The document discusses the author's experience in an American diversity and design class. The author, a bio major named Joe Gentile, felt like the odd one out in his group for having different social and political views. However, the class helped him learn to consider different perspectives and discuss alternative ideas in a controlled manner. Key things the author learned included advances in organic design philosophy and the importance of machine and human collaboration. The author found the thought-provoking discussion questions most compelling. While his views did not change, the class helped solidify and strengthen his beliefs.

1. University at
Buffalo – State
University of New
York
Arc 211 – American
Diversity and
Design
Online Discussion
Questions
Joseph Gentile
http://www.mathsthoughtbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/unleash-creativity-e1406073565218.jpg

2. Introduction
My name is Joe Gentile and I am a bio major here at UB. Welcome to those of you who are
reading my project. My time in diversity in design can be described as the one kid in my group
who had social and political ideas different from everyone else. But aside from this the class
influenced me to have to look at every idea from the opposing side since everyone’s ideas were
so different. I would say I grew and became more aware in this aspect as well as more controlled
in discussing alternate ideas. Things I learned from D+D include our advances in organic design
philosophy and the importance of working together with machines to create perfected designs.
Things about the course I found most compelling was the depth at which most of the questions
made you think. Most discussions required much more than a single sentence to answer and from
that allowed us to freely think and write on whatever we felt answered the question. Do I think
the class has changed my viewpoints since prior to the class? The short answer is no, not at all, it
is actually quite the opposite. Before this class I didn’t have very strong viewpoints I only
believed in what I thought but never argued for or against them very much. D+D discussions
made me solidify my ideas and believe in them more than I ever have to the point where I feel I
actually have a better sense of what I believe in. So have my views changed from the class no
but my views sure have solidified and are stronger than before.
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
Photo by me

3. 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.
From history, the invention of the railroad and trains dramatically
improved transportation for both people and goods. Before tracks were
laid and trains started running the best way of traveling over land was
by horse and buggy. Trains allowed for more cargo to be transported
http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/
old-railroads-028.jpg

4. and in much less time than before. What took weeks or months before now took days. It helped everyone in ways making shipping
cheaper, supplying supplies to armies, and letting people travel more frequently. The people who were negatively affected by the train
was anyone who was displaced from their homes during the making of it and had to find a new place to live. You can also include in
negatively affected people the Chinese workers who worked in bad working conditions and for extremely low pay.

5. 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.)A design that was influenced by a
diversity group is the food industry in food stamps and soup kitchens. This design is needed to help those people out who cannot
afford to feed themselves and their families. In areas full of poverty this system is needed in order for people to survive. The problem
is that some people abuse this system trading food stamps for cash to buy other things. Soup kitchens first opened up in America

6. following the fall of the stock market in the 1930s. They were an important design in need during the great depression to feed those in
need. Before they were officially opened by the government, the church would give food to those in need in the same design as these
new soup kitchens did.
http://fm.cnbc.com/applications/cnbc.com/resources/img/editorial/2013/07/12/100883399-157188427r.530x298.jpg?v=1373652844

7. Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED Talk on Photographs
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?
http://cdn.narcity.com/boston/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/01/bombing1.jpg
The photos shown in the TED talk mostly do not fit into any of the four
outside categories but a combination of all of them. I would say that
the biggest one they fit into is a message being portrayed by the image,
for example America coming together during times of war or the
impact we are causing on our climate. A photo that helped to portray
an event is one of the Boston Marathon bombing. As we all know the
the tragedy that happened it is hard to understand the sheer size and
impact this had without a picture. The amount of people in the picture
itself, the size of the explosion and where it all occurred help us
remember what all happened on that day.
http://s.newsweek.com/sites/www.newsweek.com/files/2015/04/14/4-14-15-boston-
bombing.jpg

8. Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
FROM: “Fashioning Protest for the Women’s March on Washington” and “The Worst Design of 2016 Was Also the Most
Effective”
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?
Both hats are important in what they mean and no one is less important than the other. Trumps red hat with the words "Make America
Great Again" was used as a symbol for his campaign to gain more supporters and attempt to strengthen his cause. The pink hats are
used in a similar way to unify the people marching against Trump and what he stands for. The idea however that Trumps hat is a "bad"
design does not make any sense. The hat did exactly what it was supposed to do, create a sense of unity and inspiration to his
followers that America will be great again. The pink hat is just that, a pink hat with cat ears, which portrays the opposing idea and is
no more a "better" design than Trumps. In the end they are two hats that symbolize what both parties are trying to say.
http://dustinsview.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/hat.jpg
https://img0.etsystatic.com/146/1/9971463/il_340x270.1124105930_qrmj.jpg

9. 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 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?
From the creation of the assembly line the US society as a whole was changed. First of all the making a good, especially goods that
were complex and time consuming to make before like cars, took significantly less
time to manufacture. From this costs were able to be reduced drastically and allow for
more people to afford them. The revolution also brought forth an increase in wage to
the workers of Ford. Never before had a company paid this much to its workers
making them want to work harder and keep their jobs. The ideas of the assembly line
are in society today in most manufacturing of goods. Based on the TED Talk I believe
that manufacturing in the next 20 years will become more robot and computer based.
However the process of idea creating and design will go towards the ideas of
augmented intelligence. Jobs will become more specialized in this area since there will
http://blogs.voanews.com/tedlandphairsamerica/f
iles/2011/06/03-
GM_Exhibition_Assembly_Line.jpg

10. be less work for humans to do individually. Overall the manufacturing process will affect the jobs of humans negatively but open up
new jobs in programming and intelligence design.

11. Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
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
any products that embraces Cradle-to-Cradle design? Please describe and cite your source.
The only product that seems to really defy the Cradle-to-Cradle concept is the new 4 passenger Rolls Royce car. No part of it is about
sustainability or consideration for life other than pleasure. Yes the car looks cool and is a nice addition to anyone who wants a luxury
car like this but it has no concept of Cradle-to-Cradle. Even in the passage it explains how they "accepted no compromise to the
comfort and luxury....to travel together in the pinnacle of style." A product that embraces the cradle to cradle design that was actually
part of the IDEA Gold Awards is the TetraPOT. While also forming a natural barrier against erosion the TetraPOT also creates a
natural habitat for the ecosystem. The product itself is made of concrete and decomposable material making it a sustainable and green
choice. I found more information on how it is made, how it works and what it does to do this from a different source.
http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/projects/tetrapot/
http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/2014-rolls-royce-wraith-inline-3-photo-541047-s-
original.jpg http://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1931c_820aa0362d69465baeb55a0b6ef76878.jpg_srz_905_641_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz

12. 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.)
One work of architecture that shows sensibilities of the past is the Trinity Church in Boston
Massachusetts. The building which was constructed in 1877 in a style is called Richardsonian Romanesque.
It was modeled after the medieval style of churches with its curved arches and chiseled looking outside
stone. The inside itself was shaped like a cross to exemplify the priest surrounded by the people there to see
him. The massive columns inside and high ceilings also give a look at a Roman point of architecture used to
support the gigantic structure. Now in America you see churches with this style in almost any place you go.
One building that shows sensibilities about the present and future is "Aqua", a residential apartment building
in Chicago. Most high rise buildings confine residents to knowing mostly people on their floor with how
they are set up in straight rows and columns up and down. The way this building breaks the mold is through
its balconies which are constructed to allow residents to interact with not only
the people next to them but on lower or upper floors. By staggering and having
data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQS
kZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAk
GBxMTEhUTEhMWFhUXFxYYGBYX
FxcVFxYZFxcYFxgYFxYYHSggGBolGx
UVITEhJSkrLi4uFx8zODMuNygtLisB
CgoKDg0OGhAQGi0lHSUtLS0tLS0tL
S0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0vKy0tLS0tLS
0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLf/AABEIAQ
MAwgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAcAAA
BBQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAFAAED
https://upload.wikimedia.
org/wikipedia/commons/t
humb/f/fd/Trinity_Church
%2C_Boston%2C_Massac
husetts_LCCN2011630431
.tif/lossy-page1-1200px-
Trinity_Church%2C_Bosto
n%2C_Massachusetts_LCC
N2011630431.tif.jpg

13. different ergonomic shapes of the balconies the architects were able to create a more social atmosphere out of one usually secluded.
This is important for today’s age as being social has been turned towards an overwhelming amount of social media rather than actually
interacting. The balconies allow for people to break out of this boundary even from the comfort of home making meeting new people
around you easier.

14. 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.)
Ballantyne's and Zumthor's viewpoints on architecture both have
to do with an idea of looking at life and the surroundings to
create an ideal structure. Both people talked about ideas that they
use from music and poetry, like how architecture has its limits
just as music does. The example of contemporary music being a
combination of broken rhythm and cluster of sound as well as
purely functional sound. Some architecture is broken from the
norm with loud aspects the challenge what is originally seen but
all together can form a completely functional idea. The ideas of
the two men differ however in where they focus. Zumthor seems to get his ideas from memories. In the opening paragraphs he talks
about how he remembers the door handle of his aunt’s garden as an entry to a whole new place. His memories influence how he thinks
as everything is connected together by it. Ballantyne looks at the aesthetics of things and how they look rather than how they feel to
him.
http://images.fineartamerica.com/
images-medium-large/old-church-
door-handle-tom-blessum.jpg

15. Response to Levy Article
John Levy’s article, “An Overview: The Need for Planning,” discussed ways in which planning can determine the
characteristics of a place. For example, some smaller towns restrict the heights of buildings to maintain a certain scale. How
did planning define the character of the place in which you grew up.
I grew up in a small (population wise) town an hour north of NYC called Pawling. There’s a small village near the middle and
everyone else either lives in one of three pockets of about 300 houses or on a mountain. The houses in the developments have about a
half-acre to each and every other house has 10 or more acres of land. Most things are not in close walking distance of each other so
cars are needed to get from point A to B. Since everything is very spread out there is not much infrastructure of any kind other than a
few restaurants and a post office. Most of the roads around
town are very windy and weren't planned with a lot of cars on
the road in mind. Since there is only one school though the
town itself was very close and everyone knew mostly
everyone. Hanging out after school however without a car was
completely dependent on your parents driving you around since
unless you lived right next to each other it was hard to get to
hang out. The town was not planned for many people and it has
stayed that way dominated mostly by woods and random farms
all over.
http://whereswalden.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/0159.jpg

16. Response to Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen, and Larson
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?
In order to rebuild Pruitt Igoe the complex needs to be revamped entirely. New more inviting looking buildings is a start that connect
and flow together to create a sense of unity. Secondly by adding small shops and restaurants throughout the neighborhood that allows
people to walk around and feel welcomes helps to set a nice atmosphere. Lastly terraforming the area making it less gray and dusty by
adding trees, pathways and gardens will overall improve the community.
Larson when redesigning would put a focus on the interconnection of the community with a spread of places to go around within
walking distance. He would also look at how space could be saved with the use of compact folding cars and bicycles to reduce on
costs and space used. Overall his ideas are about efficiency as well as ease of use.
Talen seems like she would focus on the connectivity of the space between its residents. Everyone feeling welcome regardless of race,
social/economic status, and age. She would promote overall a better living condition for everyone involved.

17. For me the thing I would focus on the most is making the area full of nature. Having an
area that is just concrete and buildings to me looks terrible and brings down my overall
mood while there. By having trees, fountains and grass to break up the ground and the
buildings you create a more welcoming atmosphere that calms people down. I would also
have less high-rise buildings around as they just feel overwhelming at times to me.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Pruitt-igoeUSGS02.jpg/350px-Pruitt-igoeUSGS02.jpg

18. 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?
The basis of Olmsted’s claim on Buffalo being the best
design city comes from the idea of a connection of nature
and city with the city inside the parks. Connection of all
the parks by parkways expanding the nature brings the
parks together. I do not think Olmsted would make the
same claim today about buffalo. I do not visit the city
itself often but the idea of connection to nature and a city
that is surrounded by parks seems to have gone away. The
streets are confusing at times, public places and grounds
don't look very inviting and overall there’s no sense of connectivity that I can feel. I do not think Olmsted would still think Buffalo is
the best designed city.
http://library.buffalo.edu/maps/img/olmstedbuffalonorth.jpg

19. 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).
In my hometown we have many historical buildings that are already memorialized including a house where George Washington
stayed during the war and what is now a golf course that was said to have a battle on it. However I think that they are poorly displayed
and designed. The house itself is on the main road that leads to the village and the golf course right across the street. You can visit the
house if you could ever find the driveway that’s covered by
trees and park looking at just the side of the house. If I could
redo the memorization of these two places I would not have
them separated across the street from each other but have
them work together. The house could double as the clubhouse
for the golf course bringing more attention to what this house
actually is to people who don't know while also getting some
practical use. Overall the design of the roads around and how
the house and field would function should have been changed
long ago but are now forgotten to even most people who live
here. https://dutchesstourism.com/img/listings/9/kane.jpg

20. 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.)

21. I will start this off by saying that my graph is not about a "racial issue" but rather shows how an issue is being misinterpreted just
because groups of people feel they are being targeted. Police brutality has been a major concern of the past few years mostly in the
black community as countless stories have come out and started riots across America. We can clearly see that police brutality is a
thing and needs to be addressed before it continues to get out of control but
in no way is it an issue of race. From the graph it clearly shows the
percentages of victims killed by police during arrests separated by race. The
bottom two bars of the graph have no effect on the actual number of victims
but just further show that Police brutality is not an issue with race but an
issue with power and policy. Yes you see and think "only 13% of the US
population is black and 63% white but the victims of police deaths are only
separated by 21% that seems pretty racially skewed to me". When we look at
this outside of a vacuum of the graph and look at total crimes committed by
each race the numbers seem more evenly distributed to these number of homicides by police. I’m not here to say no your movement
isn't valid or no it isn't an issue because it is an issue, but it’s not a race issue its a societal issue that EVERYONE needs to fight to
improve.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CCQLuyGUgAAufE5.png

22. 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.)
I believe that the MLK memorial speaks to the future of life. Being so big and bold the statue shows us how America is meant to be
and what we should strive for. It is something to look up at and lead us down a path of equality and non-violence. It is a reminder for
everything he stood for and what he thought of as a better world.
https://media1.britannica.com/eb-media/28/152028-004-88B264A9.jpg

23. Response to "Landscape Stories" Chapter
First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors and/or outdoors) that you think of as
representative of your own ethnic background and discuss why you consider this place to be ‘ethnic’. –OR-- Describe an object
in your home that you think of as representative of your ethnic background and discuss why this object is considered to be
‘ethnic’. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this object or place something that you will keep or continue when you establish your
own home? Why or why not?
Now let’s move into your community. In “Landscape Stories,” the authors show how landscape architects develop a historical
narrative that sifts through and interprets the culture and material of underrepresented groups. Think about the community
where you grew up. Describe and discuss any evidence of cultural influences on the physical environment in your community.
If possible, describe evidence of the cultural influence of an underrepresented group. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this cultural
influence being acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or why not?
In my house there is no thing or place that represents any kind of ethnic background. My house is pretty generic with no true signs on
a sort of culture as we don't express anything in our lives as it is. I don't think I would ever change this because there’s no need to
express something you don’t feel strongly about.
Same as my home there is no part of my community or even surrounding communities that express any sort of ethnic background
other than being American. The extend of cultural influence is giant American flags on the side of barns and the various small parades
for the Fourth of July and Veterans Day.
http://u.realgeeks.media/goodhomeshudsonvalley/befedagain-barn-flag.jpg

24. 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?
I think that sports teams are fine using ethnic references as designs as long as it is not obviously offensive. A sports team does not use
its logo or name to directly offend people or groups it is just a name. The only complexity of this issue as I see it is people
overreacting to something in life that doesn't actually matter at all. Yes some people might be offended because it directly shows an
ethnic side of them but when it comes down to it if this the thing offending you the most it’s really not a problem.
http://cdn.thefederalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Redskins-998x748.png
http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/teamsites/images/legacy/celtics/CelticsLogo_History.gif

25. 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?
This visual uses the "get the idea" method to portray
equality. It is a very simple graphic showing neither
males nor females in the center of everything or winning
the game/ have a chance at winning. Both genders are
being shown as equal and the approach is effective in
showing that. If you are really nitpicky and actually care
that the colors are pink and blue you can say that is
something to "improve on", but as we saw in the

26. beginning of this class women want to identify with pink anyway with the pink pussy hats to support women’s rights so this really
isn't a problem. Otherwise the picture looks pretty cool.
http://equityfeminism.com/are-we-equal/

27. Response to Bathroom Bill
Last year, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that repealed local LGBT anti-discrimination laws,
and required people to use the bathroom that corresponded with the biological gender written on their birth certificates. This
prompted massive backlash. McCrory stated, “You know, we all have to make adjustments in life. And we’ve had the proper
etiquette situation for decades in our country, and all of a sudden through political correctness we’re throwing away basic
etiquette.” Just this past Thursday, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill to repeal the law while placing a
moratorium on nondiscrimination measures.
Should people be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with the biological gender written on their birth certificate?
State why AND state why not. In other words, to receive full credit for this question, you need to present an argument for both
sides of the issue. As a designer, how would you solve this gender dilemma?
Yes I do believe people should be required to use the bathroom that corresponds to their actual gender because gender is not a
thing that changes. Gender and sexual "reproductive" orientation are the same things being that they cannot change. There is a
difference however in how people are attracted to others and that
should be carried out freely as the person wishes. If going to the
bathroom in the bathroom assigned to you is such a problem you
have some bigger problems on your hands. To see the side of the
argument saying it shouldn't matter what bathroom is used if the
person feels they want to use a certain one is that I don't really
care. If you are a woman and want to use the guy bathroom go
ahead I don’t care at all and most guys probably wouldn't care

28. either, as long as the lines to wait didn't get too long. But when going the other way im going to say and assume most females do
not want some random dude who says he feels like a woman today using their bathroom because they feel threatened and
scared that he is in there. It’s just going against a social norm of privacy that the vast majority follow just so every 6 out of 1000
people (percentage of Trans gender adults as of 2011: .6%) can feel better. So yes people should use their own bathrooms so
everything is easier.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/health/transgender-population.html

29. 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.
I went out on an adventure today throughout downtown buffalo to find these places while my friend went to the social security office
to change his name. Upon leaving the office I immediately saw a bench I went to sit on. Sitting on the bench for maybe five minutes I
determined it to be a prickly place as the bench (just a log used to sit on) was very uncomfortable. Along with just being a log, half of
every log was half sliced down to make it harder and uncomfortable to sleep on. This looked directly to counteract homeless people
from staying here during the night as it was in a lower more rundown looking area just outside of downtown. My journey later took
me outside the Buffalo Bisons stadium where I found my second bench series that all were sloped towards the middle making sleeping
and even sitting hard to do. It was also made of metal that was cold and hard to sit on for extended periods of time. I think again that
these were directed towards preventing people from sleeping on them overnight. The benches themselves also were rather broken in
places. I couldn't find any other places that fit any of the other categories. The others seem harder to find hence most of their names
and definitions of what they are.
Photos by me

30. 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?
I would like to create a community for families like Tammy's to live in that is lower costing a mostly self-sufficient. On top of just
having services that could be provided for less or nothing at all I think the need for a community that has places to grow food, offer
help for child care, and create their own jobs in the long run would help out more. The idea of allowing people to work in a lower
economic community together benefits far greater than just giving people everything they need. Not only does it make the community

31. grow economically but also socially as everyone can work for a common goal. Increased jobs and cheaper alternatives allow for
people like Tammy to achieve their goal of going to college and becoming a teacher. 0
https://backtothebasicslifestyle.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/homestead.jpg

32. 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?
A good way to improve the park would be to make it overall more accessible to elderly people. Having close and easy transportation
to get food or other things they need is necessary as well as just more ramps to allow anyone who needs help to get around. Including
nice things to look at around the park like gardens or fountains. Lastly having places for elderly people to talk and socialize is
necessary to keep moral high and everyone having the best time they can.
http://emovingstorage.com/wp-
content/uploads/2009/10/asstliving3.jpg

33. Thread 2: Response to Enriquez TED Talk: “What Will Humans Look Like in 100 Years?”
For this question, we will focus on Juan Enriquez’ Life Two civilization, which alters fundamental aspects of the body. We are
living longer than ever before in human history. Enriquez argues that, because of advances in bio-medical technology, the
possibility of living to 120 years of age and beyond is quite possible for many of us in this D+D class. Assuming that his
assertion is accurate, how do you think extended life spans will change our societies and built environments? What new issues
might designers face because of extended life spans?
The idea of living to 120 years and beyond would create many issues that society does not have today. First of all will our new 120
year old bodies function the same as 90 year old bodies now meaning in our 90s we could be more like 60? Or does just living longer
mean we sit still in a bed unable to do much for an extra however many years because our bodies are still not used to this. Since many
people will be living longer
overpopulation becomes more of an
issue than ever before. The world will
have people living an extra 30-40
years with nowhere to put new people
and too many old people to deal with
as a result. If our average age did
really increase this drastically we
would have to think about getting
pregnant later in life, condensing and
optimizing living situations as well as
http://randommization.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/superheroes-turn-old.jpg

34. increasing the amount of food we produce. Adapting a society to live longer or support people who live longer would be a long
process and I don’t see how in today’s age it would work out well.

35. Response to PPT, Smithsonian, and Roy
The two most frequently mentioned models of disability are the ‘social’ and the ‘medical’ models. The medical model of
disability views disability as a medical ‘problem’ that belongs to the disabled individual. The social model of disability, in
contrast, draws on the idea that it is society that disables people, through designing everything to meet the needs of the
majority of people who are not disabled. There is a recognition within the social model that there is a great deal that society
can do to reduce, and ultimately remove, some of these disabling barriers, and that this task is the responsibility of society,
rather than the disabled person. In the Smithsonian online exhibition, the story about the superhero hand, and Elise Roy’s
TED Talk, you saw examples of ways to engage disability that use the social model rather than the medical model. In the
Disability and Design PowerPoint, you were introduced to the concept of Universal Design (UD)
(sometimes called inclusive design, design-for-all, or human-centered design). Certainly, UD
embraces the social model of disability. In this same PowerPoint, you saw positive and negative
examples of each of the seven principles of universal design.
For the Module 12 Thread 1, please select one of the seven universal design principles, and post
photographs that show both a positive and a negative example of the principle. Then address the
following question: How do your examples empower or disempower various people? Describe the
specific features of the positive example and the specific features of the negative example. Discuss
ways that the positive example could be even further improved.
data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRg
ABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBxMSEhUS
EhMWFhUXFxgXFhUYFxcZGxgZGBgYGBsb
HRgZHSggHRolGxcXITEmJSkrLi4uGh8zOD
MsNygtLi0BCgoKDg0OGxAQGy8lICYwKy0r
LS0vKy8tMDItKzUtLS0tLTIrLTUrMC0tLS0tL
SstLS83LS0tLTIrLy0wLS0tLf/AABEIAOE
A4QMBEQACEQEDEQH/xAAcA
AEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAA
ABgcEBQECAwj/xABSEAABAwI
DAwcFCwcKBAcAAAABAAIDB
BESITEFBkEHE1FhcYGRIqGxwd
EUFSMyUlNikrLS8CRCcoKis/E

36. I chose the design principle of low physical effort with the difference in an electric and manual screwdriver.
The common and manual everyday screw driver can have negative attributes in that it can be hard to use
with hand injuries, requires a certain amount of strength to tighten and untighten securely, and takes overall
a longer time. An electric screw driver takes away these limitations allowing for easy use by everyone at the
push of a button. The design is further improved on already by having smaller and lighter weight screw
drivers that work all with the activation of pressure on the tip allowing anyone to use it in any setting. One
negative of the electric screw drivers is that they require power and we must remember to charge or have
batteries charged for them to work.
http://www.homedepot.com/catalog
/productImages/1000/f8/f86a3adc-
32df-4287-8d07-
b7b2a402f64b_1000.jpg

37. Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
Currently, we have the technology for you to choose many of the survey characteristics in your future child, and this ability to
choose poses some ethical questions. Of course, we all want the best for our own child. However, as we move into a more
collective situation, we need to consider how the consequences of majority choices for children might change who we are as a
species.
In the film trailer FIXED, you were introduced to the dilemma of living in a culture in which the “science-fiction of human
enhancement” has become almost a way of life, from prenatal genetic screening to bionic body parts. In the video, “A Man
with Three Ears” you are introduced to an artist who is using current technology to move humans beyond their current
abilities. Last week, Juan Enriquez asked us if it is ethical to evolve the human body. All of these videos suggest that the
concept of disability ‘as we know it’ could cease to exist in the future.
This leads us to this week’s discussion question:
What lessons do you think we should learn from history when thinking about emerging enhancement technologies and
reproductive technologies? What are some of the possible consequences (both positive and negative) of being able to design our
bodies and the bodies of our children? What ethical quandaries do these technologies pose?
From history and technology today we can see the extreme benefit of devices and technology that help the human body. People who
had previous life threatening injuries or lost functions of the ones they had can now carry on normal everyday lives. History has
shown though that these technologies are expensive and aren't getting that much cheaper as we continue. When these technologies
push far past just helping those in need and now compliment or replace functioning parts of humans so they have an edge against
others is this going too far? Will the new social norm and requirement be to have fake knees to participate in sports or enhanced eyes

38. to be a pilot? If this does become standard then it pushes even more people away from an economic standpoint past just the ethical
differences. To think of this in idea of what movies would show us is how people become more and more robotic to the point where
we aren't human anymore. This could very well be where technology like this leads us in the next few hundred years. People
especially military personal being altered to become super soldiers or athletes in full exoskeletons that increase reactions, strength,
speed and endurance. All of this is a bit extreme in looking at where we are at today as we are only on the cusp of all this but it is a
possible issue in the future.
When looking at the issue of designing the bodies of our children you have to take in factor that it puts a much higher standard on
what every child must be. If you could choose of course you would want the best attributes for your child. Otherwise you would just
be at a disadvantage. The positives is though that you can have your kid be exactly how you want them to be but then again your child
won’t be choosing who they want to be then.
http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/27/30/77/6131684/7/1024x1024.jpg

39. 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 released for the “general public,” as privacy concerns were no longer at issue, so
many years later.
Should Wiseman have been allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility? Why or why
not? How might this film be of value to designers (communication designers, product, designers, architects, interior designers,
planners, landscape designers, systems designers, and/or social designers)? In other words, what might they gain from this
film that they could use in their work?
I think that Wiseman was ok in filming of the facility. He was trying to show what the facility was and how it ran and treated patients.
The problem at hand is that the privacy of the patients was taken away but it was to expose the facility for what it was. Had the film
not been made who knows how long it would continue to operate in such conditions? When looking at things like this you have to
weigh the positives and negatives of the actions taken. I believe that as the positives outweigh the negative of lost privacy it is not that
much of an issue. The film allows designers to look into how to improve facilities and take actions against it happening more.
http://www.zipporah.com/images/films/titicut_follies/resized/tf_-man_standing.jpg_large.jpg?1351540969

40. Response to PPT, The Architecture of Autism, Public Space
Prelude: Wolf Wolfensberger's seminal work "The Origin and Nature of Our Institutional Models" posited that society
characterizes people with intellectual disabilities as sub-human and burdens of charity, He argued that this dehumanization,
and the segregated institutions that result from it, ignored the potential productive contributions that all people can make to
society. He pushed for a shift in policy and practice that recognized the human needs of those with intellectual challenges and
provided the same basic human rights as for the rest of the population.
The Scenario: Imagine that you and your four children live in Amherst, New York in a $650,000 home at the end of a cul-de-
sac on the edge of a ten acre woods. The town has purchased a one acre lot three houses away from yours, and plans to build a
group home for ten intellectually challenged adults.
As a resident of the neighborhood, would you support or oppose this proposal and why?
You've learned additional information about the residents of the proposed group home in your neighborhood. In 2013, three
of the ten intended residents exhibited challenging behaviors including screaming, public masturbation, repetitive rocking,
and echolalia (elective incontinence). However, these behaviors have not occurred since then.
How would this change your opinion about the construction of the group home in your neighborhood?
The residents in your neighborhood voted (14-3) to reject the town of Amherst’s proposal to build a group home in the
neighborhood. Town officials agreed that the home would not be built in your neighborhood if you and your neighbors could
develop a workable alternative.
What are some possible solutions that would allow the residents of the home to be provided with “the same basic human rights
as the rest of the population”?

41. I think that I would support the proposal as long as I knew that the house was going to be taken care of professionally. Being three
houses away though I think is a big factor. Being the house next to said house I think I would have to say no. As the parent even if it’s
said that there has been no outbreaks recently I wouldn't want to risk anything with my kids. When it comes down to it the safety of
my family is more important to me than the overall happiness of people you don't know at all.
If the rest of the community voted against it I would support that as well. Like I had said before the closer you get to said house the
more you have to worry about how this could affect you. Nothing could go wrong or everything could go wrong. When looking at the
community as a whole you have to see how the majority of people would react to it and in this case 14-3 is a huge majority. That’s 14
families who do not feel safe with the house and it’s an opinion you cannot change. I would not help out afterwards to find a more
suitable place.
http://www.youthvillages.org/portals/0/images/what_we_do/residential/group_homes/Coteswood_group_home.jpg