ARC 211: American Diversity and Design: Rachel Lockwood

University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 – American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Rachel Lockwood
http://highereducation.frenchculture.org/sites/default/files/diversity_and_inclusion.jpg

Diversity is quintessential to the proper functioning of a society. It is all around us, but we grow so accustomed to it that we rarely notice. My
hometown is predominantly white, and it was only upon moving to Buffalo that I began to recognize the importance of variety in a population.
ARC 211, American Diversity and Design, helped me to explore diversity in a variety of contexts. It teaches the significance of a heterogeneous
society, and how – as the newest generation of designers – us students should recognize and apply knowledge of diversity to their fields. I now
view the world from a different perspective, recognizing everyday diversity everywhere I go.
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.

RE: Thread 2: Response to "What is design?" from Hello World
Being a big reader myself, what I find to be one of the most profound historical inventions is the Johannes Gutenberg's
printing press. The printing press enabled texts to be produced with drastically more efficiency than writing by hand, and
revolutionized the written word. With the invention, reading was more available to the standard individual. As a result, knowledge
became easily attainable. A reader could not only become more
acclimated with current events (newspapers being another result of the
printing press), but could familiarize themselves with topics and
subjects normally restricted to the elite. Thus, the printing press was a
boon to lower classes in particular, to whom actual books became
affordable. Writers, as well, were actually able to make a profit with
their works. It is unlikely that many groups were negatively affected,
though it may have increased competition among educated careers,
such as those in the sciences.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Hoe%27s_six-cylinder_press.png/382px-Hoe%27s_six-cylinder_press.png

RE: Thread 3: Response to "Introduction" from Diversity and Design
One example of a design that was impacted by a diversity group is braille. Braille was invented to better facilitate reading by
blind individuals, who could previously only do so by running their fingers along
raised letters on a page. The aforementioned system was slow and difficult, and
thus braille was created. The system, interestingly, was initially intended as a
military system of communication to enable reading in the dark, but was rejected
for being too complex. It was ultimately altered as a system specifically for the
blind, resulting in significantly greater ease in reading. Braille is therefore a
translation of the initial design of the written alphabet, the latter which was forced
to attain an additional form to accommodate the disabled.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Braille_closeup.jpg/312px-Braille_closeup.jpg

RE: Thread 2: Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
The two hats mentioned in the articles are vehicles of communication design because they are intended to convey a pointed
message. The "Make America Great Again" baseball cap was mass-produced to garner support for Donald Trump's campaign. Whilst
considered a poor design, it was nonetheless an incredibly successful one. Simple and no-fuss, it incorporated its phrase in easily
readable font with the symbolic cap (considered to be as American as "apple pie and baseball"). Whilst capturing the sentiment of
returning American to its apparent glory days, it also resonates with
the intended audience as a staple of the everyday man. Interestingly,
this is a blasphemous contradiction to the president himself, an
amalgamation of wealth. Conversely, the "Pussyhats" are intended as
a protest for the Women's March on Washington. They symbolically
incorporate the color pink with cat ears, representing respectively the
female collective and Donald Trump's crude comment about grabbing
women by their genitals. Furthermore, as they are knitted by everyday
individuals, they demonstrate the rally around a common cause.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/09/06/17/2BF7D26400000578-3224244-image-a-58_1441555231875.jpg
The hats are similar in that they are both marketed towards a specific audience. The red hat was intended to garner support
from potential voters, specifically the mass public, while the pink hat was intended to garner support from females (in particular) in
support of protest. The hats were both simple and easily conveyed their respective points, and as symbols, were quickly popularized.
The hats are different in their intended audience, their messages, and their purposes, however.

RE: Thread 1: Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED Talk on Photographs
I would place the images shown in Photos That Changed the World between "media message of product" and "readers or
audience" into Croteau and Hoynes' diagram. This is because the photos typically portray a significant meaning or message, but this
message is ultimately determined by the viewer(s). Technology is not necessarily as
important (cameras took and spread the images, but stand apart from their meaning)
and the media industry merely popularized the images. A mass media photograph
taken in my own lifetime, while it isn't officially named, is of a starving Nigerian child
being given water by an aid worker. The boy was abandoned by his family, who
believed he was a witch. I recall the image becoming popular on online media, and
have seen relatively regular updates (the boy is now healthy and attending school).
Like many of the photos shown and explored in the TED Talk, it is astonishing and
inspires great emotion. The photo easily conveys the message of neglect and
abandonment, while showing hope in the form of an aid worker providing care.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/04/01/15/32B67C3A00000578-3519230-image-m-5_1459522387588.jpg

RE: Thread 1: Response to “Industrial Design” by John Heskett and "The Incredible Inventions of Intuitive AI" by Maurice Conti
Ford's production line was one of the biggest steps into an industrial society. As a result of the production line, goods could
be manufactured more quickly and more cheaply than ever before. Items that had before been out of reach of the standard, middle
class family became easily available and even standard. For example, automobiles became a common staple rather than a luxury. It
likely contributed to the nature of our society as materialistic and consumerist, which is more prevalent than ever in modern day.
Manufacturing processes are already commonly located overseas, where labor is cheap and certain laws are more elastic. As
time passes, even more factories on home soil will lkely be relocated to other countries, inflating profit for companies. However, this
is controversial, as it generally harms the economy. Hundreds of relatively non-skilled jobs become unavailable when factories are
closed down, creating an unstable job market and hiking up unemployment levels. On the other hand, the relocations rapidly pad
the pockets of higher-up individuals, unevenly distributing
the wealth towards the already wealthy. Although its a
condition already becoming visible and common today, these
changes will greatly affect our society in coming years. Likely,
jobs will become more difficult to find without a college
education or some form of skilled training, whilst it will
become easier and easier for CEOs and similar individuals to
become wealthy.
http://corporate.ford.com/content/dam/corporate/en/innovation/moving-assembly-line/Innovation_Moving_Assembly_Line_CarfortheMasses.jpg

RE: Thread 2: Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
The TetraPOT is a 2016 IDEA Gold Award product which embraces
the concept of Cradle-to-Cradle design. It is intended to replace artificial
sea defense structures, which can be easily destroyed by ocean force and
potentially ruin natural scenery. As an alternative, the TetraPOT features
natural plant systems that grow to intertwine. Not only does this prevent
waste by being a permanent fixture, it is natural and organic, growing itself
rather than being assembled from individual parts. It clearly illustrates the
concept of diversity, as well, as the plant life is specifically tailored for its
specific purpose.
http://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1931c_820aa0362d69465baeb55a0b6ef76878.jpg_srz_905_641_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz
Another product which embraces Cradle-to-Cradle design is Method's 8X ultra-concentrated laundry detergent. It is designed
to clean clothing with significantly less product, just 1/4 the dose of the leading brand. It has achieved gold and platinum
achievement levels in the Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Product scorecard, which judges material health and revitalization, renewable
energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.

RE: Thread 1: Response to All Module 4 Materials
The Virginia State Capitol building is an example of a building with sensibilities about the past. Designed partially by Thomas
Jefferson, it was modeled after a Roman temple, setting a standard of temple-
based governmental buildings in the United States. Despite being rooted in
ancient history, the design challenged the "Georgian" style that was
commonplace at the time. It served to shuck the bonds of English rule by being
distinct from their own styles of architecture. In this manner, it challenged
cultural norms during the time period, and provided a decided starting point for
the design of government buildings countrywide.
http://interactive.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/tenbuildings_hero/public/tenbuildings/TB101ss.jpg
The Seagram Building is an example of a building with sensibilities about the present and future. One of the most distinct
modern, glassy skyscrapers, numerous other buildings have been designed in obvious imitation. The building includes a colossal
plaza in front of it, intended to prevent the issue of blocking sunlight and sky for city residents. Many other buildings at the time had
a "setback" structure instead, where floors were tiered back. In addition, the building sported a great deal of bronze, as well as
expensive materials such as granite. These features denied the cost-effective building of skyscrapers at the time. As a result, the
building challenged the context, where it denied being a replication of its environment.

RE: Thread 2: Response to Ballantyne and Zumthor Articles
Both Ballantyne and Zumthor regard architecture as something which is commonly part of the background, an unnoticed
backdrop for the daily happenings of life. Both seem to agree that
buildings become part of the landscape, and while they have a solid
position and place in this world, they would often only truly be noticed
with their disappearance. Zumthor, however, largely wishes to design
buildings that become a part of their place: buildings which reflect history
and culture in their placement, and fade seamlessly into the surroundings.
Ballantyne, conversely, wishes for buildings to have a most direct
relationship with humans themselves. He desires buildings to become a
part of their inhabitants, and to reflect habits and natures in their design.
http://blog.daminion.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/historical-architecture-coliseum.jpg

RE: Thread 1: Response to Levy Article
I grew up largely in Baldwinsville, New York, a relatively small town near Syracuse. Planning was a large factor in my
neighborhood, where the houses were all deliberately built to a similar size and with similar facades, same-sized lawns, and similar
landscaping. As a result, the entire area was orderly and picture-perfect. However, a childhood friend's mother once commented
that she would hate to live in such a place, not only due to the clone-like nature of the houses, but as there are also severe
restrictions placed on what you can do to your own home. My family was never allowed to keep a birdhouse outside, for example.
Conversely, the neighborhood I lived in as a toddler (in Roanoke, Virginia) had no
such restrictions. As a result, junk often accumulated in neighbors' yards, and the
houses had no rhyme nor reason to their placements or design. The two
neighborhoods had vastly differing characters as a result. Due to its regimented,
orderly planning, the Baldwinsville neighborhood was tidy but tended to be aloof.
Neighbors would actually turn on each other if there was a violation in regards to
something as trivial as lawn ornaments. The Roanoke neighborhood had a more
casual, friendly aura, and the lack of planning in the area resulted in distinct,
unique neighbors.
https://grist.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/suburban_neighborhood.jpg

RE: Thread 2: Response to Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen, and Larson
In her article, Emily Talen discusses the importance of diversity in urban planning. She argues that diversity contributes to the
"place vitality, economic health, social equity, and sustainability"
(Talen 4) of a location. Thus, Talen would likely be fiercely
opposed to the segregation that was prevalent in the Pruitt Igoe.
The development was racially segregated, with separate
partitions for white and black residents. Talen would argue to
demolish such separation and promote equality of living within
the development, and encourage a variety of diverse
inhabitants.
http://www.pruitt-igoe.com/YAMA/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/P-I99.jpg
In his TED Talk, Kent Larson discusses the overall success of cities being born from interconnected clusters of towns, such as
in Paris. Such an urban layout contributes to a relative closeness to important locations, such as hospitals, pharmacies, and
restaurants. Similarly, one of the failings of the Pruitt Igoe was its skip-stop elevators, initially hailed as a groundbreaking
architectural innovation. In actuality, the elevators forced individuals to climb stairs to get to certain locations, both decreasing
accessibility and ease of access. Larson would likely argue for the elimination of the skip-stop elevators as, similar to most cities, they
increased distance to certain locations that should be easily accessible. He would also argue against so-called "anchor floors", the
floors where the elevators stopped (and were equipped with additional amenities such as garbage chutes and laundry rooms), in
favor of important locations being distributed equally across floors.

The initial project proposed a mix of high-rise, mid-rise, and walk-up buildings, but cost restrictions ultimately resulted in a
uniform construction height. In my opinion, this was a poor decision. I find that variety creates more character in a locations, just as
diversity of inhabitants does. Uniform construction creates an almost oppressive and jail cell-like repetition. A lack of personalization
and distinctness in every dwelling likely contributed to the failing of the development.

RE: Thread 1: Response to F.L. Olmsted
The basis for Olmstead's claim is that Buffalo is essentially built
around interconnected parks, resulting in vast expanses of green spaces for
recreation. The article "When Parks Were Radical" notes that, a century and
a half ago, city dwellers employed graveyards in a manner that parks are
used for today. They used them both as a refreshing location for fresh air
and rural-like greenery, and for recreation. This maddened Olmstead, who
desired spaces deliberately set aside for public use as a park. Thus, he was
exuberant regarding the vast system of parks available in Buffalo.
https://www.bfloparks.org/wp-content/uploads/resizedIMG_4385.jpg
Olmstead would likely still make the claim: his parks are a hallmark of the city, and many inhabitants are devoted to their
care and preservation. For example, the Buffalo Olmstead Parks Conservancy was founded on the basis of restoring and looking after
the city's elaborate park system. There have been setbacks, however. Olmstead would probably be furious to hear that a multilane
highway lopped off Humboldt park's northwest corner and demolished the parkway. In all, however, the parks tend to be protected
and are enjoyed by Buffalo's inhabitants.

RE: Thread 2: Response to Walter Hood's Work
In my hometown, an enormous strip of land adjacent to the neighborhood I lived in was razed to construct a series of
apartment buildings. The project occurred in my senior year of high school, and I saw a great deal of trees and woodland being torn
down, as my school bus passed the area every weekday. The suburban area I lived in frequently saw similar projects, where woods
were demolished in order to build more housing and neighborhoods. I would like to commemorate the lost wildlife and woods by
creating a sort of forest park, which is devoted to sustaining a healthy woodland ecosystem. In some small manner, the park could
help to lessen the loss of woods in my hometown whilst providing everyday
individuals access to a more wild, overgrown area.
Walter Hood's "triad of investigations" (the everyday and mundane,
commemoration, and life ways) would easily be reflected in the park. The area
would provide walking trails previously lost to occupants, commemorate the loss
of wildlife, and enable people to enjoy the space in a manner similar to how they
already enjoy other parks.
https://m5son.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/michigan-woods.jpg
I imagine that the design would be relatively simple and straightforward. A large plot of land would be set aside, on which
trees would be planted. Over time, natural forces would shape the area into an ecosystem without human intervention. Paths may

ultimately have to be forged through the area, but ideally it would remain untouched, and individuals would simply adventure
through it.

RE: Thread 1: Response to the Brookes Attachment
The graphic I chose is a piece of artwork done by Lorna Simpson, picturing a repeated image of the back of a woman's head
and blocks of text. The text reads, "is she pretty as a picture", "or clear as crystal", or "pure as a lily", or "black as coal", or "sharp as a
razor". This could be interpreted to mean that colors have different connotations, and are linked to racial characteristics. For
example, of the phrases, "pretty as a picture", "clear as crystal", and "pure as a lily" are obviously positive similes. A picture, crystal,
or lilies are all pleasant things to be compared to, while conversely, coal or a razor are not. I think that the artist is referring to the
fact that dark skin is cemented in our culture as a deeply negative facet of an appearance, even subconsciously, through the
comparisons we might think to make. An individual
from a more sheltered or white supremist
background may not even think to consider this,
however, when regarding the image. They may not
interpret the image in any manner, simply regarding
it as artwork without meaning. Or, they may consider
the similes without reflecting on their true meaning.
These differences would likely come about due to a
lack of consideration, produced as a result of an
upbringing without proper education racially.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/552046cfe4b0170ec8afdd90/t/573f31cc5559861f0b856eea/1463759352767/

RE: Thread 2: Response to Charles Davis and equityXdesign's Work
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial has many facets of design that are in line with equityXdesign's core beliefs and design
principles. The memorial is on a sightline linking the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson
Memorial. As such, it stands on equal footing with memorials of great men from different
racial backgrounds, celebrating diversity as a result. The memorial also boasts fourteen
inscriptions, quotes from King's speeches, sermons, and writings. The words are powerful, and
generally set moral standards and hopes for a better future. This fits well with one of
equityXdesign's central beliefs, "our moral imperative to live in the future we desire to
create".
However, in memorializing an individual, the memorial inherently goes contrary to
equityXdesign. EquityXdesign believes in starting with individuals, but not in stopping there.
Instead, individuals should be regarded as part of a larger system as a whole. Martin Luther
King Jr. was, in fact, a great example of this, being a leader of the Civil Rights Movement and
fighting for equality. However, equityXdesign would likely be in favor of a memorial for racial
equality as a whole, instead of a leading individual.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c2/MLK_Memorial_NPS_photo.jpg

RE: Thread 1: Response to "Landscape Stories" Chapter
My family is not particularly in touch with our ethnic background, but there are religious notes in our house that can be
interpreted as such. I was raised Roman Catholic, which is perhaps indicative of my European roots, and several religious objects
have a permanent fixture in the home. My favorite is a drawing my twin sister did as a very young child of Jesus Christ, in which
Jesus is smiling ear-to-ear and affixed to a very, very crooked cross. My mom found the drawing endearing and has kept it pinned
inside a cabinet door for years. I probably would never take the drawing, and nor would my sister, simply because my mother likes it
so much! However, I have never found my ethnic, or religious, background particularly defining of myself as an individual. As such,
religious objects will probably never be a part of my own home.
I grew up in Baldwinsville, New York, which is a small town near Syracuse. It does have the small-town stereotype of a total
lack of diversity, and the Caucasian population enormously overshadows the presence of any minority group. The biggest cultural
influence I can immediately think of is Native American. I live a short drive from the Great Law of Peace (Ska-nonh) Center, an
Iroquois Heritage Center. I remember
visiting as a child and being fascinated
by the celebration of Native American
culture. There are several other
influences besides, such as Hiawatha
Boulevard, named for a Native
American leader. I think that the
cultural influence is being

acknowledged, and although the Native American population is quite small in my hometown, it's still apparent.
http://www.skanonhcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Ska-nonh-1-940x350.jpg

RE: Thread 2: Response to Article on Sports Branding
I think that sports team branding designers shouldn't use ethnic references. It's derogatory and insulting to the group
referred to. If the ethnic group itself had designed the name for a team consisting of
their own people, and was employing it as a matter of cultural pride, that would be
different. However, as it is, the names are not being utilized by the particular ethnic
groups. The matter is somewhat complicated by the fact that the team names are a
layover from a time when this country wasn't as concerned with celebrating
diversity. Nowadays, if such names were pitched, I would imagine that they
wouldn't be received kindly. Therefore, it becomes a matter of changing existing
team names. I think that this should certainly happen, and moreover, be a public
and deliberate affair. It should be acknowledged that ethnic groups are not merely
on-par with team naming, like animals are, but consist of actual people that don't
want their roots to be insulted in such a manner.
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/804413499388608512/6Bi3tYin.jpg

RE: Thread 1: Response to "Visualizing Gender" Chapter Attachment
https://2ryjc8dfymp48s1b85nhttws-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/90_2012getnakedboston.jpg
This image is a feminist work protesting the domination of male artists in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Audiences can
easily "get" the idea, as it is presented clearly and simply with bold text, with key words highlighted in bright pink. The image
requires some context, however. While the nude figure is obviously an artwork, conveying more meaning, the gorilla mask was a
hallmark of the "Guerilla Girls," a feminist group which donned such masks to remain anonymous. The approach is pointed and
relatively simple. The text leaves no room for interpretation, and its strikingly bright colors capture and hold attention. In my
opinion, the approach is quite effective. The question posed, "Do women have to be naked to get into the Met. Museum?" causes
viewers to contemplate the issue and consider their role in it. While I think that the graphic is quite effective in its own right, it could
possibly be improved without the incorporation of the gorilla mask. It could possibly confuse an audience unaware of the Guerilla
Girls' existence and operations, detracting from the message.

RE: Thread 2: Response to Bathroom Bill
The use of certain public bathrooms by transgender individuals is a heated debate. On one hand, if transgender individuals
are permitted to use the bathroom which corresponds with the gender they present themselves as, it could potentially be
uncomfortable or unsettling for other users of the bathroom. Additionally, it loosens security and will likely provide more leeway in
regard to individuals with nefarious intent: a voyeur, for example, could claim to be transgender if caught snooping in the opposite
gender's bathroom. However, both of these could be argued as
unlikely scenarios. A transgender individual is unlikely to be
"caught" using the bathroom that corresponds with their identity,
as they present themselves as the gender they feel most
comfortable as, even if a bathroom stall isn't the most private. A
voyeur's case in court could be easily overturned as well, as it's
likely easy to determine if an individual is truly transgender, or
simply using the title in pursuit of something else. As a designer,
more private bathrooms could negate most, if not all, of the
arguments. Without blatant cracks in stalls, the issue of privacy
could be solved, and it would be unlikely that a transgender
individual could be told apart from a biological male or female.
http://eriecustomsigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Public-Restroom.jpg

RE: Thread 1: Response to Hidden Ways
Image taken by Rachel Lockwood
The first example is of an abandoned, dilapidated, grain elevator in Silo City, Buffalo. By Flusty's definitions, it is an example
of a "slippery" space, as it cannot be accessed. The stairs are extremely rusted, damaged, and missing in areas, resulting in an ability
to access or utilize the structure per its original intentions. It discriminates in particular against the nonathletic, elderly, or those
otherwise unable to climb the structure without a completed staircase. Although it's dangerous for the general population to access,
those determined to could potentially scale the grain elevator.

Image taken by Rachel Lockwood
The second example is of the Darwin Martin House (125 Jewett Parkway). Although the house is considered an excellent example of
stellar architecture, it does have some "prickly" (uncomfortable to occupy) instances. For one, the pergola is open to outside air. The
conservatory and the adjoining former stables (now a gift shop) cannot be accessed without walking down the pergola, resulting in
an ability to experience them during harsher weather. This may have not been the most intelligent design choice for Buffalo, which
is infamous for harsh winters and heavy snowfall.

RE: Thread 2: Response to People Like Us
Unfortunately, a large cause of poverty is due to a lack of education. In today's job market, getting a career with a livable
wage is virtually impossible for unskilled, uneducated workers. College loans which could make schooling plausible for the poverty-
stricken often sink them only further into debt. Free college, even if it is only granted to those in financial need, could help provide
the tools for those in poverty to lift themselves out of it.
Loans, as well, are a major knife in the side for those in
poverty. Although loans make it possible to pay bills, eat, and stay
off the street, if left unpaid they can accumulate into frighteningly
high amounts. Loans are a vicious cycle and are designed to be
profitable for those on the other end. Instead, they should be
capped at a certain amount, and ideally, government subsidies
should help lessen the hurt they cause to lower-income individuals.
https://assets.entrepreneur.com/content/16x9/822/10-questions-ask-before-bank.jpg

RE: Thread 1: Response to Carroll Article: “(Re)forming Regent Park: When Policy Does Not Equal Practice”
One of the major failings of the project was that community ties were broken in the relocation process. Although it is
important for individuals to branch out and make friends with a diverse group, separating friendly neighbors for no reasonable
purpose creates a negative foundation for the rest of the project. Elderly people, in particular, often have long-lasting friendships, as
they settle in one place and have more time to socialize. To ensure more social integration, individuals should be replaced in close
proximity to those with whom they had already bonded with.
Additionally, individuals who had been neighbors for years found themselves quickly stratified by age and income. It is a
simple fact of psychology that separation into particular
"groups" creates rivalries and, frequently, dispute. By
relocating residents based on particular facets of
themselves - age, for example - the stage was set for the
proliferation of negative emotion. The transformation of
Regent Park into a dangerous urban ghetto was likely
spurred on by the rigid classifications of residents.
Removing these classifications could help socially
integrate the elderly, as well, as it creates a friendlier
atmosphere and permits socialization with a diverse
group.

http://urbantoronto.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/display-slideshow/images/articles/2013/05/7608/urbantoronto-7608-26570.jpg

RE: Thread 2: Response to Enriquez TED Talk: “What Will Humans Look Like in 100 Years?”
Extended lifespans will result in a population skyrocket, creating a world strained for resources and space. Dense human
occupation of this planet fundamentally challenges the human requirements for life: air, shelter, water, and food.
Although oxygen seems an unlikely concern, the decrease in plant life that accompanies urbanization puts pressure on the
availability of air to breathe. When paired with rampant air pollution, this becomes a serious issue for the overall health of future
generations. Additionally, housing (shelter) will have to become more urbanized and condensed, and a portion of available space
must also be committed towards industry and farming. Although water tends to be considered as the ultimate recyclable product, if
water is removed from aquifers at a greater rate than they can be
replenished by rainfall and percolation, humans are forced to rely
more expressly on surface water from lakes, rivers, and streams.
Removal of this water cripples natural ecosystems, however, and
purifying salt water is expensive and difficult. Finally, food, simply,
may be consumed faster than it is produced, and farming may
become infeasible due to a lack of land space. These are just several
examples of concerns that designers must address in the future due
to the expected population boom, which, regardless of longer
lifespans, is already becoming a reality.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3ZYb1vBjzc/UCvA9eyThbI/AAAAAAAABZY/weJ5pYY4heo/s1600/U.S.+life+expectancy+since+1920.gif

RE: Thread 1: Response to PPT, Smithsonian, and Roy Attachment
The seventh universal design principle, 'Size and Space for Approach and Use', is one I often find myself confronted with. I
come from a tall family, with my father being 6'5". As a frequent traveler, he always has stories about countries with different
building codes and standards than the United States, which tend to ostracize the tall. For example, narrow steps and low archways
are common in other locations, most frequently in those with a high percentage of older buildings (past generations tended to be
shorter overall).
https://www.google.com/search?biw=1364&bih=702&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=low+doorway&oq=low+doorway&gs_l=img.3...71279.72614.0.72845.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.
.0.0....0...1c.1.64.img..0.0.0.jHyK21afuoI#imgrc=IxvKUZTV6HOU7M:
The first example shows a taller individual standing next to a lower doorway. Such doors create hazards for taller people, as
they can more easily bump their head on the upper portion. There is little benefit to a smaller-sized door except for the potential for
more compact individuals to be able to open it easier. Children, for instance, may have greater luck reaching and operating the
doorknob.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1364&bih=702&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=high+doorway&oq=high+doorway&gs_l=img.3...21990.22677.0.23065.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.
0..0.0....0...1c.1.64.img..0.0.0.gHhALONc_s0#imgrc=5O3zsCIc-S_NbM:
The second example shows a dramatic, extremely tall door. Even the tallest of individuals would not have to stoop to enter
the building. The door is potentially heavy and awkward to maneuver, however, and could be improved by sliding rather than
swinging open. This would provide greater ease of operation to those with fewer motor capabilities, as the motion is simpler.

RE: Thread 2: Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
Enhancement and reproductive technologies hold the potentially to
homogenize our society, restricting individuality and potentially ostracizing it. One
example of a lesson we should learn from history in this regard is Adolf Hitler's "master
race" plan. Hitler regarded Aryan or Nordic races as supreme, top of the racial
hierarchy, and sought to exterminate or remove "racially inferior" individuals. This led,
in part, to the genocide of Jews and several other groups. It is important to learn from
this bleak historical period. Promoting a higher form of individual inherently demotes
those lower on the chain, putting certain groups at risk. In my opinion, we should focus
on celebrating uniqueness, and next generations should be produced naturally (except
for reasons of health).
https://gdblogs.shu.ac.uk/b2013215/wpcontent/uploads/sites/18/2015/02/tumblr_mqaaejcJr11r49p8to1_500.jpg
There are positive consequences of being able to design our bodies and our childrens', however. Humans could live healthier,
longer lives with the existence of this technology, as it could remove genetic defects and inherited disease. Humans could be
genetically altered into having greater intelligences, paving the way for a future much more inclined towards rapid advancement and
the production of new technologies. However, by doing so, there will also be significantly less individuality. With cherry-picked traits,
our children could become carbon copies of intelligence, beauty, and compassion. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this,
it could create stiff divides between the genetically modified and those who are different or "inferior".

Ethical quandaries include concerns about the removal of the natural state. Religious individuals may regard newer
generations to be the handiwork of a higher god, and thus sacred without modification. By fundamentally altering new children, this
could interfere with higher events already in motion, a natural path which the world is set to follow. Additionally, there is no
predicting what is best for the child. A child genetically altered to be beautiful may find themselves uncomfortable in their own skin.
After all, why wasn't their natural, original form good enough for their parents and for society? What, for that matter, did they even
look like originally?

RE: Thread 1: Response to Titicut Follies
Wiseman certainly should have been allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility. The prospect that
the director had "violated the patients' rights" by not getting written permission to film them is
laughable. The facility was deplorably ignorant of patients' rights in the first place, bullying and
humiliating them without regard for their wellbeing. The film sought to expose the despicable
conditions, and thus sought to actually preserve the patients' rights rather than overturn them.
Although Wiseman's case didn't hold up legally, his documentary took the higher ground morally.
The film demonstrates how the mentally ill are treated as second-class citizens at best, and
more commonly as base animals. It is important that designers take all manners of diversity into
account when designing, and the mentally ill are no exception. If some designers had been more
receptive of the needs and proper treatment of the mental patients at the Bridgewater Facility,
they likely wouldn't have been maltreated. The documentary should be regarded as a grave
reminder of what occurs when design ostracizes a certain group. Social and communications
designers, in particular, should observe how the mentally ill are treated when their caretakers are
not properly educated on their care.
http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/titicut-follies-1968/large_v9alKxaEGOYVtlVo0H6Z5cLxJh8.jpg

RE: Thread 2: Response to PPT, The Architecture of Autism, Public Space
I would support this proposal as long as certain stipulations are met. The intellectually challenged individuals should be properly cared
for and chaperoned, and their wellbeing should not fall exclusively on the neighborhoods' residents. Additionally, the mentally ill may exhibit
violent tendencies. Particularly due to the presence of children in the neighborhood (including my four hypothetical offspring) I would oppose
the proposal if the adults have been excessively aggressive or behaved violently in the past. However, if they aren't dangerous or a burden on
the neighborhood, there is no reason to oppose the group home's construction.
If their past "challenging" behaviors recur, the residents may have to be relocated. These behaviors
would likely upset the entire neighborhood, and the children shouldn't be exposed to such things as public
masturbation. However, they could be housed in the neighborhood during a sort of trial period before the
group home's construction, to determine whether the behaviors will likely recur and how adequately the
individuals fit. (It likely wouldn't upset me. If I owned a $650,000 home I would never go outside again.)
The most simple alternative to the construction of the home is moving the construction site. There
is a ten acre woods behind the house; I'm largely against razing down trees, but if a portion was taken
down, then the group home could be built a more comfortable distance away from the rest of the homes,
whilst still close enough to experience the neighborhood. I don't think that this particularly violates their
rights; if anything, a more private location is both desirable and beneficial.
http://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GroupHomeRally_sign.jpg

RE: Thread 1: Response to The Connection Between Religion and Urban Planning by David Engwicht
https://staugustineslent2015.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/cropped-img_0137-version-21.jpg
The church my family attends mass is called St. Augustine's Parish (pictured above). As it was built later in my town's history, it hasn't
had a particularly large impact on the development of the town itself. However, it has had a significant impact in the community. It is located
across the street from an elementary school, and offers programs catering to the students there. It is important to the nearby suburban
neighborhood, a short walking distance away, with families there frequently attending masses. Some of the families receive free meals and
financial support from the church, which has extraordinarily generous parishioners. Families that have fallen on hard times for one reason or
another frequently find support in the church.
The church's location has likely contributed to the success of the nearby neighborhood and elementary school. My town has some
largely vacant, rural areas, and I imagine that the number of buildings clustered around the church is in part due to its presence. The church has
been largely updated in the past, and likely due to its upkeep and large base of parishioners, the surrounding area is equally successful. Parents

would likely disapprove of their children attending the elementary school if the church was run-down, and property values in the nearby
neighborhood would likely plummet.
If the church continues to flourish and grow, I suspect it will have a significant impact on the nearby area. The surrounding site may
become more dense with buildings, and the school and neighborhood will likely be updated in correlation.

RE: Thread 2: Response to Prospects for the Future of Diversity and Design
My major is architecture. I believe the most predominant issues in the field to be increasing urban density and environmental
concerns. With the population on this planet rapidly increasing, severe pressure is put on the environment, which must be preserved
for the health of every living thing. Both to prevent
encroachment on natural areas, and to house the increased
population, architecture must make a movement
to accommodate more individuals. I think that it's important to
keep environmental concerns in mind throughout my studies,
and perhaps expand some of my classes into the sciences, to
determine how architecture can mingle harmoniously with the
natural world. Architecture is a field where it's important to
have outside knowledge in many areas, and science is more
important now than ever to add to the architect's skill set.
http://www.mendaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/SkyGardenHouse01.jpg

ARC 211: American Diversity and Design: Rachel Lockwood

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