ARC211 American Diversity and Design at UB project 3

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC211 – American Diversity and Design –
Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Sheldon Lee

2. Introduction
Hi, I'm Sheldon. I'm from New York City, a good 6-7 hours away from
Buffalo and quite the hassle to travel to and from. This is my second
semester in architecture and I hope to minor in another field, maybe
business or computer science. I'm really good at spending money and I've
been learning to code HTML.
American Diversity and Design was my first online course and it offered a
very interactive form of learning despite the online barrier. The class was
informative because it covered all aspects in terms of design and students
from different majors provided varying insights. I was able to grow a
greater conscious especially for the environment. My favorite aspect of the
course would be just reading different responses and seeing questions that
had a very popular answer and questions that provided a confliction
between ideals.
The following pages document my responses to the online discussion
questions in the Spring 2017 version of ARC 211 American Diversity and
Design at the University at Buffalo – State University of New York.

3. Response to "What is design? " from Hello World
On “What is design?” from Hello World: Where DesignMeets 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 speedallowed 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.
I find the innovation of banking and accessibility to cash through cards impactful within the U.S because it has shaped the
lifestyle of people everywhere. Banking allowed people to put their funds in safe infrastructures and lower the amount of paper
money people had to be accountable for. Credit and debit cards gave people access to their bank accounts and encouraged
spending due to the ease of purchase and multiple platforms that accept cards.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/casey-bond/afraid-to-try-an-online-banking_b_4613428.html

4. 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, keepin 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.)
Clothing in the past year has reached an overlap between the current distinction of male and female. Zara, a popular brand, has
created a unisex label. The movement pursued change towards people's wardrobes. The evolution of style and design
continually bring out pieces that contest traditional designs that were targeted for certain genders. An example would be seen
on Young Thug's album Jeffery as he is seen on the cover wearing a dress.
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22329-jeffery/

5. 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 servedas an
icon of an event. (Feel free to add an attachment.) What roles does this photo play in the communication of the event?
I think the photos shown in Photos That Changed the World can fit into two
categories, media message and active audience. Media message because photos
are trying to convey something more than a snapshot of a certain time. Photos
have stories and they are trying to educate society about things going on around
the world. Photos can also be placed in active audience because on a larger scale,
photos are not only produced by professionals, photographs are taken by
everyone. People always take pictures and each picture is a story, Snapchat and
Instagram are essentially conversations through pictures and anyone has access
to it.
http://100photos.time.com/photos/kiss-v-j-day-times-square-alfred-eisenstaedt

6. Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
“Fashioning Protest for the Women’s March on Washington” and “The Worst Design of 2016 Was Also the Most Effective”
NOTE: Use the first three part of the SEE-IT method of critical thinking (State, Elaborate, Exemplify) to address the
following questions:
Typically, we do not think of hats as elements of mass media or social media. However, the two hats (red and pink) discussed
in the articles certainly have taken on that role. Why are the two hats (red and pink) mentioned in the articles vehicles of
communication design? What meanings do each of the two hats carry? In terms of communication design, how are they
similar? And how are they different from one another?
Hats are a very prevalent article of clothing in this day and age, recently there has been a resurgence in dad hats, or the caps
with a duck bill. This trend plays a role in the communication because dad caps usually carry logos and messages and are easily
seen being on top of a person's head. The popularity means people are more into wearing caps and more people take notice of
different caps. I myself have a Life of Pablo cap from Kanye West's pop up shops and it has no intricacy, it is a mass producing
brand with the album title stitched in walf, gothic font. This connects with the hats presented in the articles because in both
cases they are simple hats with such simple design yet so iconic. The hats carry meaning, it shows support because you are
willing to purchase a branded product that advertises their campaign. The woman's march, knitted hat on the other hand
remakes the common beanie into the pussyhat. This hat took a more literal approach to significance.
https://dustinsview.com/all/insult-absurdity-make-america-great/
https://www.charissapraydesigns.com/listing/488332406/pussyhat-project-knit-beanie-withhttps://www.etsy.com/listing/471150831/official-i-feel-like-pablo-hat-maroon

7. Response to “Industrial Design” by John Heskett and "The Incredible Inventions of Intuitive AI" by Maurice Conti
In his chapter on industrial design (written in 1987), historian John
Heskett claims that the methods of mass production introduced by
Henry Ford in the U.S. involved new concepts of the standardization
and integration of the production line that were adopted across the
world. With Ford’s method, work could be completed by relatively
unskilled workers; it was more efficient and with this method, products
were made more quickly and cheaply than previously possible. What
were some of the social consequences of Ford’s production line? In
other words, how did this systemchange 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 problem with the production line is the lack of skill, it is brainless and
simple jobs and used to meet production needs. People are capable of so
much, they can improve and react, but in the production line they were introduced to a single movement and that was all they were
exposed to. This hurts our future because in this day and age, simple tasks can be replaced by robots, they are able to execute tasks
efficiently and they only require the initial payment to install them. Even as technology begins to occupy simple jobs, they are
developing analysis and inferencing skills allowing them to compete with humans. Humans are still capable of design but in order to
move forward augmentation is encouraged.
https://www.thoughtco.com/henry-ford-and-the-assembly-line-1779201

8. epea.com
Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
NOTE: Use the first three part of the SEE-IT method of critical thinking
(State, Elaborate, Exemplify) to address the following questions:
Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy the Cradle-
to-Cradle concept developed by architect William McDonough and
chemist Dr. Michael Braungart? How does this product resist or
disregard the concept? Provide an example of any product that embraces
Cradle-to-Cradle design. Please describe and site sources.
The Rolls Royce Dawn seemed undeserving of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award
because it didn't seem as progressive or innovative as the other
contenders. The Rolls Royce Dawn is a luxury vehicle being priced upwards
of $300,000 and offers a lack of Cradle to Cradle fundamentals. The price
itself strips away the diversity of the design, not everyone is going to be able to afford and use this vehicle, there are many cars being
manufactured and of the options available only a small percentage of consumers would purchase this particular model. A Cradle to
Cradle design would incline consumers to purchase due to the probable fuel efficiency, lowered cost while maintaining quality and
added benefits after the car's life span. Being a Cradle to Cradle nominee, it still runs on premium gasoline and follows signature Rolls
Royce builds.
https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en-GB/dawn.html

9. http://flwright.org/visit/robiehouse
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 Venturi House by Robert Venturi revisits the past while integrating a new
definition of modernism. The audience was his mother, he built the house for
her. Modernism was always about the grand scheme, it allowed boring designs
that followed society needs. The Venturi House looks like a standard house, but
behind the facade, lies contrast between big and little, complex and simple, open
and closed, modern and vernacular, esoteric and populist, symmetrical and
asymmetrical. This house challenged societal designs, it varies by viewers and
chooses unusual schemes.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House challenges the cultural context by
distinguishing his own style as he flattens the gable roof of standard houses and
produces the prairie style. The prairie house is long and short, it has a dynamic
with the prairie setting almost as if it belongs there, it redefined architecture at the time, it
was change. Frank Lloyd Wright himself says “It is part of the environment and graces
it’s environment instead of disgracing it.” He takes the setting and occupant
factors to create a space that is comfortable. Knowing a university was
residing the house Frank Lloyd Wright designed windows that could only be
seen through from the inside. Frederick Robie was a motor manufacturer
and Frank included a garage. Sights and senses are tricked, expanding the
size rooms by introducing narrow stairs and entries. With all these changes
he manages to stay true to tradition with additions like the fireplace. Frank
saw past the standards of ordinary houses, he was able to adapt and evolve
creating a defining design.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanna_Venturi_House

10. Response to Ballantyne and Zumthor Articles
Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor present ideas about architecture that seemto 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.)
Zumthor compares architecture to music, paintings and literature. They are all able to convey emotions through senses and stimulate
the mind however each piece is understood differently and hold individualistic qualities that pertain to the form. Architecture is an
experience and an expression, architecture should seem to coexist with environment. Zumthor finds a goal in the process of design, he
searches for connections through feeling and purpose. He chooses to answer why the building belongs.
Ballantyne talks about architecture and habit. He fights the aesthetics of a building with its purpose and how it interacts with the
inhabitants. He uses an example of tourists as they capture photos to remember a single encounter with architecture which cannot
compare to the familiarity that preexists within productively adapted architecture. The two authors compare in which function comes
before form, architecture is meant to assist and have an understandable role.
http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/news/a-home-built-to-blend-into-the-environment_t

11. Response to Levy Article
Here is your discussion question on the Levy article. Please post your
own response, and respond to at least two other students' responses.
John Levy’s article, “An Overview: The Needfor 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?
Growing up in Manhattan, New York City, the planning has changed
overtime. Growing up I was adjusted to people everywhere doing their
thing, cars driving at all times and lights everywhere. In my most
recent visits, there has been initiatives to incorporate more green
space, or public seating. There is a conflict between preservation of
history and stepping forward. A big factor in New York City plans is
the transportation, the subways and buses have gradually become
user friendly although many problems still persist. The trains are
more scheduled and hit important stops with a variety of express
trains and local trains to cover the rest. These public transportation
methods try to dissuade many Manhattan residents from using cars to
prevent traffic and difficulties in parking. Recently a new station was
opened in West 34th St however fares are almost $3. As a longtime resident of New York City I find many issues in the planning
because I find streets too narrow, people traffic and an unpleasantness but despite my criticisms the planning for the city has
managed to produce a city beyond its time. New York City is somewhere people want to visit, a city where people think they can
make it if they move there. The planning of the city has allowed a high occupancy and room for too many tourists. The city is
very accommodating, streets and avenues increase numerically and food can be found anywhere.

12. Response to Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen, and Larson
Here is your discussion question on the Pruitt Igoe project, the Talen article, and the Larson lecture. article. Please post your
own response, and respond to at least two other students' responses.
Imagine that you are part of an urban planning and design firm working with Emily Talen (author of “DesignThat 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?
Emily Talen would change Pruitt Igoe by producing easy access for residents to major locations. A problem with Pruitt Igoe was that
it was isolated from the neighboring buildings. With no transportation, residents in Pruitt Igoe didn't have access to their jobs. The
landscape of Pruitt Igoe kept residents struggling, it created a difficulty in finding income and led to the downfall of Pruitt Igoe.
Kent Larson would approach the problem in a building aspect. Changes would be made to the building itself to provide the residents
with what they would need. A problem with Pruitt Igoe was funding, the place began to collect garbage because no one wanted to pay
for public housing. The homes became vacant and it was an area dedicated to vandalism and contrabands.
I believe Pruitt Igoe needs funding and more
accessibility towards areas that impact the
residents.
http://www.pruitt-igoe.com/YAMA/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/P-I99.jpg

13. Response to F.L. Olmsted
Displaying his plan at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in
Philadelphia, Frederick Law Olmsted stated that "Buffalo is
the best planned city, as to its streets, public places, and
grounds, in the United States, if not in the world." What was
the basis for this claim? Would Olmsted still make that claim
today? Why or why not?
Olmsted stated that Buffalo was the best planned city in the United
States because he had created a park system. Olmsted came to
Buffalo and introduced the idea of creating parks that connected by
avenues. The parkways created healthier lifestyles and offered
natural landscapes that emphasized the beauty in Buffalo. All that
came to an end when highways tore down avenues that once
connected parks. I think Olmsted would not make the same claim
today simply because Buffalo has lost the aspect of nature. Cars are
constantly disrupting the landscape and change the atmosphere
once provided by the parks.
http://library.buffalo.edu/maps/buffalo-wnymaps/location/olmsted.html

14. 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).
Living in Downtown Manhattan, I consider myself a regular in
Chinatown. Chinatown is home to many Asian Americans and more
recently tourists and millennials. I think Columbus park should be
preserved. The park itself is small, it occupies a single street and
offers minimal amenities but the park itself incorporates a feeling of
nature in the hectic city. Alongside the park is the MOCA or Museum
of Chinese Arts which was built by Poy Gum Lee. He was an architect
that fused Asian culture with western culture. Chinatown needs to
preserve new and old, the area should represent the Chinese surviving
and establishing in America and I find these two particular areas/buildings important in the ever changing city because they serve
symbolism in an ever so progressive society. History is valuable in the design of architecture and landscape. I believe context and
preservation needs to exist to prevent a future of sole modernism and the loss of appreciation to past architecture.
https://hyperallergic.com/280056/the-architect-who-melded-tradition-and-
modernism-in-new-yorks-chinatown/

15. Response to the Brookes
The abolitionist poster, the Brookes, is an iconic
image that often is included in exhibits that
explore issues of race and power. It was
commissioned by Thomas Clarkson in 1788, and
the Committee of the Abolition of Slavery used it
to inform and shock the public. While some
consider the poster as an important component
of the abolitionist campaign, it recently “has been
strongly criticized by some individuals and
groups of African heritage as providing a very
limited view of the history of the transatlantic
slave trade, resistance and abolition (Hudson
2007).” The lessonhere is that how a viewer sees
an image is dependent upon his/her social,
economic, and cultural position. Keeping this in
mind, find another iconic graphic that addresses
racial issues and post it for others in your group
to view. (Add it to your response by clicking on
the picture in the tools section. Do not add it as an attachment that needs to be opened.) How do you interpret the graphic?
What is its meaning? Now imagine that someone from a racial and cultural background different than your own is looking at
the same graphic. Briefly describe this person. How might s/he interpret its meaning? How might this differ from your
interpretation? What are the possible reasons for these differences? (Consider the three assessment principles mentioned in
the article to help you: a technology of vision, an instrument of empathy, and a symbol of control.) (NOTE: Limit your
response to less than 250 words.)
This photo may seem like an ordinary candid between father and daughter, however the photo is a conversation between the
two of the racism that exists in Atlanta. Dr.King is explaining to his daughter, Yolanda why she can't go to Funtown, the
amusement park in Atlanta. Upon seeing the image, I thought of family and content. The photo was innocent, a child eating
snacks with her father but the caption distorts the reality of the image, instead of purity it is injustice. Funtown was only

16. allowed for people of white skin. The photo shifts towards a disappointed father unraveling the truths of society to his eight-
year-old daughter. He is upset that his daughter is unable to have fun and is limited due to her skin color. After comprehending
the photo, I see a figure determined to break the limitations set by society and enable people of all kinds to achieve and he did
do that. I think many others see the same view that I perceived because it is a powerful photo when given context and sympathy
should be felt for not only the daughter but for the people that were segregated at the time. The photo emphasizes struggle and
the need for equality.

17. Response to Charles Davis and equityXdesign's Work
Critique either the MLK Memorial or the National Museum of African American History and Culture using equityXdesign’s
core beliefs and/or design principles. (Use the beliefs or principles that are most relevant to your critique rather than all of
them.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
The MLK Memorial did include aspects of the
equityXdesign beliefs and principles. The memorial consists of
a broken up wall and MLK separated breaking away from the
wall or the so called "Mountain of Despair", quotes are
slathered all around. In accordance to equityXdesign, it
contains historical context being the powerful figure MLK in
his journey for equality and being located in Washington D.C
it is representation of its significance. It offers inclusion in the
sense that it is viewable by all and shows the audience a leader
that was able to make a change. It provides heavy symbolism
through the tearing of the mountain and making MLK able to
overcome. It fails equityXdesign in a sense that it does not
offer enough history, the memorial should show the journey.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/08/mlk-memorial-may-be-unfinished-for-opening/

18. Response to "Landscape Stories" Chapter
First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors and/or outdoors) that you think of as
representative of your own ethnic background and discuss why you consider this place to be ‘ethnic’. –OR-- Describe an object
in your home that you think of as representative of your ethnic background and discuss why this object is considered to be
‘ethnic’. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this object or place something that you will keepor continue when you establish your
own home? Why or why not?
Now let’s move into your community. In “Landscape Stories,” the authors show how landscape architects develop a historical
narrative that sifts through and interprets the culture and material of underrepresented groups. Think about the community
where you grew up. Describe and discuss any evidence of cultural influences on the physical environment in your community.
If possible, describe evidence of the cultural influence of an underrepresented group. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this cultural
influence being acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or why not? (Limit your response to 250 words.)
My shoe rack is the most ethnic object located in my home because in my Chinese household we do not wear shoes indoors. My
mom has constantly enforced this rule and constantly keeps the floor clean. The reason behind this is because home is a private
space and shoes get dirty, it is seen as an unsanitary practice
and ruins the purity of home in a sense.The shoe rack is a
fusion between traditional Chinese beliefs and modernism
in being that shoes were supposedly left outside. Living in
New York City, there is dangers of shoes being stolen
outside and space efficiency is prioritized in the limited
amount of room being offered. Learning to take my shoes
off is habit and I continually do it everywhere I go. New
York City has also presented diversity and showed me the
differences within households. It allowed me to compare
and realize many Chinese friends and family follow this
tradition as well.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a35462/dont-wear-shoes-in-house/

19. Response to Article on Sports Branding
Recent controversies about sports branding focus on ethnicity. The Washington Redskins team is just one example of the
larger controversy, but it receives the most public attention due to the name itself being defined as derogatory or insulting in
modern dictionaries, and the prominence of the team representing the nation’s capital. Should sports team branding designers
use ethnic references (Fighting Irish, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Braves, etc.)? Why? Why not? What are some of the complexities
of this issue? (Limit your response to 150 words.)
I understand the reason behind the controversy over derogatory branding and I do hope
for change towards the near future only because I would not want teams or brands
publishing my ethnicity without being of the ethnicity or understanding it. Some terms
have a negative connotation in history and affect people that were once associated
with it. At the same time fans of teams supported the team since their creation and
would hate change or teams may have connections towards the team name. The
negative connotations in team names affect society by allowing fans of opposing
teams to create offensive slurs and signs to insult the team however taking the
appearance of simple insults towards the ethnicity. An example would be signs
against the Washington Redskins having quotes like "Scalp the Redskins" or
even "Kill the Indians".
http://www.redskins.com/

20. 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 photo uses the "get the idea" method because the
graphic contains common quotes that stereotype
genders. Quotes that push certain characteristics
towards genders are able to influence society and it is
shown by gender roles. Many females grow up believing
they should be submissive and have "clean" jobs
meanwhile men are scared of showing weakness. The graphic crosses out the selected gender and replaces it with "yourself" to
indicate that the viewer should stay true to their personality. Gender roles should not exist simply because everyone is different
and everyone is capable of achieving what they set their mind to. Gender should not limit a person. The approach is effective
because it is relevant and promotes equality among genders. It is empowering to viewers because it erases limitations and
supports individuality.
https://www.pinterest.com/princettebasil/gender/

21. 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 passeda bill
to repeal the law while placing a moratorium on nondiscrimination measures.
Should people be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with the biological
gender written on their birth certificate? State why AND state why not. In other words,
to receive full credit for this question, you need to present an argument for both sides of
the issue. As a designer, how would you solve this gender dilemma? Use the SEE-IT
method to respond to this question. (Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
People should not be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with their biological
gender. Although I stand by that for the comfort of those who biologically belong to one
gender but identify as another, there are many issues that conflict with the solution to
this problem. The most recent change in society is the addition of gender neutral
bathrooms. I think this addition is great, I have used it in the Capen library and it solves
the issue presented but only contains one toilet. Public restrooms need to be able
to accommodate many people without taking up a lot of room. This is where the biology comes in because men are able to use
urinals and they occupy less room than a stall, allowing many to come and go. Assimilating to only gender neutral restrooms
start to increase restroom wait times. I personally find the solution to be acceptance. People need to be aware and mind their
own business in the bathroom. People should feel comfortable going to the bathroom they find fit. People need to be more
mature and respect the privacy of others. As a designer there is a conflict between space efficiency and misrepresentation. I
think adult diapers may honestly be the future, elimination of public restrooms as a whole and replaced with changing stalls.
http://www.lemonharanguepie.com/2013/03/unisexgender-neutral-restroom-sign.html

22. Response to Hidden Ways
Author StevenFlusty 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. List
the location of where you took the
photograph, and make certain
that you are in at least one of the
two pictures.
The first image is of silos in silo
cite. It is a mix of crusty and
slippery because access to the silos
in silo city is quite limited, I was
visiting with the school of architecture, and the slippery part is the ability to get to the top. Silos are hallowing however artwork
was hung within and that furthered my deduction that there is a way to the top however it is not encouraged.
The second photo is the Darwin Martin House. It is crusty because you need to pay for a tour to enter. Inside the house you are
limited to very certain areas and photos are not allowed in some spaces however the house is really beautiful and I endorse the
tour.

23. 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 taskedto 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?
Watching Tammy Crabtree made me realize the things I take
advantage of. I watched the continuation of the short documentary and
spoilers, she moves closer to the Burger King (20-minute walk) but she
still makes minimum wage after 10 years and she has grandchildren. It was really depressing to hear the dreams of the eldest
son to then find out he dropped out of high school to raise his own family. The younger son got fired due to drugs. Their
situation is unique because Tammy is so motivating, she understands her position yet has so much determination. She
managed to survive with disobedient kids and an intense commute to work and it is that willpower that makes viewers want to
help and reach out. A designer would ultimately attempt affordable housing that was located in a more favorable area for work
and brought more opportunities to her family. It would reduce commute and hopefully be located where the cost of living is
relatively low. If my team was to solely fund Tammy, I would encourage some form of education to assist her dreams of
becoming a teacher and hopefully seeing her be happy about her accomplishments. Her children would need some discipline
and a more rational yet motivated mindset like Tammy in order to succeed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ZpauS5Doo

24. Response to Carroll Article: “(Re)forming Regent Park:
When Policy Does Not Equal Practice”
The development of Regent Park is phased, and there are
several more phases to the project. What actions could be
taken to ensure more social integration for the older people
living in the ‘new and improved’ Regent Park?
The most important implement to the project would be direct
communication with the current residents through the whole
project. Regent Park was intended as a low income/affordable
housing but it was changing to become a new kind of
community. Although communication would benefit the
relationship between residents and change, I think the residents
need a better understanding of affordable housing and the
government should find better ways to fund and expand these
housings. Designers should generally take into account age in
design. Thinking for older people is essentially allowing the
design to speak universally and at a level of ease at which
older folks feel safe.
http://urbantoronto.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/display-
slideshow/images/articles/2013/05/7608/urbantoronto-7608-26570.jpg

25. 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 everbefore in human history. Enriquez argues that, because of advances in bio-medical technology, the
possibility of living to 120 years of age and beyond is quite possible for many of us in this D+D class. Assuming that his
assertion is accurate, how do you think extended life spans will change our societies and built environments? What new issues
might designers face because of extended life spans?
Extended life spans change the future because it creates
a larger population. It produces a higher level of
responsibility for the middle aged because they are
responsible of producing the income for children and
parents. As age increases the capabilities of the body are
limited and require more resources for sustainability. In
this scenario designers must make more space to house
all the people, more hospitals and assisted facilities.
Designers would have to re-target designs for the older
generation and new. Visibility and sounds would require
an increase in size and volume to accommodate the
older folks. The pros may be an influx of occupations
that assist the elderly and they themselves carry
knowledge and experience that can be shared to the
younger generations.
http://www.33rdsquare.com/2015/12/an-accidental-path-to-extended-lifespan.html

26. Response to PPT, Smithsonian, and Roy
For the Module 12 Thread 1, please select one of the sevenuniversal 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 evenfurther improved.
The elevator is an example of low physical effort in comparison to stairs. The staircase is a negative because it doesn't allow ease
of usage for users with physical disabilities or users that suffer from low stamina. Stairs vary in height and length per step
across different staircases and draws out different amounts of energy causing a confusion for users. Stairs may be narrow and
cause issues when a user is attempting to walk down while another is attempting to walk up. The elevator is a universal design
that allows a user to travel between floors at ease with the click of a button. The elevator takes the same amount of space as
stairs and offers quicker travel times to higher floors. Improvement to the elevator would be fewer elevator malfunctions, more
space and capacity, instant returns to the 1st floor when idle and increased responsivity.
https://www.keuka-studios.com/types-of-stairs/ http://summerpokeropen.blog.theborgata.com/2016/07/21/event-11-elevator-dinner-time/

27. Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
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 pros of these advancements is the ability to create a child
that is modified to the user's preferences. The child can gain
traits that the parents did not have. Although creating the
"perfect" child seems progressive it sets a new standard for
babies. As seen in the survey there were dominant
characteristics and that goes against individuality. Modifying
unborn children sets a rift between the child and parent, with
the variety of traits offered the child can become so different
from the parent in terms of traits and children should resemble
parents. An ethical issue also exists within these changes because the
development of this process has no clear price tag but one can assume
there will be a hefty cost to produce a high iq or even extreme athletic abilities. Adding cost to these features gives an unfair
advantage to those that can't afford it. This allows children of those with the modifications to excel while unmodified children
will have to work hard to compete with them.
http://whyalerts.com/genetic-engineering-useful-industry/

28. Response to Titicut Follies
The state of Massachusetts tried to ban the 1967 documentary Titicut Follies, arguing that director Frederick Wiseman had
violated the patients’ rights by not getting written permission to film them. The case went to court, and Wiseman argued that
he had consent from their legal guardian, the institution. After a judge ruled in favor of the
state, the legal appeals carried on for several years: in 1969, Massachusetts allowed the film
to be shown to doctors, lawyers, and health care professionals; in 1991, a superior court
judge ruled it could be releasedfor 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 find justice in his film because it was difficult to receive consent from the patients/convicts and
instead he received consent from the institution and guardians. The film exposed the patients in
ways they would not have appreciated however it offered insight on the treatment these patients
received and attempted to gain sympathy for them. The film acknowledged an issue in society and
attempted to present the injustices that exists to a greater audience. The film would essentially
assist future treatment and set a standard of treatment for prisons or those with challenges.

29. 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 segregatedinstitutions 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”?
The situation creates conflict because a $650,000 house is an investment. The inclusion of a group home would lower the value of the
neighborhood. Besides the economic aspects I would support the group home establishment because the behaviors of the residents
have lowered and it is better for the progression of society. I think the group home should not be excluded from society because
people need to gain tolerance for intellectually challenged adults. They need to be placed fairly with others despite their
circumstances. The only possible solution would be compensation of some sort for the residents in the area due to the sudden decision
to place the group home in their area.

30. Response to The Connection Between Religion and Urban Planning by David Engwicht
In his article, David Engwicht discusses the fact that religions (of all types) have played major roles in the development of our
cities. Today, places of worship are primary components of almost all urban centers. Author Lorne Daniel writes “From their
often active role in supporting people who live in city centers to their iconic influence on design and use of space, religious
structures tell us a lot about our history, our current needs, and where we might be headed in the future. This is an aspect of
our urban future that planners and urbanists should attend to.”
Identify a place of worship with which you are somewhat familiar.
(If you are not familiar with any places of worship, do a bit of
research on one in your own city or town.) Show a photograph of
this religious structure. (You may use photographs from the web.)
What roles has this place servedin the development of your
city/town? How has it influenced the design of the area around it?
How has its role changed over time? What roles could this place of
worship play in the future development of your city/town?
This is Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong. I visited this temple with my
mother on my trip to Hong Kong and it was surreal. The area itself is
isolated and somewhat acts as a tourist area. Although it seems as an
attraction the big Buddha holds traditional values and sets itself apart
from the general Hong Kong. The area itself is located by a cable car
ride and preserves old fashioned streets and stores leading up to the
temple area. The temple holds true to religion because they serve vegan meat
and areas of worship. It is a gathering for people to appreciate both the area in
itself and the religion. This attraction brings newer generations with the old and
fuses cultures together. Near the Buddha is the Po Lin Monastery and devote monks reside there.
https://lajollamom.com/big-buddha-po-lin-monastery/

31. 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 askedsome 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?
In the field of architecture, the big questions are always "what could be there?" and "what belongs there?". An architect must
challenge creativity while representing function. Through diversity and design, I learned the built environment is a factor that
isn't put into consideration enough. Architecture should prioritize the body and environment. The design should be inclusive
and allow diversity. To address these issues, I suggest a new approach to the idea of design as a whole. Design needs to be seen
https://www.emaze.com/@AZORCWFI/Architect

32. from a fresh perspective. A new viewer/user should easily be able to distinguish functions and comprehend the design. In terms
of architecture, it would be described along the words of Louis Sullivan "Form ever follows function."