
something that is very important to me as well as the rest
of my family. Keeping up the traditions of my family is also
something that we try to hold onto. Whether it’s the
traditional dinners to the family gatherings to reaching out
to the family that lives all over the world, we always make
time for our family. Family is something that hold very
close to me and that’s part of what makes our family so
special is the close family ties.
In the community that I grew up in a lot of the streets,
including the one that I grew up living on, were named after
the key historic people around Niagara Falls. Along with the
street names there are also statues and plaques at all the
key buildings like the town hall. Many of these people are
immigrants or descendants of immigrants that came to the
area. The city is area is always kept up and kept clean
making it a safe and welcoming environment for families.
This is one of things that makes the area such nice place to
live as well as a desirable place to live.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc
=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0
ahUKEwi5yqPunMHTAhUEQCYKHTzDCGAQjRwIB
w&url=%2Furl%3Fsa%3Di%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%
26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dimages%26cd%3D%26
cad%3Drja%26uact%3D8%26ved%3D0ahUKEwi5y
qPunMHTAhUEQCYKHTzDCGAQjRwIBw%26url%3
Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.rambow.de%252F
das-geschlecht-
hedemann.html%26psig%3DAFQjCNFoae4uDeOU
SaNZBU1FaYIGuC5hdQ%26ust%3D149326529428
0781&psig=AFQjCNFoae4uDeOUSaNZBU1FaYIGu
C5hdQ&ust=1493265294280781

Week 8 Module Thread 2: Response to Article on Sports Branding
Recent controversies about sports branding focus on ethnicity. The Washington Redskins team is just
one example of the larger controversy, but it receives the most public attention due to the name
itself being defined as derogatory or insulting in modern dictionaries, and the prominence of the
team representing the nation’s capital. Should sports team branding designers use ethnic references
(Fighting Irish, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Braves, etc.)? Why? Why not? What are some of the
complexities of this issue? (Limit your response to 150 words.)
Personally, I do not think that these names pose an issue in today’s
society. Therefore, I do not believe that they need to be changed. First
off, these names have been around for a long time many since the
origin of the teams. Before answering this question, I went around the
library and asked a few of my friends and a few random strangers
what they thought of the issue and I felt that there was a consensus
that the terms were not derogatory, even when asked about the
Redskins’ name. Also, the Washington Post conducted a survey
regarding whether people thought the name of the Redskin’s was
offensive. It was found that over 70% of people non-tribe related and
about 75% of people in a tribe or with native ancestry did not find the
name of the Redskins offensive.1
I think that because these teams
have these names they have lost their demeaning meanings. I believe
that if the teams and the fans are respectful of the cultures and aren't
make fun of it, then these names are simply names. Even though the
dictionary may set the word redskin as something that is derogatory, it
must be understood that the meaning of some words can change and
many will change over time. Especially racial words like that as we
move towards a more racially diverse and friendly society.
1
Shapira, Ian. "A brief history of the word 'redskin' and how it became
a source of controversy." The Washington Post. May 19, 2016.
Accessed May 02, 2017. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/a-
brief-history-of-the-word-redskin-and-how-it-became-a-source-of-
controversy/2016/05/19/062cd618-187f-11e6-9e16-
2e5a123aac62_story.html?utm_term=.ef3ab148bc52.
=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi
MuOrU_9HTAhWG54MKHa6TBrMQ
jRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fftw.us
atoday.com%2F2016%2F09%2Fall-
or-nothing-washington-redskins-
2016-
preview&psig=AFQjCNFmBSSIH6-
tBZMQkyyKGJvKjxYT_w&ust=14938
41571830681

Week 9 Module: Response to “Visualizing Gender” Chapter
In their chapter “Communicating Gender,” Maya Ganesh and Gabi Sobliye discuss two primary visual
advocacy approaches: 1) get the idea, and 2) stories in data. Find a new example of either of the two
visual advocacy approaches to gender issues, and post it in this thread. Cite the source.
First, identify the approach. Then explain how the designer uses the approach to communicate a
gender issue. Is the approach effective in this example? Why or why not? How could this graphic be
improved? (Limit your response to 200 words.)
This picture shows the idea that both men and women
are equal. The author conveys this message through
iconic images that show the two genders and then a
short message that simply states that the two
genders are equal. This image is something that is
very simple, yet very affective. This approach is one
that is strictly visual. There is really no information or
statistical data that can be taken from this image.
Again, simplicity is key here and sometimes that is the
most powerful of ways to get a message across. Less
is often more. One way that I would make this picture
better is to maybe integrate a face that possess both
masculine and feminine features and combines them
into one face. I think this would be a cool and simple
idea that would get the idea across in a simple manor
yet adding some humor into the topic.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct
=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&ua
ct=8&ved=0ahUKEwjxxf6wzMPTAhVBRCYKHX86
Br0QjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinter
est.com%2Fpin%2F503769908299589588%2F&p
sig=AFQjCNFmaE8701XSMoTl5I-
NgyfD2Fyzfw&ust=1493346745875525

Week 9 Module Thread 2: 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.
Argument for Should:
People should be allowed to use either bathroom because the issue of
choosing a gender identity is something that some people cannot due because
they simply do not know what they are as a gender. This is unfair to these
people and they should be able to go into whatever bathroom they feel
comfortable with.
Argument for Should not:
People should not be allowed to go into whatever bathroom they want, they
should have to go into the bathroom of the gender that they were assigned
with at birth. This is essentially for privacy issues and the how the rest of the
public feel about the issue. Many people would not be comfortable with people
with the opposite body parts coming into their bathroom and that would just
make a lot of people uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there is also a problem
with the perverted people in the world and these people could just call
themselves the opposite gender just to get into the other bathroom.
A Suggested Fix:
I think a fair fix to this problem would be an involvement of a third bathroom
for those that are unsure of their gender identity or do not want to choose their
gender identity. This would allow people to go into that bathroom if they didn't
have a gender or had changed their gender. This would make everyone happy
and allow for people to go into a bathroom that best suited them. This would
also alleviate the worry about perverts or the people that just want to go into
the bathroom of the other gender.
https://www.google.com/url?sa
=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=im
ages&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved
=0ahUKEwjbwcWczsPTAhXDRSY
KHci3CnEQjRwIBw&url=http%3A
%2F%2Fwww.fnewsmagazine.co
m%2F2006-
feb%2Fgraffiti_1.html&psig=AFQ
jCNFZXd5KCFgQk5BDKSxoEW1K
uRp92w&ust=149334721432283
0

Week 10 Module Thread 1: Response to Hidden Ways
Author Steven Flusty categorized five types of disciplinary architecture that perpetuate what he calls
urban spatial injustice: 1) stealthy, 2) slippery, 3) crusty, 4) prickly, and 5) jittery. Go out into the city of
Buffalo, and find/photograph two examples from the list of five. Identify what type of space you’ve
photographed and why it might discriminate against a specific population. Identify the location where
you took the photograph, and make certain that you are in at least one of the two photographs.
The two disciplines that I chose were crusty and jittery.
This spot is one that speaks to me as a crusty spot. This is supposed to be a public playground for
kids. However, despite this being completely visible to the public, there is a gate at the bottom of the
stairs that restricts access from people getting in. This playground is out between the management
buildings and Lockwood library and throughout the almost two semesters that I have been here at
the University at Buffalo, I have never seen anyone on or near this playground and I pass by it almost
every day as I pass between classes and the library.
To me this picture represents a jittery scene. This picture was
taken in the atrium in the Ellicott complex on the north campus at
the University at Buffalo. I think that this represents jittery because
there are security cameras everywhere there over watching
everything. In the atrium, as you walk around, you realize that you
cannot go anywhere in there without being in view of the cameras.
This is becoming increasingly common in all areas all around the
world as a safety precaution. However, it is also quickly becoming
an invasion of privacy.
I took this photo outside of the Lockwood Libraries on the University at Buffalo’s North Campus.
My best friend Justin Bender took this photo
for me in the Atrium at the Ellicott housing
complex.

Week 10 Module Thread 2: 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?
If I was a designer dealing with this situation my approach would be
one that would make it possible for the family to move out of poverty
only if they put forth an effort. My plan would be to integrate a system
that people living in poverty of people that need financial assistance
could buy into to by choice if they wanted the help. Within this system,
we would help them get a job, that was feasible for them to get to in
their current situation (i.e. close to home if they don't have a car, etc..).
If the person is a productive worker and puts forth an effort we would
provide them with extra funds that would help them get to the point
they need. If they were in school, if they were attending classes and
reaching a certain level of success in all their classes they could
receive compensation or incentive for them to continue their work. I
do not believe in giving people free handouts. I believe that in life you
should work for everything that you want to get. Therefore, if people
are unwilling to change their ways or work or even try, they will not be
helped by the system. Within the system, the harder the person works
and the more the person puts into the program, the more benefits
that person would receive.
=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj8
xKmf0sPTAhXKSiYKHbzfCrYQjRwIBw
&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvintage-
trailer.tumblr.com%2Fpost%2F95091
543730%2Fthese-are-sitting-in-a-
trailer-park-in-
memphis&psig=AFQjCNGtkPEVOHXu
qGrR76k3qgenyplGeg&ust=1493348
287204680

Week 11 Module Thread 1: 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?
I believe one of the main goals of this project should be to integrate
a better sense of community among the residents regardless of their
age or income, which this seems to be the biggest cause of
segregation. Growing up I went to a very big school for most of my
life. Well relative in size of other high schools, about 3,000 went to
this school. But the thing they did the best was to hold group
activities that really brought the school together and made you feel
like you were a part of something even with the extremely diverse
background of the school. The park could hold large picnics and
game days and sessions and have cookouts where everyone is
invited and encouraged to come. This is what has been effective
throughout my schooling career and especially with the dorms here
in college. Most people are eager to meet new people, and even if
they aren't, they will attend the events and make new friends. I think
that the integrations of picnic tables and pavilions as well as game
areas would be very vital to bringing together the people and
installing a sense of community.
This idea and sense of community is something that I really like and
something I always like to be involved with. This drove me to make
my living decision for next year at a place where I know that they
stress the idea of community and make it a friendly place to live and
somewhere that feels like home.
=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&c
ad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiVtOCh
08fTAhUL8IMKHZI6C-
oQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.
ocparks.com%2Fparks%2Fmile%2F&ps
ig=AFQjCNFKlwfgyNlZ3xKFMA5pIhT2J
gdo4g&ust=1493486054664355

Week 11 Module Thread 2: 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 idea that humans could live for upwards of 120 years is something that
could become a reality in the near future. This will cause massive effects on our
societies. I believe that you would see a lot more problems within society than
good things. First off, people will still be having children and will continue to do
so at an increasing rate therefore there will be in an increase in populations. I
believe that you will see an increase in the number and size of cities to house
these people because will just not be dying. There will also be a shortage of food
because we are already running into problems with not being about to feed the
population and there are a lot of people starving and people dying of starvation
globally. With an increase of people, there will be a need to figure out a way to
grow more food to feed more people with limited space to grow due to the
increasing population. Already, it is projected that there will be a food shortage
by the year 2050. By that time, the world will need an increase of over 70% of the
food source for a projected increase of population of 30%. With an even bigger
population, who knows how much food will be needed and for how long the food
sources could sustain the population.
https://www.google.com/url?
sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source
=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=
8&ved=0ahUKEwjLnNbS1MfT
AhVI04MKHZU1DaIQjRwIBw&
url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.icyt
ales.com%2Fthe-most-well-
planned-cities-the-
world%2F&psig=AFQjCNFZoP
Xrpnp_GhDd5RcgMfIG5OIqaw
&ust=1493486352193353

Week 12 Module Thread 1: 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.
Out of the 7 universal design principles I chose to use Low Physical Effort.
The first picture that I attached is that of an escalator. To
most people, this is a great example of low physical effort. Instead
of putting in the effort of climbing stairs people can just stand on
the escalators as they go up this is a great thing especially for
people that have a difficulty walking up stairs. So, for them, this
would be a very positive thing. However, to people in wheelchairs,
they cannot use this. Their wheelchairs will not fit on the stairs of
the escalator so this is still a disadvantage for them. Therefore, I
also attached a picture of an elevator. This will then empower
them to go to different floor levels just like the so called "normal
people". The only disadvantage of the elevator is that usually very
slow and that is not good for the people in a hurry. I think a good
solution for this would maybe be a lift like device that could lift
mass amounts of people standing on a platform to different levels.
https://www.google.co
m/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&e
src=s&source=images&c
d=&cad=rja&uact=8&ve
d=0ahUKEwi9-
uG2hM_TAhVW1GMKH
d4XDtIQjRwIBw&url=htt
ps%3A%2F%2Fwww.thy
ssenkruppelevator.com
%2Fescalators&psig=AF
QjCNEfRJZyESCatAYXZ4
QmfGydrLbV5Q&ust=14
93739772197791
=0ahUKEwipyZD8hM_TAhVM8m
MKHcxsCXMQjRwIBw&url=http
%3A%2F%2Felevation.wikia.com
%2Fwiki%2FElevator&psig=AFQj
CNHSKbvGWs898ivYK3roMo_pY
dQ0hQ&ust=149373990769133
4

Week 12 Module Thread 2: Response to Survey, FIXED, and Sterlarc
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. 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?
The idea of choosing what our babies will look like and genetically altering their bodies is one that I
am not very comfortable with. I think that some of the possible consequences of this are that
eventually people are going to have stock made babies and that people will all be the same and will
have no variations. Also, if everyone was made to be smart and athletic, then the competition for jobs
may be near impossible and there would be nobody to do the "dirty jobs" of the world. Also, I think
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=
s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ah
UKEwjUsKPf2dHTAhUM0IMKHREuDqsQjRwIBw&ur
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A&ust=1493831395504930

that messing with genetics would result in some long-term effects that aren't even imaginable at this
point. What effects would this have on the mind and what hidden affects would it have on the body?
This would also cause a potential problem with the people that value their religion very much as they
may see it as morally wrong and not take part in altering children and therefore may be put at a
disadvantage because of it.

Week 13 Module Thread 1: Response to Titicut Facilities
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 think that the only way that the Wiseman should have been allowed to film
this would be for the use of doctors and other health professionals to
study. By this, I mean that only serious professionals that are conducting
research should be allowed to see this. I believe this because there are a lot
of disturbing clips and images in the video of these people and the people in
these videos and the families of the people in these videos would not like
the world seeing them or their loved ones like that. Yes, it may benefit
designers and architects and others in similar fields with their ability to
design for the minorities and understand the way these people think, I just
do not think that these people should have access to these videos because
they are personal. These people do not have the ability to cognitively deny
the people taking video of them to show to the public so therefore taking
the video of them and sharing it with the public is just taking advantage of
them and using them.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rc
t=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&
cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiU4Z_
k1-
HTAhWn34MKHcwhByEQjRwIBw&url
=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.co
m%2Fpin%2F177470041536977148%
2F&psig=AFQjCNHkAuBAhnhQYdPGnn
Ykg4HJCSoeoA&ust=14943806044850
23

Module 13 Thread 2: 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”?
In this scenario, I would be very cautious to agree on the building of this home near the home of my
own. I think this is because I would be most concerned with my kids. If my kids were younger I would
have to say I would be concerned with their safety and the fact that if they saw something such as the
public masturbation or screaming, how would that affect them seeing that. If my kids were older and
knew that those things happened and could handle the possibility of being exposed to that then I
suppose I may consider it. Also, $650,000 is a lot for a house and if I am paying that much for a house
I am going to expect the neighborhood to reflect that. Not only will the value of the house
significantly decrease paying that much for a house will not be worth it if I am living near a home like
that. I feel like possible solution to this would be integrate a house with less people in a different
location maybe something more rural area and where the neighbors are adults or the children are
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ad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjygZPM
1OHTAhUGbBoKHZsLBEUQjRwIBw&url
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Fdesign%2F2011%2F09%2Fstreet-
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cLHtrZOkuNpyEgRfqN355w&ust=14943
79741088593

older or in college. And based on behavior and result then you can try integration into places such as
that kind of neighborhood.

Week 14 Module Thread 1: 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 religious structure that I chose is St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Niagara
Falls, NY.
I chose this place because growing up, this was the church that my family and
I belong to. This is also the same church that My parents got married at. In an
ever-evolving city this church is something that has remained constant since it
was rebuilt in 18731
. The church has served as a Catholic gathering spot that
is very popular among the locals. Unfortunately, the beauty and history of this
church has been overshadowed more recently by the building of the casino
right next door. For a long time the location of the church kept the casino from
being built but eventually they had no say and it was build. This is happening
more and more as the city continues to grow and change. I fear that in the
future the buildings surrounding the church will completely overshadow it and
some of its beauty may be lost.
1
"St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Niagara Falls, New York)." Wikipedia. April 16, 2017. Accessed May 11,
2017. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Episcopal_Church_(Niagara_Falls,_New_York).
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rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&
cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKE
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familypedia.wikia.com%2Fwiki%2F
File%3ASt._Peter's_Episcopal_Chur
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1438.JPG&psig=AFQjCNF6A8D_dPs
8oXhoLLHHv1xA_AO0QA&ust=149
4437968139262

Week 14 Module Thread 2: 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?
The greatest challenge that I want to tackle is the improvement of air travel.
Ever since my first trip on a plane when I was 14, I have been obsessed
with flying. Over my countless flights for hockey I have experienced my
different flaws within the word of flying and been fascinated with the idea of
being able to improve it and know how it really works. After taking this
course I have developed an insight on the way that people think and the way
that architecture affects us in every aspect of society. Taking that into
consideration I know that it will only help me as I get into the work force and
start designing things for work. Personally, I think that all aspects of air
travel need to be improved, it can be faster, more efficient, and way more
comfortable. The comfort aspect is one that stands out to me the
most. From my knowledge and my new perspectives from this course I know
that I will be able to design the best possible solutions.
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ARC 211: American Diversity and Design: Morgan von Hedemann

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