ARC 211: American Diversity and Design: Kartik Garg

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

2. WELCOME!
Hello, my name is Kartik Garg, I am from India, I was born and brought up in Lucknow, India.
The city is famous for its rich cultural heritage and its effervescent history. I am a transfer
student from Manipal University India; I am in my junior year. My hobbies are gaming,
basketball, working out and watching movies. I also like to travel, do adventure and hike at
times.
American Diversity and Design course had a positive impact on me to learn how design
influences different cultures, societies and the world around us, not just in a positive way but
also sometimes in a negative way. One thing that I found was most compelling during the
course of the semester was that it displayed how bad designs can help teach us to build a better
design for the future generation. In addition, it taught that in order to us to learn values from
society and different cultures to incorporate them into our design.
(Picture credits Aman Srivastava)
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. WEEK 1
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 out-dated information, which put them at a
disadvantage.
With the growth in technology and science, one of the most important inventions, which turns out to be the backbone of everyone in everyday life is
Google. It was founded in 1996 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Out of all the chain of products, the one that plays a vital role in everyone’s day-to-
day life are Google's core search engine and Google maps. We might not realize it, but today every person regardless of his/her age rely on him or
her. This has also brought various disadvantages along with it as people have become lazy, obese and more dependent on technology.
(Picture: https://pixabay.com/p-76522/?no_redirect)

4. 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.)
After years of protests from the African-American community, out of which the most famous one being the
Birmingham Campaign, in which students and children endured attacks by police dogs and high-pressure fire
hose during their protests against segregation. President John F. Kennedy was moved to action following the
elevated racial tensions and wave of black riots in spring of 1963. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlaws
discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This act was a result of the Civil-Rights
movement which lasted for 15 years(from 1954-1968). The Civil Rights Act Act changed the face of
American history for the first time to end racial segregation and discrimination. ( Picture :myloc.gov)

5. WEEK 2
Thread 1: FROM: Chapter in Media/Society and TED Talk Photos that Changed the World
Where would you place the images shown in Photos That Changed the World into Croteau and Hoynes' diagram entitled “Model of Media
and the Social World”? Identify a mass media photograph taken in your own lifetime that has served as an icon of an event. (Feel free to add
an attachment.) What roles does this photo play in the communication of the event?
The four components represented by Croteau and Hoynes' diagram are a part of social world and are
surrounded by the social world. The images shown in Photos That Changes the World were brought to
the public that are the "Readers or Audience" in the diagram with the help of "Media Industry" which
comprises the top and the bottom of the model. The left and right of the model comprise of the human
creations, which are "Technology" and "Media message or product". How the audience interprets the
images, as well as, how it is delivered by the media to the audience play in integral role in the images
shown in the video. One example would be the first photo that shows soldiers lifting up the American
flag, a large part of audience might consider it as patriotic whereas when used negatively and
delivered to create a negative influence on people, it might be considered as a reason for destruction
and loss of human life. Thus, the images can be placed on "Readers and audience" and” Media
message or product".
Picture: http://www.iwojima.com/raising/raisingb.htm

6. Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
Thread 2: FROM: “Fashioning Protest for the Women’s March on Washington” and “The Worst Design of 2016 Was Also the Most
Effective”
NOTE: Use the first three part of the SEE-IT method of critical thinking (State, Elaborate, Exemplify) to address the following questions:
Typically, we do not think of hats as elements of mass media or social media. However, the two hats (red and pink) discussed in the articles
certainly have taken on that role. Why the two hats (red and pink) are mentioned in the articles vehicles of communication design? What
meanings do each of the two hats carry? In terms of communication design, how are they similar? And how are they different from one
another?
The two hats (red and pink) played a huge role as elements of mass media to bring out strong
messages from the public during the election campaign for the presidency in the United
States.The Red hat was used as an election symbol and played an integral role during the election
campaign of president-elect Donald Trump; the image represented Donald Trump wearing the
bright red hat festooned with " Make America Great Again" slogan. So the people who supported
him wore it to show their support during the campaign. The women to turn out to protest against
the campaign used the "pink hats" which were created by "The Pussyhat project" to march
against president-elect Donald Trump.
These hats were used as an element of mass media. They are similar in the sense that they are
elements of mass media to give a message to the public. However, the messages given out by
both of them are opposite to each other which make them different from one another.
Pic credit: https://www.pussyhatproject.com/

7. WEEK 3
Thread 1: 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, relatively unskilled workers could complete work; 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?
Under the stimulus of a shortage of skilled labor and abundance in raw materials in the early nineteenth century, Henry Ford introduced new machine
technology to be adopted in the U.S. This new technology spread widely across the world, as it had a higher productive capacity to meet the
increasing needs of the public. However, there were some social consequences related to industrialization. One of the consequence was, during that
time elaborate form, costly materials and intricate decorations crafted by highly skilled labors were
considered as a symbol of wealth, however, the new mechanical powers could replicate it and in some
cases make it look more expensive than it really was. This raised some concerns but was eventually
adopted for better. However, this change stays with us as now also as in the current world almost
everything has been industrialized, which has both pros and cons, one can hardly get a hand-made good,
which in some sense is good as well as bad, because a hand-made good by a skilled worker is more
valuable and creates a sense of uniqueness which can not be found in goods manufactured by
machines. Maurice Conti in his TED talk mentions about Intuitive AI and reflects how it is the world and the way we used to work. According to me,
with the integration of intuitive AI, the manufacturing, as well as the design process, will change forever depending more on computers. One such
example would be the last part of his video, in which he shows how the AI suggested the design for the car after manipulating the data collected. It
will change the society in all the aspects, affecting the jobs,the way current industries work, study areas for students and research process.
Picture: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601519/how-to-create-a-malevolent-artificial-intelligence/

8. Thread 2: 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? Do you know of any products that embrace Cradle-
to-Cradle design? If so, please describe.
2016 Vive Virtual Reality system seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle
concept. The Cradle to cradle concept is about using all materials in
continuous cycles, using renewable energy and celebrating diversity.
The Vive Virtual Reality system has focused mainly on the technology
and little on the objectives of cradle-to-cradle concept. It does not use
renewable sources of energy or celebrate diversity.
One of such concept is solar panels which use sun's energy to generate
electricity, it follows all the cradle to cradle concepts and can be used as
an example of cradle to cradle products.
Picture:http://inhabitat.com/panasonic-develops-most-efficient-solar-
panel-ever-with-22-5-sunlight-conversion/panasonic-hit-module-lead/

9. WEEK 4
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.)
"10 Buildings that Changed America"highlights the "Southdale Center" in Edina, Minnesota. Victor Gruen constructed it in 1956, it was the first
modern indoor shopping mall. The main objective behind creating it was to make people more social and meet new people; also, he did not like the
large straps of commercials on the streets. The Southdale Center indoor mall helped him to achieve his objective and was a huge success. This new
concept was easily adopted and became very popular. Today, we can see
malls in every city either big or small has an indoor mall. With the
similar objective, Jeanne Gang from the TED talk described the
"Arcus Center". It is created as a center for social justice that could break
the traditional barrier between different groups The objective was to
build a place where people can meet new people and have an easy
conversation with them regarding social justice. It also had a kitchen and a
fireplace where people can hang out and meet now people and do
group activities together. It is constructed from logs, which have
trapped carbon dioxide; also, it was very easy to build and instated a lot of
group activity during its construction.
(Picture:http://mallsofamerica.blogspot.com/2007/02/southdale-center-daytons.html)

10. 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.)
Andrew Ballantyne presents an anthropomorphic idea of architecture, whereas Peter Zumothor represents
architecture as more of a reminiscence in the way an architecture constructs something. Both, have a same
common idea which speaks how a piece of architecture is related to a human being, either with his
memories, its physical feel or the way it looks. The main difference between both of their perspectives is that
Zumothor represents buildings as a sense of emotion, a feeling that gets attached to a person living in a house
or any building "Buildings are witness to the human ability to construct concrete things" stated by Peter
Zumothor. Andrew Ballantyne uses a different approach to explaining architecture, he explains architecture
as a part of our "daily lives", He explains buildings as a living piece of architecture created by humans living
inside, he also explains why the hotels around the world are made alike, in order to minimize the
inconvenience involved in regular travel.
Both of them are architectures and present meaningful ideas, none of them can be stated wrong. Instead,
architectures in the modern world should incorporate both of their ideas in order to create a sense of
meaningful as well a piece of architecture which incorporates diverse human-like qualities.
Picture: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41DcBDkbicL.jpg

11. WEEK 5
Thread 1: 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 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 am born and brought up in India. The architectural planning of India has been
influenced by the Britishers, who ruled India for more than 200 years. During their
rule over India, they built many structures which correspond to the European style
of architecture and some of them still exist. The city in which I grew up is
Lucknow, it is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, one of the largest states in India,
with an estimated population of over 204.2 million. Lucknow city has a mixture of
various kinds of architecture with a mixture of the British and Mughal period, Most
of them are found in older parts of Lucknow with the architectural style portraying
different shades. The new towns which have been created after the British rule
corresponds to that of western style with stores and various other convenience stores
spread across. However, with the increase in population the city has moved towards
the apartment style of living instead of having separate individual villas due to shortage of land and urbanization. Also, houses are being
constructed inside the shopping malls according to some recent development which is taking place nearby new towns and cities.
Picture :varuntraveler.page.tl

12. Thread 2: 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 a urban planning and design firm working with Emily Talen (author of “Design That Enables Diversity”) and
Kent Larson (who gave the TED Talk "Brilliant Designs to Fit More People In Every City" The thee of you have been tasked with
developing a plan to rebuild Pruitt Igoe in St. Louis. City officials told the three of you that that they want to do it right this time. Identify
three strategies for rebuilding Pruitt Igoe in ways that promise to be more successful. What would Talen do? What would Larson do? What
would you do? How would your strategies differ from those of the original urban planners/designers of the project? Why would your
strategies be more effective?
Pruitt Igoe's architects did not consider diversity as a dominant feature for their design which would need attention in the long run, and due to this
Pruitt-Igoe turned out to be a failure. If given a chance to rebuild Pruitt Igoe, Talen would construct
it in a way, such that, he could make it more diverse by attracting people of different income and not
just for the low-income. He could do it in a way by attracting more business so that employment rate
increases and so does the minimum wage which in turn will make people with various income living
in the same society. On the other hand, Larson would try to use technology as a tool to build smarter
homes and societies that could accommodate more people in the lesser amount of area.Also, he
would use the technology to make a more efficient style of living which would attract more people.
Given a chance to rebuild Pruitt Igoe, the key feature to consider would be to keep the area diverse. Diversity is the key to bringing various kinds of
people living together under one roof and bringing diversity into the society. The second most important thing would be providing education, basic
necessities to all the people by constructing Schools, Hospitals, convenience stores and other such things in the nearby area for the people living near
them. Also, one of the most important thing to keep in mind is to provide employment opportunities to the people which eventually would result in a
decrease in crime rate and make it safer for the people living in that area. Eventually, I would try to make the houses efficient and use the technology
Picture: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruitt%E2%80%93Igoe

13. WEEK 6
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?
Frederick Law Olmsted in 1868, proposed a series of parks and pathways for
planning of Buffalo city. The plan was in such a way that it augmented city's
original plan. Also, he introduced a new way of interconnected parks in such
a way that a person does not feel like he/she is leaving a place while leaving
one park and going to the other. After the successful implementation and a
historical accomplishment, Olmsted declared Buffalo city as the "best
planned city" in the US if not in the world, considering the streets, parks and
public places.
It would be hard to say that Olmsted would still make that claim or not. With
the growing urbanization, many new gorgeously well-planned cities have
emerged. However, he might still make that claim as we can see that with the changing economy the parks, as well as the planning of Olmsted, still
stays where it was at that time when he built it.
(Picture: http://library.buffalo.edu/maps/buffalo-wnymaps/location/olmsted.html)

14. 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).
I come from a town in India that has mostly enjoyed the attention and care of the government, Lucknow. Many of the monuments as well as
memorial places have remained fairly maintained. However, one place that lacked this attention is the "and Crocodile Reserve", which I would like to
memorialize. The place has a huge forest reserve area along with a breeding center for crocodiles, which remains open to visitors for viewing the
crocodiles. For years it used to be one of the most popular hangout places among the city
people and tourists to enjoy their time among the natural beauty of the forest reserve. As a
child, I remember going to that place several times with my family. However, in recent years,
the place has gradually lost its importance. The people who have visited it recently have
complained about the poor maintenance, lack of cleanliness and basic amenities for the
tourists.
If given a chance to memorialize the place, I would begin with the task of setting up a team to
clean the whole place of unwanted garbage and set up a modern waste disposal system. To
make the place more enjoyable for visitors as a "Picnic Spot', I would build some open courts
for sports like Badminton, Cricket, Tennis, Volleyball etc. which are a popular choice of sports
in India. There would be a running track that would pass through the forest area as well as
through the crocodile breeding reserve. Bicycles could be made available for rent inside the forest area to enable the visitors, especially the
youngsters to explore the whole reserve on bicycles. To popularize the Crocodile Reserve, I would setup boards at regular intervals containing
interesting trivia about Crocodiles, alligators as well as other animals. The buildings would be renovated as per modern architectural forms. This new
design would target people by giving them a different option to enjoy their time in a natural environment without the need to get out of the city. It
would not just be a hangout place for the city dwellers, but also a great tourist spot for visitors. (Picture: Kartik Garg)

15. WEEK 7
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 heritage as providing a very limited view of the history of the transatlantic slave trade, resistance and
abolition (Hudson 2007).” The lesson here is that how a viewer sees an image is dependent upon his/her social, economic, and cultural position.
Keeping this in mind, find another iconic graphic that addresses racial issues and post it for others in your group to view. (Add it to your
response by clicking on the picture in the tools section. Do not add it as an attachment that needs to be opened.) How do you interpret the
graphic? What is its meaning? Now imagine that someone from a racial and cultural background different than your own is looking at the
same graphic. Briefly describe this person. How might s/he interpret its meaning? How might this differ from your interpretation? What are
the possible reasons for these differences? (Consider the three assessment principles mentioned in the article to help you: a technology of
vision, an instrument of empathy, and a symbol of control.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
Since the partition of India in 1947, there have been more than 20 incidents, and more than 10,000 people have been killed in Hindu-Muslim
communal violence. Violence against Muslim in India has various reasons, one
being Islamic resentment towards Islamic domination of India. A person from
another background might interpret this image as a mob attacking a person or a
group due to some mutual discrimination, which is true in most acts of violence.
However, this interpretation is not true here, this a case of religious violence. This
graphic shows two groups, the one group in the yellow with the yellow flag being
Hindus, and the other group Muslims. The person in the image might not even know
who the other person is, what is his background, still, he is ready to kill him just
because he is from another religion. Many Scholars believe that Hindu-Muslim riots
have political motivations, it has proven to be true in many such incidents. These

16. kinds of incidents have scarred India post its independence and have caused an invisible racial and communal conflict which still exists in most parts
of the country.
(Picture: http://www.asianews.it/news-en/%E2%80%9CWe-pray-for-peace-in-Ayodhya,%E2%80%9D-Card-Gracias-says,-against-possible-Hindu-
Muslims-tensions--19506.html)

17. 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.)
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is one of the monuments, which follows the first belief of equity designs. The
museum represents the entire nation's "struggle with black civil rights". The design of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
is in the form of a circle surrounding of which is made out of copper, which the Africans mastered a long time ago. This goes along with historical
context matters. The inside of the museum includes parts of African, Haitian, African American, and Caribbean cultures and official documents from
the Civil Rights Movements. The facts and products were all within the museum. Inside the museum, you can see how Africans American history has
evolved and what we had to go through to get where we are right now, not that I am saying America is a perfect friendly country but we have come a
long way. If it were not radically inclusive, they may only be open to
blacks, this facility would not be open to the public so everyone could
learn and celebrate African American achievements
Picture:http://www.mymcmedia.org/tag/national-museum-of-african-
american-history-culture/

18. WEEK 8
Thread 1: Response to "Landscape Stories" ChapterThread 1
This is a two-part question. Please post your own response by Friday, March 31at 10:00 am, and respond to at least two other students’
responses by Sunday, April 2 at 10:00 pm.
First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors and/or outdoors) that you think of as representative of your
own ethnic background and discuss why you consider this place to be ‘ethnic’. –OR-- Describe an object in your home that you think of as
representative of your ethnic background and discuss why this object is considered to be ‘ethnic’. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this object or
place something that you will keep or continue when you establish your own home? Why or why not?
Now let’s move into your community. In “Landscape Stories,” the authors show how landscape
architects develop a historical narrative that sifts through and interpets the culture and material of
underrepresented groups. Think about the community where you grew up. Describe and discuss any
evidence of cultural influences on the physical environment in your community. If possible, describe
evidence of the cultural influence of an underrepresented group. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this
cultural influence being acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or why not? (Limit
your response to 250 words.)
A place in my home (or even my dorm room) which represents my ethnic background is the worship place
the "mandir" (as we call back in my home place which is India) it can be described equivalently to a chapel.
This place consists of marble statues and images of Hindu gods and goddesses which we worship. This place
is considered as the most important place in a house and is the first thing to be established in the house. I
consider these as my roots and will continue to follow the norms and traditions.

19. India is considered to be one of the world's oldest and diverse cultures in the world. I grew up in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in India, the city is known
for its food and diverse culture it holds. However, one of the most underrepresented groups were Muslims which constituted just 18 percent of the
population, the city is known for its food mainly due to them as there are various shops which are being run be them from more than 50 years and
have now been converted into big franchises. The government has been working hard to prevent disputes and preserve their community.
(Picture: Kartik Garg)

20. Thread 2: Response to Article on Sports Branding
This thread will focus on the ethnic characteristics of sports branding. Please post your own response by Friday, March 31at 10:00 am, and
respond to at least two other students’ responses by Sunday, April 2 at 10:00 pm.
Recent controversies about sports branding focus on ethnicity. The Washington Redskins team is just one example of the larger controversy,
but it receives the most public attention due to the name itself being defined as derogatory or insulting in modern dictionaries, and the
prominence of the team representing the nation’s capital. Should sports team branding designers use ethnic references (Fighting Irish, ,
Atlanta Braves, etc.)? Why? Why not? What are some of the complexities of this issue? (Limit your response to 150
words.)
Sports teams have been using ethnic references ever since. Every product, be it a political campaign or a
building is swayed by its outward aesthetic which gives designers a lot of power. According to me, team branding
should not use such ethnic references because somewhere or the other it creates an impact on the perspective of the
followers of these teams to follow their team's motif which can be established by the name of the team they follow. However,
complexities arise as designers don't care about such social issues because they get paid to attract more people and audience and to create a larger fan
following for their teams which can be a result of using such names which cause controversies.
Picture: http://www.nba.com/celtics/

21. WEEK 9
Thread 1: 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 word)
This image depicts gender inequality regarding
illiteracy, average pay and treatment of boys’ vs
girls. “42% of women think they have to do all
the housework and take care of the children, even
though they have a job”. This shows how the
treatment of women in our society has influenced
their way of looking at things. Also, in some parts
of world, having a female child is considered as a
liability.
(Picture:https://glasalt.wordpress.com/2014/11/22/gender-equality-is-not-negotiable/)

22. Thread 2:
Last year, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that repealed local LGBT anti-discrimination laws, and required
people to use the bathroom that corresponded with the biological gender written on their birth certificates. This prompted massive backlash.
McCrory stated, “You know, we all have to make adjustments in life. And we’ve had the proper etiquette situation for decades in our
country, and all of a sudden through political correctness we’re throwing away basic etiquette.” Just this past Thursday, the North Carolina
General Assembly passed a bill to repeal the law while placing a moratorium on nondiscrimination measures.
Should people be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with the biological gender written on their birth certificate? State why
AND state why not. In other words, to receive full credit for this question, you need to present an argument for both sides of the issue. As a
designer, how would you solve this gender dilemma? Use the SEE-IT method to respond to this question. (Limit your response to less
than 250 words.)
The answer to this question that should people be made to use a particular bathroom can
never be certain, some might say yes and other may say no.. If people are made to use a
particular restroom then they tend to face incredibly high risks for sexual assault. This
mainly applies to trans women who may be forced to use men's restroom. This
idea endangers people and encourages violence. So, people should be allowed to choose
whatever makes them comfortable. However, some might argue that people should accept
what they were born with and use the bathrooms accordingly. However, this adds a serious
issue of safety as well as a person feeling comfortable. I believe, people should feel safe and
comfortable rather than forcing them to use a particular restroom because it is the idea on
which America was founded and bathrooms are a human right.
(Picture: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brynn-tannehill/debunking-bathroom-
myths_b_8670438.html)

23. WEEK 10
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.
This image depicts one of the abandoned houses on the street. The
image depicts a setting which has net been used since a long time
and is decaying. It can be categorized as a crusty architecture
because of its such setting. It discriminates against the rich and the
poor due to its such condition. The second image can be
categorized as a slippery design. It is from one of the parks in Buffalo. During the winter a lot of snow gets
accumulated on the sidewalks and the area that most of the people cannot use it. Also, generally it is had for
elderly and handicapped to use the place because of its such architecture.
(Picture: Kartik Garg and Anmol Bohra)

24. 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?
The first thing I would like to do is shift Tammy and family to a little busier area or a
suburban area where they can have opportunities and excel in their respective field.
Being far away from work Tammy’s half of the time was gone in traveling from one
place to another and as a result, she barely had time for her children. If Tammy’s home
was close to the work place or a suburban area then the children could get to know about
their surroundings and encounter the real situations as they are in a completely different
environment from the one they were earlier. This would be an easy way to let Tammy
have some time with family and save the time and money for future with investments,
she could do for a healthy and better coming year.
Picture:http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/05/poor-people-worries/

25. WEEK 11
Thread 1: Response to Carroll Article: “(Re)forming Regent Park: When Policy Does Not Equal Practice”
The development of 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?
In order to improve social integration for the older people, the park can be equipped with even ground surface, which would help them to walk easily
without having the fear of falling down or breaking their hip. Mile markers can be featured to encourage physical activity. Group activities can also
be encouraged in the park to make the park a social place and encourage interaction to promote a healthier environment. Generally, older people don't
have as good eyesight as the younger generation, so the font size on the boards can be made bigger and clearer.The most important thing anyone can
expect from a park is to make it greener and more natural by incorporating more plants and water features which are relaxing and comforting.
Picture:http://www.royalparksraces.com/regents-park.html

26. 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 most significant effect of extended life span of human beings would be the rapid growth in population. The rapid growth in population will effect
every aspect of human beings and a large part of which will have to be faced by the designers. The overall design of cities and countries will have to
be rebuilt to accommodate this change. The concept of individual houses and villas will have have to be replaced by apartments so that more people
could be accommodated in smaller pieces of land. Also,
the consumption of food, fossil fuels, water and basic
necessities would grow due to an increase in population.
More ways to get more fossil fuels will have to be built. The
traffic in cities will rise rapidly and the designers will
have to find alternatives to help people commute from
one place to another. There would be rise in usage of
public transports by people to avoid traffic. So public
transportation system will also need to be redesigned.
Such examples of design can be taken from the countries
which are already facing these issues such as China and
India, which are the two largest populated countries in
the world
Picture:http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/population/population-growth-essay-on-population-growth/5978

27. WEEK 12
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.
Picture:http://www.bridgetowndesign.com/single-post/2014/08/06/Question-from-Mary-Universal-Design-pt-2

28. 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.
The design used in the picture above is a good example of equitable use Universal design
principle. This design can be used as a perfect example for the development of future
stairways. This design can enable both the person
who uses a wheelchair as well as others who don't
use it to be able to commute from one place to
another. Whereas a totally opposite example of
this design is in the image below, this design
doesn't enable a person on a wheelchair to use it.
Only a person who is able to walk perfectly without a wheelchair would be able to use such a design.
This makes it a totally unacceptable design. Sadly, the design shown below is the one which is most
common and can be seen everywhere, which can make us think, whether our designs are effective and
uniform designs which take care of everyone's needs or not?
(Picture1: http://www.homemods.net/2013/02/ada-walker-handicap-stairs-instead-of.html
Picture 2: Dipen)

29. Thread 2: Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
Our 2017 Design-A-Baby survey yielded the following characteristics as indicated by a majority of you:
 Sex: Male (47%)
 Hair Color: Dark Brown (22%)
 Hair Texture: Wavy (33%)
 Eye Color: Blue (26%)
 Race: Caucasian (36%)
 Height: 5’-10” to 6’-1” (45%)
 IQ: 131-140 (20%)
 Memory: Excellent (43%)
 Athletic Ability: Excellent (43%)
 Weight: Average (79%)
 Disease Carrier: None (85%)
 Beauty: Somewhat attractive (46%)
 Empathy: Very empathetic (38%)
 Creativity: Very creative (37%)
Sounds like an all-around lovely person!
Currently, we have the technology for you to choose many of the survey characteristics in your future child, and this ability to choose poses
some ethical questions. Of course, we all want the best for our own child. However, as we move into a more collective situation, we need to
consider how the consequences of majority choices for children might change who we are as a species.
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

30. it is ethical to evolve the human body. All of these videos suggest that the concept of disability ‘as we know it’ could cease to exist in the
future.
This leads us to this week’s discussion question:
What lessons do you think we should learn from history when thinking about emerging enhancement technologies and reproductive
technologies? What are some of the possible consequences (both positive and negative) of being able to design our bodies and the bodies of
our children? What ethical quandaries do these technologies pose?
When talking about the history of human enhancement technologies or reproductive technologies, there are a lot of lessons that we can learn both
good and bad. In the past, there have been both successfully and unsuccessfully attempts to build human enhancement technology. Some
technologies which currently exist are anti-aging(cosmetic surgeries), cloning, genetic engineering. However, these have been successfully and are
being used currently. However, there have been a lot of controversies around them regarding the unsuccessful attempts which question these
technologies which make us learn for the betterment of future.
Some possible positive consequences of being able to design our
bodies include better overall mental ability, better physical appearance.
They can also help us to eliminate birth diseases and physical
disabilities. However, with good comes bad and the negative
consequences include gender ratio inequality. Also, as everyone would
be the same there would be no originality which is the basic of
advancement or betterment of human race. I believe we should not try
to play too much with nature or we lead to the extinction of human
race. Some ethical problems these technologies pose are gender change which some people do not agree and are being carried out, also if we are
given the freedom to choose the sex of an individual before even he/she is born, I believe we should question ourselves whether it is ethically right or
wrong? (Picture:http://immortallife.info/articles/entry/next-stage-in-our-evolutionadvanced-human-enhancement)

31. Week 13
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 the film that they could use in their work?
I strongly believe that Frederick Wiseman did a great job by filming the inmates of
Bridgewater Correctional Facility. Wiseman's documentary "" was a brave step so that the
world could view the living conditions of criminally insane people at Bridgewater State
Hospital. It displayed how they were only periodically washed, were fed forcefully, made to
strip naked publically and were bullied by the institution's staff. This film could play a vital
role to help designers understand what was the cause behind such inhumane activities being
taken place at a place, which was meant to be a safe house for them. The documentary shows
many dark places, empty cells where the inmates were kept, this could be an example to the
interior designers to make sure that while designing they also need to take care that what
kind of activities or people are going to stay there. Planners could plan better to plan the
place in such a way so that these kinds of designs can be avoided in future. If steps are taken
by designers to build, a better place many inhumane activities can be avoided for example a
better and wide communicative design could avoid bullying. Designers play a vital role while designing such facilities.
(PC: https://www.bdfci.info/film/72903/galerie/titicut-follies/222983)

32. 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 wood. 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 neighbourhood, would you support or oppose this proposal and why?
You have learned additional information about the residents of the proposed group home in your neighbourhood. In 2013, three of the ten
intended residents exhibited challenging behaviours including screaming, public masturbation, repetitive rocking, and echolalia (elective
incontinence). However, these behaviours have not occurred since then.
How would this change your opinion about the construction of the group home in your neighbourhood?
The residents in your neighbourhood voted (14-3) to reject the town of Amherst’s proposal to build a group home in the neighbourhood.
Town officials agreed that the home would not be built in your neighbourhood if you and your neighbours 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”?
I would support the proposal to build a home for intellectually challenged. In addition, I would try to contribute as much as I can being a resident of
the neighbourhood.
The additional information provided
would not change my decision because I believe
what matters is their behaviour in the present
and not what they have done in the past, even if
they have done such activities, I believe they
need to be taken care of and not to be abandoned
and isolated.
If the residents of neighbourhood voted
against the proposal. I would first try to
influence them to agree on the proposal, and ask
for what each of their demands will be if the government plans to build such a home for intellectually challenged adults. After that, I would try to

33. sum all of the demands up by discussing them with all the residents in an organized meeting. Then I would propose their demands to the town
officials if they want to build the house. If this would not work then I would propose them to build the house in a non-residential area so that they
would not need to take consent from people living around that area to build the house.
(PC: http://www.kingsview.org/sites/default/files/pages/headers/13-licensed.jpg)

34. WEEK 14
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 centres. 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 place I go to worship is Temple
(commonly known as “mandir”). It is a
place where all Hindus go and worship to
get the blessings of the God. Many people
believe that by taking the blessings of the
God before starting their day would make
their day wonderful. Temple is a place we
can find many people and have an
interactive session. During festivals, many
people come together in the Temple under
one roof and celebrate. People back at my
place tend to build their homes close to the
Temples, as they believe it will bring luck
and prosperity to them.
(PC:
http://www.hellotravel.com/india/about-
chattarpur-mandir-new-delhi)

35. 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 have 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 part of the formalized design professions.
Think about your own major and/or future profession. What is the biggest challenge, problem, or question that your field needs to tackle
right now? What do you plan to do to address this challenge, problem, or question either as part of your studies or professional life?
As a student of computing and applied math, I would like to pursue a career in a field that would require the application of concepts I have learned as
a graduate student, preferably in the field of computer animation and gaming. I want to learn and master the technological skills that go behind the
development of computer games. However, during my quest to pursue these skills, I have faced many challenges, the biggest being keeping myself
updated with the latest technologies.
The world of technology right now is moving at a faster pace than ever. There are plethora of programming languages available for one to achieve
the task one wants to. In a pool of so many options, it becomes difficult to choose and learn the right one. In
addition, who knows, by the time we master this one, it might already be on the verge of extinction, and a new one
takes its place. Technology advances rapidly, and this advancement is visible on all fronts. For example, our
favourite operating systems alone are updated within just a few months. This puts pressure on the companies as
well as their IT staff to implement this new technology and update their products to work according to
the new technology, or be left behind in the race to conquest the digital world. A similar thing happened to Nokia a few years ago. Once a leader in
the mobile phone market, it failed to move alongside other competitors in the world of android OS, and thus soon became an obsolete technology.
So how do we keep ourselves at pace with these rapidly evolving technologies? To make the most of any new software technology, we first need to
look into the facets behind its development, and the challenges it poses to the users. For example, not every new programming language is successful.
Sometimes the old ones are more robust, and sometimes they only form the core of the new language. Thus, it is important to understand the core
technologies that are most popularly used in the development of the new ones. Once we master those, it will become relatively easier to keep ahead
t=with the changes that take place around them. (PC: http://luisgc.github.io/programming_languages_governance/#/title)