This document contains Lovepreet Kaur's responses to online discussion questions for her American Diversity and Design course at the University at Buffalo. In her first response, she introduces herself and provides an interesting fact about liking chocolate. In her second response, she discusses how the invention of the elevator by Otis gave advantage to both groups of people and society as a whole by promoting accessibility, while potentially discouraging stair use. In her third response, she describes how public and social housing designs were influenced by large numbers of immigrants needing shelter in the 18th-19th centuries.

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 – American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Lovepreet Kaur
https://ww2.kqed.org/quest/2012/04/27/celebrating-earth-
day-in-the-age-of-man/hands-on-a-globe/

2. Introduction
Over the years, there have been numerous advancements
in design and innovation, and this has greatly influenced
the world around us. Diversity and design has had a huge
impact on me due to the interconnectedness of different
groups, cultures, and technologies. The way I perceive the
world has changed because I now have a more open mind
and view things differently. I realized that there is a
reason behind everything that is made, such as parks,
cities, neighborhoods, etc. Diversity plays a key role in all
of these areas because without the diverse groups and
designs, they would not have unique characteristics. This course deeply explores the direct relationship between the different types of people
living in an area and the quality of the environment. It connected people and design in a way that everything makes sense now. Without
diversity, the world would be a different place because nothing would be unique anymore, and without design, people would have the same
mindset; therefore, contributing ideas that are insignificant to the world.
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 1: Introduction
This thread provides you with an opportunity to "meet" each other and initiate a
connection with participants in your group. In responding to this discussion thread,
please introduce yourself and provide us with one interesting fact about yourself. After
posting your introduction, take a look through and reply to some of the others. The
purpose of this exercise is to develop a sense of community. You might find that you
share similar experiences and can help each other in many ways throughout the
semester.
Hi, my name is Lovepreet Kaur and I am a freshmen majoring in architecture. I was born in
New Jersey, and am currently residing in Grand Island, a tiny island between Buffalo and
Niagara Falls (about 20 minutes away from UB). I moved to Grand Island about nine years
ago and it played a major part in my life. I have an older brother and sister who finished their undergrad at UB. I used to run cross country in high
school and enjoy going on runs occasionally. I am a part-time worker at Wegmans and extremely enjoy working there. An interesting fact about me
is that chocolate is my favorite snack food and I could eat it at any time of the day.
http://www.gertrudehawkchocolates.com/product
s/milk-dark-chocolate-assortment

4. 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 in the history of China. She
explained how design innovation contributed to Ying Zheng’s
success. For example, in the development of weaponry, he
resolved many problems by standardizing parts, and this single
innovation gave his armies great advantage over other armies.
For this discussion, let’s move away from 246 B.C. China, and
into the U.S. Describe an innovation or invention (can be current
or historical) that gave advantage to a group of people in the U.S. or to the population as a whole. What were the social impacts of this
innovation? Were any groups negatively impacted by this innovation? For example, the telegraph, developed and patented in the United
States in 1837 by Samuel Morse, permitted people and commerce to transmit messages across both continents and oceans almost instantly,
with widespread social and economic impacts. This heightened communication speed allowed business persons to make decisions with up-to-
date information, often resulting in big profits. Those without access had to rely on outdated information, which put them at a disadvantage.
A huge invention that gave advantage to not only a group of people but the population as a whole is the invention of the elevator by Otis. This
enabled us to build higher and led to the creation of skyscrapers. Another factor is that it promoted equality among people. Since stairs and rope
pulled chairs were the only way to access a different level, the handicapped were unable to do so. After the invention of the elevator, it was more
convenient for the handicapped to experience different levels of a building. Elevators also allow heavy materials to be transported easily. A minor
disadvantage to elevators is that people rely on elevators too much and don't occupy the stairs. This prevents mobility and people are not able to get
enough exercise due to their busy schedules.
http://1mhowto.com/howto/how-to-get-out-of-the-jammed-elevator/

5. 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.)
During the 18th and 19th centuries, many immigrants were migrating into the U.S. and were in need of places to live. This action led to an uprise in
public and social housing. These programs allowed the economically disadvantaged to have a shelter over their heads. Moreover, people like Jane
Addams also assisted these people by creating the Hull house, which had many amenities such as a dining hall, resident rooms, and also a daycare for
the children. The construction and design of these public houses was heavily influenced by the population of people- the more immigrants that came
in, the greater the demand of public housing.
http://radioboston.legacy.wbur.org/2012/01/20/jackson-square

6. Week 2
Thread 1: Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED
Talk on Photographs
0 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 images shown by Jonathon in Photos That Changed the World portray a very deep meaning. These iconic images "provoke us to step up and do
something". I would keep these images very close to me, like my working area or in my phone, so that I am reminded of how much power a picture
can hold. These pictures shed light on the major events that have happened in the world and encourage people to make a change in the world. A mass
media picture that holds importance is the picture of the inauguration of Barack Obama vs. Donald Trump. This picture basically shows how
important Barack Obama was because of everything he did for the people. The fact that the turnout was very low for Donald Trump means the
society knows what is best for the country and it shows how this inauguration could be a problem.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/20/us/politics/tru
mp-inauguration-crowd.html?_r=

7. Thread 2: 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”
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?
The two hats, red and pink, are vehicles of communicating design because they both have a specific meaning behind them. Both of these hats are
trying to send an important message across to others. The red hat of Donald Trump mainly supports his presidential run. It was only used as an object
to promote his campaign so that people would spread his ideas. On the other hand, the pink pussyhats convey an idea of feminism and unity. The
pink color of the hats and the style they were knitted in shows that this design is mostly feminine. The two hats are similar because they are both
trying to persuade the audience on a certain topic. They are different because they both have completely opposite meanings behind them. The red
hats were all identical, supporting only one idea, whereas the pink hats were different colors and made in different patterns. This shows that not
everyone is exactly the same as the others; they were promoting diversity among people.
http://gnosticwarrior.com/red-hat-revolution.html

8. 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, 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?
Ford's assembly line was one of the greatest inventions ever. He significantly reduced the cost of production and made assembly more efficient.
Some of the social consequences were that skilled craftsmen were not needed anymore. Since the assembly line was fairly easy to use, low-skilled
workers were hired and taught a few simple steps on the assembly line. Consequently, this led to the unemployment of many skilled workers and
people were losing jobs. However, this method has advanced a lot throughout the years and contributed to a variety of things being produced on the
assembly line; for example, toys, machinery, and other electronics. Since technology has come a long way, the manufacturing process will continue
to change in the upcoming years. Slowly, everything is starting to become more electronic now. There are robots being built that are more precise
than humans. Robots can be programmed to work 24 hours a day seven days a week and, which means that production will be cost and time
effective. Also, they can be customized in a way that they can be used for complex functions. However, a negative effect of this is that many people
will lose their jobs and unemployment will increase.
http://corporate.ford.com/innovation/100-years-moving-assembly-line.html

9. Thread 2: Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle
concept developed by architect William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael
Braungart? How does this product resist or disregard the concept? Do you know of any
products that embrace Cradle-to-Cradle design? If so, please describe.
State:The Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) Moto Maker watch from the IDEA Gold Award products
seem like an example that would defy the cradle-to-cradle concept.
Elaborate: It seems like this watch works in the same way an Apple Watch works in. It says
that it delivers information that matters to you in a fast way so you do not have to use your
phone. In my opinion, this is a waste of product because checking your phone for an email or
important message takes about the same time as it would be checking a watch. It does not
necessarily seem more efficient because you are still taking the time to check the notification. This product would end up being waste because they
will come up with another generation of this watch and people will just throw away the old ones and create more waste products. When in reality,
this watch does not seem as important in the first place, it's just a luxury item.
Exemplify: A product that accepts the cradle-to-cradle concept is the biodegradable algae water bottle by Ari Jonsson. This bottle is made of algae,
with a mixture of powdered agar and water. The mixture is first heated then poured into a cold mold and then refrigerated. This forms a bottle and it
retains its shape until it is empty, and then starts to break down. This saves a lot of plastic water bottles from being used once and thrown away to
create more plastic pollution.
https://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/moto-
360-2nd-gen-for-women-42mm-rose-gold-with-
blush-leather/

10. 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.)
The Virginia State Capitol building represents sensibilities about the past. It resembles a Roman
temple, which reflects the culture of the past. Jefferson wanted to capture of the essence of the past
by making the square building a replica of a Roman temple, as this square building embodies the ancient ideals of pure geometry. Through his replica
of a temple, Jefferson wanted to show that the symmetry allowed America to be a part of the western world. Just like a Roman temple would have a
statue of a god or goddess, this Capitol building had a similar statue of a president. This building created a path for new buildings to take on the old
Roman temple design.
The Seagram Building can be seen as an inspiration for today and the future. It gave rise to a new form of architecture, which was simple and
minimalistic. The simplicity in Mies' buildings allowed the beauty of the building to be embraced. The steel beams and the glass windows portray the
geometry of the building and are seen as materials that support the structure. However, these are non-functional structures and the actual supports lie
hidden behind the beams. By doing so, it shows that keeping a building simple shows the true beauty of the building, and allows it to speak for itself,
rather than adding excessive ornaments and details. The modernists aspects of the building gave rise to a new form of architecture, such as the vast
plaza area in the front of the building. This area was a great solution to the strict zoning code, and allowed a place for people to occupy.
http://www.375parkavenue.com/History

11. 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 believes that aesthetics play a key role
in the character of a building; however, that is not the only
thing that influences a building. He claims that aesthetics
allow the people to value a certain thing about a building that matters the most. Andrew believed that the character of the building was also judged by
the habits and the everyday use. What makes the building satisfying is the connection between the building and the life that revolves around it. I think
it is interesting how he stated that the habits of the people and the way the building is used everyday adds on to the character of the building. The
aesthetic response of the building is only meaningful if the building is functional and is organized according to the life and habits that contribute to its
everyday use.
Peter Zumthor believes in the more traditional aspects of architecture. The way he describes the room in the beginning allows us to create a picture in
our head of what the room looks like, and this allows us to picture it in a more traditional way. He goes back into memory and creates architecture
that a person can relate to. It triggers all of the senses and allows people to think about a time in their life when they experienced something similar.
He talks about the actual construction part of it and the materiality of the structure. This way we are able to see how old the material is and this
allows us to paint a picture in our head to remember the details.
Even though Andrew and Peter have some opposing views, they share the same views in architecture by believing that buildings need to become a
part of people so that when they come across a building that seems similar, they are taken back in their memory of how they interact with it.
http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Peter_Zumthor

12. 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 moved to a few places while I was growing up, but one of the places I will talk about is Grand Island, which is an island in between Buffalo and
Niagara Falls. This town is mostly covered in parks, trees, markets, biking and hiking trails, boat marines, and many more. Since this is a peaceful
and friendly neighborhood, there is no need for large buildings or skyscrapers. The houses are spaced evenly with a lot of room for private property.
Since this town is not populated as much, there are many areas that are empty and consist of acres of empty land. The tallest building on this island is
the Radisson Hotel, which is only 6 floors high. The houses by the river are planned carefully in a way that they are raised up, have more windows
facing towards the view of the river, are equipped with a dock, and are slightly slanted backwards. Also, most of the small restaurants and shops are
family owned by the residents, which reflects back to this town as being a quiet and peaceful neighborhood. There is one major park, Veterans Park,
which is frequently occupied by the residents, and is the hot spot for events such as Relay for Life. Even though it is a peaceful setting, it is just ten
minutes from Niagara Falls, which is a very busy and loud area.
http://www.tvtrip.com/tonawanda-hotels/holiday-inn-grand-island_1

13. 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 an urban planning and design firm working with Emily
Talen (author of “Design That Enables Diversity”) and Kent Larson (who gave the TED
Talk "Brilliant Designs to Fit More People In Every City" The three of you have been https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruitt%E2%80%93Igoe
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?
Three ways to improve Pruitt Igoe would be to move it closer to an area that is populated with a diverse group of people, adding more utilities such
as plumbing and sanitation, and add a park system around it. A development that has all the utilities to keep it clean and working, a good
neighborhood with a variety of people to talk to, and an environment that is welcoming would help in the success of this development.
If Talen were to redesign it, she would choose a more natural approach, and include a diverse group of people. Larson would try to incorporate more
shops for convenience, and make the roads and travel routes better for safer and efficient travel. He would try to maximize the amount of space being
used.

14. 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?
According to Olmsted, Buffalo is the best planned city because of the way the parks
and the parkways that are going in different directions integrate into one another. He
created several different spaces that were each meant for different activities, and found
ways to connect them all to make it into one. This continuation of green space allowed
people to socialize with one another and allowed for an intermingled neighborhood.
Also, the gridded street system in a baroque layout allows for an easier access to
public places such as shops, hospitals, and many more. It also allows people to travel
from one place to another with convenience. Many houses are built alongside these
parks so that it is easier for people to access them. Olmsted would not make that claim today because back then, there was not a greater need for
roads and highways, so there was plenty of green space. However, with the rapid growth of the highway system, these parks are being cut through by
roads, which is ruining the continuous green space. The parks are not really being occupied by people as much as they were before and they seem
vacant.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2013/07/buffalo-
the-best-planned-city-in-the-world/

15. 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).
A piece of land that could be redesigned to make a new landscape is
this large area behind the high school in Grand Island. Currently, it is a
trail full of trees and tall grasses with no special feature. These trails lead to an open area with a pond and eventually you can see houses in a visible
distance. This could all be taken care of and turned into a nice park that enhances the pond and connects the neighborhood houses. There could be a
variety of plants and trees planted along the trails and along the pond to make it look more appealing. Since the pond is almost in the middle of this
open area, I would memorialize that so there would be an addition of benches for people to relax on and feed the ducks, etc. Kids would be able to
come here after school and practice their sports or just have a fun time with their friends.There would also be room for different activities such as
fishing, playing frisbee, picnic areas, and many more. This park would be continued in every direction so that people from around the area can visit
the place and socialize or relax. Furthermore, since cross country runners are usually practicing through these trails, cleaning up the area by adding
nice plants and trees, and watching people enjoying the space would provide them with a nice view and encourage them to keep going.
http://picsofcanada.com/2007richmond-hills-park-jewel/

16. 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.)
This image is showing the racial segregation that was happening in the Americas around the 1900s. This graphic shows prejudice against a certain
type of people. The white man is telling the black man to leave "their" country and go back to where they came from. Everything back then was
segregated by color and integration was laughed upon. Black Americans were deprived of their rights and were treated like they were less than a
human being. All they were asking for was equality, and to be valued as a human being. If someone from a different culture was to look at this
picture, they would not know the meaning behind this. However, if there was segregation among people in their country, they would relate to this
https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/creating-the-united-
states/declaration-legacy.html

17. picture well. For example, there has been controversy in Israel due to the crimes against Jews. So if a Jewish person from Israel was looking at this
picture, they would be able to relate in a way because they are also being segregated upon.

18. 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 explores the history of the African American
Life, History, and Culture. One of the main principles this
museum is following is moving equity work toward action.
By building this in Washington D.C, among other important
buildings, people from across the world are able to visit this place and explore it. This takes away from the segregated community and brings
everyone together into one place. Another principle that this museum explores is Alternative Pathway. This museum enhances the design thinking
process and uses tools to make visible other people’s ideologies. Moreover, this process allows individuals to experience and elevate their
understanding about the history of African American culture.
https://www.washingtonian.com/tag/national-museum-of-african-american-
history-and-culture/

19. Week 8
Thread 1: Response to "Landscape Stories" Chapter
First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors
and/or outdoors) that you think of as representative of your own ethnic
background and discuss why you consider this place to be ‘ethnic’. –OR--
Describe an object in your home that you think of as representative of your ethnic
background and discuss why this object is considered to be ‘ethnic’. (If possible,
add photo/s.) Is this object or place something that you will keep or continue https://www.theodysseyonline.com/my-love-affair-with-indian-food
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?
A place in my house that best represents my ethnicity would be the kitchen area. This is because my parents mostly cook Indian food everyday. The
counters and cabinets are filled with Indian spices that my parents use in the different type of meals. Also, some of the pots and pans are specially
made in India, from when my parents brought them here, and strongly represent the ethnic culture due to their design and shape. Furthermore, the
aroma that comes from the food they are making is a significant smell related directly to the Indian food that is being made. This is something I
would definitely keep in the future because it represents who I am and where I come from.
The community I grew up in was mostly a white neighborhood, so there were not that many minorities. There were only a few houses of minorities,
and the rest of the neighborhood was mostly all white. It was a very peaceful and calm neighborhood and we all got along very well. I don't think
there were any cultural influences on the physical environment in the community. There were both rich and poor people living in the environment
and all the houses seemed to be in good shape. The neighborhood kids were all around mine and my siblings ages, so we all went to the same school

20. and were friendly to each other. No group was underrepresented because we all treated each other well and there was not any cultural influence
because people kept coming and going at their convenience.

21. Thread 2: Response to Article on Sports Branding
Recent controversies about sports branding focus on ethnicity. The Washington
Redskins team is just one example of the larger controversy, but it receives the most
public attention due to the name itself being defined as derogatory or insulting in
modern dictionaries, and the prominence of the team representing the nation’s capital.
Should sports team branding designers use ethnic references (Fighting Irish, Boston
Celtics, Atlanta Braves, etc.)? Why? Why not? What are some of the complexities of this
issue?
If sports team branding designers want to use ethnic references to name their teams, they
should be able to do that without anyone telling them it’s wrong. These names are not
derogatory because it is only bringing out the positive aspects of the team. Since they are
sports teams, their fans are obviously cheering for them and not saying negative things about them. If anything, naming the teams according to
ethnicity is only honoring those ethnicities, not putting them down or shaming them in any way. Some complexities of this issue might be that people
may take offense and think that the names are used as racial slurs and are demeaning. However, everyone has their own opinion and perceive things
according to their beliefs. Not everyone is going to always be content about everything so the best thing to do is just promote positive attitudes
towards things.
http://www.redskins.com/

22. 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?
This website talks about the most common ways in which gender inequality takes place. One of these ways that stood out the most was #6,
Occupational Sex Segregation. This graph shows how men and women tend to work in different occupations, and the amount of pay for these jobs.
The jobs that are mostly taken care by men are paid more than the jobs that are mostly done by women. The gender issue is approached by using data
to show significant evidence that this is an issue. This approach is effective because the graph is easy to read and allows people to compare the
difference between men and women occupations. No one job should be completely dominated by a certain gender, for example, pilots and mechanics
from the graph. There is nothing stopping women from becoming a truck driver or mechanic. There is a huge difference because it is the way society
wants people to act a certain way. This graphic could be improved by adding on more occupations with a big gender and pay difference to show that
this is not a problem in a few places, but in a lot of other occupations as well.
http://inequality.stanford.edu/publications/20-facts-about-us-inequality-everyone-
should-know

23. Thread 2: Response to Bathroom Bill
Last year, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that
repealed local LGBT anti-discrimination laws, and required people to use the
bathroom that corresponded with the biological gender written on their birth
certificates. This prompted massive backlash. McCrory stated, “You know, we all
have to make adjustments in life. And we’ve had the proper etiquette situation for
decades in our country, and all of a sudden through political correctness we’re
throwing away basic etiquette.” Just this past Thursday, the North Carolina
General Assembly passed a bill to repeal the law while placing a moratorium on
nondiscrimination measures.
Should people be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with the
biological gender written on their birth certificate? State why AND state why not.
In other words, to receive full credit for this question, you need to present an
argument for both sides of the issue. As a designer, how would you solve this
gender dilemma? Use the SEE-IT method to respond to this question.
People should be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with their biological gender written on their birth certificates. For the longest time,
there have only been two bathrooms, one for males and one for females. Changing this norm just to catch up to changing trends seems kind of
absurd. If people started using bathrooms opposite of their gender because they though they wanted to be different this would create a lot of chaos.
People would be worried about their privacy and their rights because a bathroom is a very private place, and people should be able to feel safe around
people who are biologically similar to them. For example, a father with a 6-year-old daughter would not want her to be in the same bathroom as a
fully grown man who is referring to himself as a female.
On the other hand, however, people should feel free to use the bathroom that they want to use. Since the change in gender is starting to become more
widely known, people who have had surgery to change their reproductive organs should be allowed to use the bathroom according to their current
gender without people criticizing them for it. People just have to start accepting people for who they are. To solve this gender dilemma, i would
http://www.adasigndepot.com/gender-neutral-restroom-
ada-signs.html

24. design separate bathrooms for one person use so that no matter what your gender identity is, you can use that bathroom and feel safe about your
privacy.

25. 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.
The first picture was taken in Silo City near the grain elevators and it can be both slippery and crusty. It
is slippery because you see the grain elevators all over the edge of the water, but the path to actually get
in is not really visible. It is crusty because the only path to get in Silo City had fences and blockades all
over the area to prevent just anyone from going in. Even though it is a privately owned area, it is
discriminatory because it has had a great impact on the society and it is a part of history, so people are
prevented in a way from learning about their history because the path to get in is not really clear.
The second picture was taken in Cazenovia Park and I would describe it as stealthy. When I visited the
park there were huge signs that read "Danger Keep Out" on the building in the back. These signs
prevented people from wanting to go in the park and spend time because it seemed sketchy. It is
discriminatory because it shows the divide between a rich and a poor neighborhood. If it was around a
rich neighborhood, the park would be much cleaner and the building in the back would not be rusty and
covered in cobwebs.

26. 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?
It is a horrible thing that Tammy and other people like her have to go through tough living conditions. In order to make this better, there are a few
things that can be done. A new housing arrangement can be designed that has extremely low costs for rent and living. People would be able to afford
living in a local area that has better living conditions than living in a trailer. These new apartments would be cheaper and much safer because the
surrounding environment would be cleaner. The second thing to do would be to create more jobs for people. Some of these jobs include maintaining
these new apartments and keeping them clean, cooking food for others who live there, and so on. This way they would be able to pay their rent and
still have a shelter over their head. Also, by making a policy that raised the minimum wage, people would have more money on their hands to finally
go to school and receive an education to get a career and raise their family. Another thing that can be done is to stop segregating and put up posters
that allow people to help out their neighbors. If people stick together and help each other out, people like Tammy could live a better and happy life.
http://listosaur.com/miscellaneous/5-poorest-regions-in-the-united-
states/

27. Week 11
Thread 1: Response to Carroll Article: “(Re)forming Regent
Park: When Policy Does Not Equal Practice”
The development of Regent Park is phased, and there are
several more phases to the project. What actions could be taken
to ensure more social integration for the older people living in
the ‘new and improved’ Regent Park?
The setup of Regents Park allows the segregation of the young and
the elderly, and the low income houses. There was a lot of crime
that took place and the houses were beat down and families were not living as close as before. Even though the separation of the elderly and youth
allows for each of them to be near the same age groups, it prevents people from getting to know each other. Some actions to ensure more social
integration for the elderly is to build houses for them near families with children. This way, when the children need to be watched, the elderly can
help out the parents, and when the elderly need assistance, the youth would be available to help them out. Also, by creating social events and
gatherings that allow all age groups to come together, people can be more social and learn about each other and other new things.
http://www.manors.co.uk/images/areaguides/Regents-Park/Regents_Park-The-
Park.jpg

28. 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?
Extended lifespans will change our societies and built environments in so many different ways. In the TED talk, Enriquez says that "it is unethical to
not evolve the human body". This has a deep meaning to it because if we were to keep evolving the human body, our life form would not be extinct
because other life forms would be existing on other planets. This is only possible due to the evolution of the human body. By rearranging the DNA
and altering human bodies, we are capable of creating life forms that will be able to survive on other planets for longer periods of time. This will
change society because people would be living for a longer time, however; nobody knows if these new life forms would be able to coexist with the
current humans. Since so many prosthetics and other accessories are being added to the human body, it is a fact that humans in the future will not be
the same as the ones today. Societies will be different because these new forms would live and interact with each other in a way different than ours.
The built environment would change because they would be using things differently. Buildings would have different utilities and the forms and
purposes would be different as well. Some issues the designers might face are the amount of space there is available. Since the population will grow,
designers would have to accommodate for everyone. For example, cities with crowded people like New York, the buildings might have to keep
getting higher and higher, or the designers will have to think of new ways of dividing up space to create shelter for everyone. However, one problem
https://kunleodufuye.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/lagos-menace-of-overpopulation/

29. with this is that if there is no more space left, people would have to compete for space to live in, so the question is that would it be worth extending
life form just to end up having people fight each other for survival?

30. 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.
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.

31. Low Physical Effort:
The universal design principle that is incorporated in these pictures is low physical effort. Even
though both of these examples portray a mop that, in the end, show the same results, these tasks are
achieved through different processes. The first picture is a negative example of this principle because
you first have to mix water and the soap in the bucket. Then you have to dip the mop in the bucket
and twist it hard so that the floor does not turn into a pool of water. This is a negative example
because it disempowers people with disabilities, or people with not that much strength, such as old
people, because they are going to have a difficult time using this product. Also, if there is a large area
that needs to be cleaned, it is time consuming and requires an extra effort.
The second picture portrays a positive aspect of this principle because even though it is still a mop,
there is no physical effort required to use it. It empowers people because all you have to do is press
the proper setting on the mop, dry or wet, and it will get the job done. Moreover, this is extremely
helpful because people who have busy days can just set the mop up and continue doing their work
without having to worry about cleaning. Also, people with disabilities or the elderly can easily
access this mop without having much difficulty. A way in which this product can be made even
better is by making different sizes, big or small, that hit every area of the floor that needs to be
cleaned. For example, a smaller pad can be provided that can clean the hard to reach places, or a
bigger pad can be provided if there is a lot of floor area so the cleaning gets done faster.
http://www.montessoriservices.com/yarn-
mop-bucket-set
https://www.datart.cz/novinky/produkty-
recenze_irobot_braava_380.html

32. 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.

33. 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?
Technology has come a far way and it has achieved things no one thought was possible. It is a great way of improving the lives of people and making
tasks in daily life easier to achieve. However, we should not include enhancement technology to be a part of everything in life. Using this type of
technology is only ethical if it helps improve the lives of certain people by putting an end to disability. However, using this type of technology in the
reproductive process is a completely different thing. Bringing a new human being into this world is a gift of nature and it has been going on since the
beginning of time. Using this type of technology just to make a "perfect baby" is unethical. Some positive consequences might be that people will get
the traits in their baby that they always wanted and will be happy with life, because there will be no diseases or disabilities keeping their baby from
achieving everything in life. However, some negative consequences are that if everyone starts making their perfect child, the next generation will
start to look extremely similar and there will be no distinct quality in anyone. The world will feel like it is full of robots who achieve the same tasks.
http://immortallife.info/articles/entry/next-stage-in-our-evolutionadvanced-human-enhancement

34. Moreover, since this is fairly new, we don't know the long term affects and how it is going to shape our future per say. This procedure might only be
affordable by a select few and it is going to upset the natural balance of how things take place.

35. Week 13
Thread 1: 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?
Frederick Wiseman should have been allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility. Since the patients'
legal guardians gave their consent, there should be no problem in filming the patients. This film can be of value to designers because not that
many people are aware about the things that happen behind these closed doors. Correctional Facilities are usually monitored with high
security, so the general public does not know how these facilities work. This video can be helpful to designers because by seeing how people
interact with the space and with each other, they can design these facilities to be convenient for the patients. With the help of this video,
designers and planners can visually see, and not just imagine, how people inhabit these facilities. They can improve living conditions for the
patients, which will allow them to feel more comfortable with their privacy and safety.
http://www.zipporah.com/films/22

36. Thread 2: Response to PPT, The Architecture of Autism, Public Space
Prelude: Wolf Wolfensberger's seminal work "The Origin and Nature of Our Institutional Models" posited that society characterizes people
with intellectual disabilities as sub-human and burdens of charity, He argued that this dehumanization, and the segregated institutions that
result from it, ignored the potential productive contributions that all people can make to society. He pushed for a shift in policy and practice
that recognized the human needs of those with intellectual challenges and provided the same basic human rights as for the rest of the
population.
The Scenario: Imagine that you and your four children live in Amherst, New York in a $650,000 home at the end of a cul-de-sac on the edge
of a ten acre woods. The town has purchased a one acre lot three houses away from yours, and plans to build a group home for ten
intellectually challenged adults.
As a resident of the neighborhood, would you support or oppose this proposal and why? You've learned additional information about the
residents of the proposed group home in your neighborhood. In 2013, three of the ten intended residents exhibited challenging behaviors
including screaming, public masturbation, repetitive rocking, and echolalia (elective incontinence). However, these behaviors have not
occurred since then. How would this change your opinion about the construction of the group home in your neighborhood?
The residents in your neighborhood voted (14-3) to reject the town of Amherst’s proposal to build a group home in the neighborhood. Town
officials agreed that the home would not be built in your neighborhood if you and your neighbors could develop a workable alternative.
What are some possible solutions that would allow the residents of the home to be provided with “the same basic human rights as the rest of
the population”?

37. As a resident of the neighborhood, I would support this proposal because they are
human beings just like the rest of us, so they should be given basic human rights. Just
because someone is different than someone else does not mean they do not get to have
the same rights as others. Also, I would want my children to be exposed to this because
it is a part of the world we live in. They should know about the disabilities and be
understanding about it because no one should be discriminated against. Also, having the
ten residents living in a normal neighborhood would be beneficial to them because they
will be around everyone else and will get to live a normal life, and see how people
interact with each other. However, after finding out additional information from their
past, I would have to change my vote because even though children should be taught to
accept everyone, being exposed to screaming, and other challenging behaviors can have
a detrimental affect on them. At such a young age when everything is still new for them,
they should not be experiencing things like these. Even though these behaviors have not
occurred for a while, they can come back at any random point. Therefore, I would not want my children to worry to be scared or traumatized because
they hear someone screaming from down the block. Some possible solutions for the residents to be provided with the same basic human rights are
that they could be provided with caretakers to assist them throughout the day. Another solution is to build homes for the mentally ill near a family
neighborhood, but not directly in the middle, so that they can at least be around everyone else and not feel left out.
http://www.getholistichealth.com/40247/working
-while-on-disability-what-are-the-rules/

38. Week 14
Thread 1: Response to The Connection Between Religion and Urban
Planning by David Engwicht
In his article, David Engwicht discusses the fact that religions (of all types)
have played major roles in the development of our cities. Today, places of
worship are primary components of almost all urban centers. Author
Lorne Daniel writes “From their often active role in supporting people
who live in city centers to their iconic influence on design and use of space,
religious structures tell us a lot about our history, our current needs, and
where we might be headed in the future. This is an aspect of our urban
future that planners and urbanists should attend to.”
Identify a place of worship with which you are somewhat familiar. (If you are not familiar with any places of worship, do a bit of research on
one in your own city or town.) Show a photograph of this religious structure. (You may use photographs from the web.) What roles has this
place served in the development of your city/town? How has it influenced the design of the area around it? How has its role changed over
time? What roles could this place of worship play in the future development of your city/town?
A place of worship that my family has been going to is the Sikh Temple in Niagara Falls. It is the closest one to where we live, so ever since we
moved here from New Jersey, we have been coming here for worship. It may not have a historical significance, but it has played a huge role in the
Sikh community. Since Sikhs are a minority, this temple allows people to come together and meet others. When there is a new family that joins, they
are welcomed and given recognition. Therefore, this temple gives people a chance to gather and learn about each other and the society. It also
provides classes for young children, where they learn about the culture and traditions so that they are familiar with it. A way in which it has
influenced the design of the area around it is that there are many Indian shops and stores located around this temple, so that it is convenient for people
to buy stuff. Its role really has not changed over time, it has always been a place where people come to worship, reflect on their culture, and gave a
sense of community. In the future, this temple will continue to provide for the people and be a place where people need to get away and worship in
peace.
http://niagarafallsgurdwara.com/portfolio-layouts/sortable-
4-columns/

39. Thread 2: Response to Prospects for the Future of Diversity and
Design
Consider the quote in your syllabus from educator Michael J.
Shannon: “Design, as vision in action--the intersection of
understanding and creation--is a universal human capability that can
play a fundamental role in social evolution, in the process that
transforms resources, energy, and information to make our
world.”
At the beginning of this course, we discussed the idea that we are
all designers regardless of our profession or field of study. We’ve
asked some big questions along the way, and the conclusion section
of our textbook raises additional issues that require input from people who might not consider themselves to be part of the formalized design
professions.
Think about your own major and/or future profession. What is the biggest challenge, problem, or question that your field needs to tackle
right now? What do you plan to do to address this challenge, problem, or question either as part of your studies or professional life?
A problem that my future profession, Architecture, needs to tackle right now is communicating the different ideas and innovations with each other.
The world is full of so many different cultures, so if someone has an idea, people need to come together and provide the multiple different views to
approach an issue or idea. A great way of tackling this problem is by presenting new ideas to everyone, and not just those who agree with your work.
By going to those whose ideas are nothing like yours, you have a better chance of making the design even stronger because they will poke at the
negative aspects of the design, which you will be able to address later on and fix. Even though the world is full of great design, architects should
always remember to present their ideas to a variety of opinions, so that in the end the design has been critiqued in every way and pushed forward to
its full potential. Not everything has to be done the way its been done for ages. Exploring new methods and ways of bringing materials together is an
innovation in itself.
https://www.javacodegeeks.com/2016/12/what-is-architecture.html