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.

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 - American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Rebecca Rozeski
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2. Diversity and Design: Introducing Me
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.
Hello! My name is Rebecca Rozeski. I prefer to be
called Becca because Rebecca sounds too formal to me.
I live in Orchard Park, a town just south of Buffalo,
New York. I am a freshman here at the University at
Buffalo studying Industrial Engineering. In the past
fifteen weeks I have completely revamped my views on
design. Before this course I had only thought of design
as a form of art that can be found on paper and in
sculpture. However, design is much more than that and
can be found in all aspects of life. In addition to being
able to notice and be aware of designs in everyday life, I
can pick out the flaws in bad designs, which is the first
step to improving them. I have a new skill that I will
carry with me for the rest of my life.
Photo by: Rebecca Rozeski

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 outdated information, which put them at a
disadvantage.
The invention of the light bulb and lighting in households had given an advantage to the
population of the United States as a whole. It had changed the routine of many lives
because now the schedule of people's day did not have to rely on the light of the sun.
Many could work shifts or continue to socialize with others later into the night.1
1
Lighting A Revolution: 19th Century Consequences. Accessed May 03, 2017.
http://americanhistory.si.edu/lighting/19thcent/consq19.htm.
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4. Response to “Introduction” from Diversity and Design
On “Introduction” from Diversity and Design: Understanding Hidden
Consequences
The editors state that “diverse participation in the design process, from both
professionals and public citizens alike, yields more equitable results.” This
makes sense, but typically has not been the case. Nonetheless, many
marginalized groups have impacted design in ways that have changed our
visual and physical worlds as well as our systems, policies, and institutions.
For example, in the 1960s, disability rights advocates designed media events to
raise awareness about barriers in the physical environment. They persisted
with their efforts for decades, and, finally, in 1990, the Americans with
Disabilities Act became law. It mandated accessibility in public
accommodations such as restaurants and stores, public transportation,
communication, and other areas of public life. This dramatically changed our
physical environment (from curb cuts to ramps to automatic doors) and the
results made public life more equitable.
Now it’s your turn. Describe a design that was impacted by a diversity group.
How and why did it change form and/or circumstances? (Note that a design
can be anything requiring planning and development prior to the production
of an action, system, visual, material object, or environment. Also, 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.)
The invention and design of the current use of cell phones has directly impacted people that are deaf. More specifically, I am talking
about the design of texting. Although the entire world has been impacted by this design, it has created an easier way for those who
cannot hear to communicate with others effectively. Before texting, those who are deaf would not be able to communicate via
telephone, but today they can easily pick up a phone and text message a friend or relative.
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5. 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?
The photos in Klein’s TED Talk2
symbolize iconic moments in
history. These photos would fit into Croteau and Hoynes’
diagram3
in the section “readers or audience” because it tells a
story of the moment in history to the public. A mass media
photography taken in my era would be the photograph of Steve
Jobs releasing the first iPod (shown left). This communicates and
symbolizes the breakthrough that Steve Jobs and the rest of
Apple had made in technology. This breakthrough would lead to
the design of the touch screen technology which has changed the
lives of many.
2
Klein, Jonathan. "Photos That Changed The World." Jonathan Klein: Photos That Changed The World | TED Talk | TED.com.
Accessed May 03, 2017. https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_klein_photos_that_changed_the_world.
3
Croteau and Hoynes, Media/Society: Industries, Images, Audiences. (Fifth Edtion, 2014).
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6. 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?
The red hat communicates strongly because of the simplicity of its design. The design
is simple and bold, just as Trump’s message that he is trying to get across.4
The design
of the pink hat protests the ideas and messages that Trump is promoting. In addition to
this the pink hat represents women as a whole, because this group of people feel
attacked by Trump’s words. 5
The two designs are similar because both hats are
simple and easily get the message across on the platform of something as common as
a hat. The designs also have some differences, particularly in the meaning and
message behind them. The message of the red hat supports Trump’s words and is
meant to campaign for him while the pink hat is meant to directly contrast the
messages of Trump in protest and represent women as a whole.
4
Budds, Diana. "The Worst Design Of 2016 Was Also The Most Effective." Co.Design. January 03, 2017. Accessed May 03, 2017.
https://www.fastcodesign.com/3066599/the-worst-design-of-2016-was-also-the-most-effective.
5
Rogers, Katie. "Fashioning Protest for the Women's March on Washington." The New York Times. January 18, 2017. Accessed May
03, 2017. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/fashion/womens-march-washington-fashion-protest.html?_r=1.
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7. Response to “Industrial Design” by John Heskett and “The Incredible
Inventions of Intuitive Al” 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 production line allowed for products to be produced in large quantities for
a much cheaper price. This provided a large turn in industries because now a
wider group of society is then able to afford products that were too expensive in
the past. For example, cars were able to be transformed from a luxury to a
necessity for travel, because of Ford's production line. That change allowed for a
smaller divide between the upper, middle, and lower class levels in society.
Although there is still a distinction between these classes there is less of a divide
as they begin to blend together more. I think these changes remain and will
continue to lessen this divide because of production as new advancements are
made in technology.
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8. Response to 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.
The Cradle-to-Cradle concept developed by architect William McDonough and chemist
Dr. Michael Braungart suggests that products should be designed to be able to fall back
into the cycle of reusing materials in other productions or into the cycle of life with
decomposing.6
There are multiple inventions that have won a 2016 IDEA Gold Award that use this idea
in its use.7
However, some products defy this concept. For example, the Robin by
Nextbit is a smart phone designed to never run out of storage. Although this is a new
concept that many smart phone users will appreciate it will still contribute to the problem
of electronic waste. Old cell phones contribute to the excess of electronic waste, and this
problem continues to increase because new versions of cell phones are released every
year. The Robin may be able to reduce the amount of phones thrown away because it has
a design that will allow the user to be happy with the product for longer than a year,
however it still is only reducing the amount instead of allowing it to cycle back into the
manufacturing cycle.
Paper products that are created from completely recycled material embrace the Cradle-
to-Cradle design because it is not using new resources, they are simply reusing materials
that we already have.
6
C2CWorld. "Introduction to Cradle to Cradle." YouTube. April 30, 2014. Accessed May 03, 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMsF1P-_vWc.
7
"IDEA Gallery." Industrial Designers Society of America - IDSA. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.idsa.org/awards/idea/gallery.
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9. 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?
The Wainwright Building (1891) designed by Louis Sullivan reflected the culture
during this era. During this time America was growing rapidly in corporations and
businesses in cities and building space was beginning to run out. Buildings began to be
built taller rather than wider, to be able to provide more office space inside. This was
made possible thanks to inventions of the elevator and uses of steel. Sullivan reflects
the era of this time by emphasizing the steel frames of the Wainwright Building design,
which is symbolic for the technology of the time. The beautiful ornaments towards the
top of his building reflect nature rather than the usual ancient inspired designs.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall (2003) designed by Frank Gehry reflects the culture of
Disney.8
His design for the concert hall was meant for the building to feel very inviting
and accessible and providing an intimate relationship directly between the audience
and orchestra. This is clearly shown in the way that he designs the layout of the concert
hall and I think it reflects the culture that is found in the happy and loving atmosphere
that Disney is known for.
8
"10 Buildings that Changed America." PBS. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.pbs.org/program/ten-that-changed-america/10-
buildings-changed-america/.
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10. 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 and Zumthor share many viewpoints on architecture. For example, both
have presented ideas of architecture that compares it to music and poetry. They use
music to help describe the architecture. However, they also have ideas that differ from
one another. Ballantyne believes that buildings are built for specific people and are to
be made to live in and inhabit.9
In contrast, Zumthor believes that buildings should be
built for society and made for a specific purpose.10
9
Ballantyne, Andrew. "Architecture, Life, and Habit." The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 2011.
10
Zumthor, Peter. Thinking architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2010.
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11. 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 near the city of Buffalo. The planning of the city had to accommodate to the influx
of traffic on the water way, because as the Erie Canal was built Buffalo became a center of
trade. Transportation was key to designing a great city and during its prime Buffalo was built
around the traffic on the waterways. However, as technology advanced, taking away from
shipping cargo on the water and moving towards traveling by cars and trucks, the population
of Buffalo began to decrease. The site of Buffalo after the downfall was depressing and
empty. Urban planners today are working toward restoring Buffalo to the liveliness it once
had with projects including the Canalside in downtown Buffalo. Canalside has created a
beautiful recreational space for residents of Buffalo to enjoy the outdoors while reminiscing
the history of our city.
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12. 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?
The Pruitt Igoe project started off as a wonderful place to live however the result was much of the same
as the living conditions of this area in St. Louis were before the project.11
Three strategies for rebuilding
Pruitt Igoe would be to create a more diverse environment, new public welfare policies, and to have a
better understanding of population growth of St. Louis. I believe that Talen would work on creating a
diverse population within the rebuilding of Pruitt Igoe. When Pruitt Igoe was first built it had been during
the time of segregation, which made it into an outcast of the city of St. Louis. Talen would ensure that the
rebuilding would be nothing like the past, and that there was a very diverse population in the new
buildings.12
Larson would emphasize building homes for the people living in the new Pruitt Igoe that
would fit their needs specifically. He would bring the technologies of "robotic walls" that could help create a better, more suited place
for each tenant to live in. I would agree with Larson's ideas in planning.13
I admired the way he wanted to resemble the first cities in
the way that all of a person's needs should be able to be met by traveling within a one-mile radius of his/her home. The shared vehicles
were also a very good idea to have. This way Pruitt Igoe would be connected more with St. Louis and have a greater sense of
community. My strategies would differ from those of the original urban planners/designers of the project because I would not assume
that just creating the building for Pruitt Igoe will solve any social issues. I would understand that more actions would need to be taken
to create a successful project. My strategies would be more effective because I would focus more on the community of the area.
11
Cwavegan. "The Pruitt Igoe Myth." YouTube. September 27, 2015. Accessed May 03, 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKgZM8y3hso.
12
Talen, E. "Design That Enables Diversity: The Complications of a Planning Ideal." Journal of Planning Literature 20, no. 3 (2006)
13
Larson, Kent. "Brilliant designs to fit more people in every city." Kent Larson: Brilliant designs to fit more people in every city | TED
Talk | TED.com. Accessed May 03, 2017.
https://www.ted.com/talks/kent_larson_brilliant_designs_to_fit_more_people_in_every_city?nolanguage=en%23t-367652.
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ges/4WiyXI

13. Response to F.L. Olmsted
Displaying his plan at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Frederick
Law Olmsted stated that "Buffalo is the best planned city, as to its streets, public
places, and grounds, in the United States, if not in the world." What was the basis
for this claim? Would Olmsted still make that claim today? Why or why not?
Frederick Law Olmsted's claim for Buffalo being the best planned city was true during
the golden age of Buffalo's time. The population was rising and businesses were
booming and even during this industrial era the city of Buffalo remained connected to
the landscape as many parks are woven into the Buffalo area. Olmsted would still make
this claim today because as a resident of Buffalo, I agree that the blend of the city and
the natural landscape still exists.14
14
"Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing Western New York." PBS. May 04, 2015. Accessed May 03, 2017.
http://www.pbs.org/video/2365468061/.
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14. Response to Walter Hood’s Work
Identify something that should be memorialized either on UB's campus
or in your hometown. Imagine that you are the person who will oversee
this project, and that you are using Walter Hood's 'triad of
investigations' as your approach to the project. What would your
landscape intervention commemorate/memorialize? How will you use
Hood's 'triad of investigations' to design a new landscape intervention?
What do you imagine that the design will be? (Either written or visual
descriptions are acceptable).
Walter Hood stated in his TED Talk15
that we do not need to add more parks
and community gardens into where we live, it is important that we bring out
the landscape naturally with the city growing around it. I would apply this
approach into my hometown of Orchard Park, a town outside of Buffalo.
There is a beautiful park, Chestnut Ridge, in the town however once you
leave the park you are disconnected from nature and get lost within the
mundane view of many houses that look exactly the same in the suburban
town. I would add more greenery and other natural beauty throughout the
town to make it feel more full of life.
15
TEDxTalks. YouTube. March 21, 2011. Accessed May 3, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBshFBR_fR4.
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https://goo.gl/images/WwRWLO

15. Response to the Brookes
The abolitionist poster, the Brookes, is an iconic image that often is
included in exhibits that explore issues of race and power. It was
commissioned by Thomas Clarkson in 1788, and the Committee of the
Abolition of Slavery used it to inform and shock the public. While some
consider the poster as an important component of the abolitionist
campaign, it recently “has been strongly criticized by some individuals
and groups of African heritage as providing a very limited view of the
history of the transatlantic slave trade, resistance and abolition (Hudson
2007).” The 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?
This is a photo that I have seen many times throughout my history classes as I was growing up and learning about the racial
segregation in the United States. This famous photograph was taken in 1950 by Elliot Erwitt. The photo shows the painful truth of the
segregation that existed. There is a clearly cleaner and nicer drinking fountain that is labeled "white" and a lesser drinking fountain
labeled "colored" with a black man drinking out of the "colored" fountain. This is a powerful image because it describes the daily lives
of people during this time period and distinctly shows the separation between the two races. If an African American man/woman is
looking at this same photograph they might feel uneasy, sad, or hurt because it reminds them that their families in the past had to face
this type of discrimination. Depending on the person, it may even cause them to feel angry. Whereas when I look at the photo, I feel
guilty and ashamed that our country would ever behave this way. I am not sure if it would be more or less powerful if it was in color
because I can see how the message would get across just as strong looking at it both ways. With the black and white, the contrast that
you mentioned really shows the story of the photograph. And in my opinion, black and white photos are seen as more serious and
powerful. However, if the picture was in color I think it would be more obvious with how much more dirty the "colored" water
fountain is. It would be a dingy off white color, as compared to the porcelain white water fountain next to it. Although this is visible in
the photograph in black and white, I think it would be easier to see in a colored picture.
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16. Response to Charles Davis and equityXdesign’s Work
Critique either the MLK Memorial or the National Museum of African
American History and Culture using equityXdesign’s core beliefs and/or design
principles. (Use the beliefs or principles that are most relevant to your critique
rather than all of them.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
The MLK Memorial does not follow all of equityXdesign's core beliefs16
because
although it is a beautiful remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. it suggests that
there is still a divide between the races. However, it still relates to the first core
belief that we should see who we are and also our past. Those looking at the MLK
Memorial should be able to look at it and understand the suffering that he and many
others have gone through in the past.
16
EquityXdesign. "Racism and inequity are products of design. They can be redesigned." Medium. November 15, 2016. Accessed
May 3, 2017. https://medium.com/@multiplyequity/racism-and-inequity-are-products-of-design-they-can-be-redesigned-
12188363cc6a#.k5y0sc57e.
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https://goo.gl/images/lMyTyX

17. 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. Is this cultural
influence being acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or
why not?
At home, I have pussy willows growing in the backyard behind my house. These
plants reflect my Polish heritage as they are used during the celebration of Easter and
Dyngus Day. So every year around springtime I get this lovely reminder of where my
family comes from and my own ethnicity. I would love to plant some of these in my home in the future to continue to remind myself,
and my future children of our ethnicity and what makes us special. I grew up near South Buffalo, New York. In this area there are
many people of Irish descent. There are many pubs and bars in this area with an Irish name/theme to it. Another example would be my
high school, Mount Mercy Academy and the Sisters of Mercy Convent that is attached to it. Around our buildings there are statues
representing Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. She was also from Ireland. Signs coming into South Buffalo
also state "Irish Heritage District". All of these different aspects of showing the Irish culture leads to a sense of community to those
who live around here that are of Irish descent. During the time of St. Patrick's day this really shows through, as people of all ages
come together to celebrate this holiday in a big way with parades and festivities for the whole area.
Photo By: https://goo.gl/images/8FDOf1

18. 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 completely understand the controversies with using ethnic
references in sports team branding. I believe that sports team
branding should refrain from using ethnic references at all because
there will always be someone that finds it offensive or insulting to
his/her own culture. Although I personally do not see the issue
with the "Fighting Irish" using an angry Irish man as a logo, I also
believe it is not really my place to have this opinion because I am
not of Irish decent so it does not pertain to me the same way it
would for a person that is Irish. I believe this is why there are so
many arguments along with using these types of branding because
those who's ethnic groups are not represented do not fully
understand how the logo can be offensive.
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19. 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 image uses the idea method and suggests that with
appearances girls are harder on themselves and are more likely
to see their flaws, even if no one else may notice them. While
it suggests that boys are more arrogant and see themselves as
better than they appear to be. In society it is seen as masculine
to be confident and bold while it is more feminine to be
humble and insecure.Photo By: https://goo.gl/images/arujvo

20. 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?
People should use the bathroom that corresponds with their biological gender. This could allow for a loss of privacy for many. Just
one example if there were no restrictions on who could use the public bathroom, a girl could feel unsafe because any man would be
able to claim he feels as if he should use the women's bathroom and it would not be questions. With different gender identities, it
impossible to test whether a person is telling the truth or not, and unfortunately in the world we live in there is this possibility of those
who would abuse this use of all gender bathrooms.
On the other point of view, people should use whichever bathroom they feel comfortable in. Restricting a person to a specific
bathroom, limits the person's freedom and is an invitation to begin discriminating against the person. It is not right to force people to
live a certain way, even if you don't agree with who they are. People should be able to express themselves freely without
discrimination.
As a designer I would create a gender neutral bathroom. There would be more privacy between the stalls and there would be no way to
distinguish the male from the female toilets, so that whoever uses the bathroom would not have to choose between the two.
Photo By:
https://goo.gl/images/X5nPXv

21. 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 attached is an example of "crusty"17
. It is a playground that I
had come across in downtown Buffalo, it has the fence all around it without a
clear entrance for children to access it.
The second picture is an example of "jittery". I took this one right near UB
South Campus at the NFTA rail station. There were multiple cameras in this
wide open public space.
17
Jaffe, Eric. "The Hidden Ways Urban Design Segregates The Poor." Co.Design. April 28, 2017. Accessed May 3, 2017.
https://www.fastcodesign.com/3034206/slicker-city/the-hidden-ways-urban-design-segregates-the-poor.
Photos By: Rebecca Rozeski

22. 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 do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals?
What approach will your team take to address this difficult
problem?
While working to help design for a way to help families in similar
situations as Tammy Crabtree, I would focus mostly on designing a new
public transportation system to help Tammy travel to her job every day. Having to walk 10 miles everyday, takes a huge chunk of her
day away and designing a public transportation system, such as a new bus route that arrives fairly often near her house and her
destination, would help her out greatly.
Photo By:
https://goo.gl/images/O9daUz

23. 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 residents of Regent Park will be more likely to interact with each other, a
step towards social integration, if they constantly cross paths in their daily lives.
To encourage this, I would design more public areas such as the urban gardens,
that wouldn't have any restrictions on them. Another approach I would take
would be to construct a survey or something similar, and ask the residents what
they would like improved on their current living situation. This is important to
me because then while changes are being made I would be able to take in
consideration the needs of the actual residents of Regent Park.
Photo By:
https://goo.gl/images/NNb0
Wv

24. 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?
As humans begin to live longer and longer I believe the biggest challenge that
designers will have to face is the overpopulation of humans. There are many
people born every single day and if we continue to live longer as well, the
population of the world is only going to grow, and at a high rate. I believe that
this amount of people will cause problems because most of the world is not
built to encompass this growing amount of people. The world around us will
begin to feel smaller and smaller, designers will have to address this issue.
Photo By: https://goo.gl/images/HgduxB

25. 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.
The following designs show examples of the second universal design principle of flexibility in use.
Where the negative example lacks, the positive example accommodates a wide range of individual
preferences and abilities, such as people in wheelchairs and left handed people. The first picture I
have is of an average school desk, similar to the ones that we have here on UB campus. I believe
that this puts many people at a disadvantage. If you are a left handed person, it will be
uncomfortable to work at this desk because the open space of the desk is on the left side of the
person. In addition to this, if you are a person that has a disability where you require a wheelchair,
it is nearly impossible to sit at the desk. Unless you are a walking, right handed person, you will
have to use unneeded effort to sit and work at this desk. The next design for a desk is much more
suitable for a larger group of people. With this desk it does not have the chair directly attached to
it, allowing for a wheelchair to fit underneath and the user to be able to sit comfortably underneath. The legs of the desk are also
adjustable, allowing for the height of the desk to fit the person sitting at it. This design is much more usable than the first desk design,
however it can still have improvements made to it. Adjusting the height may not be a simple task for the user of this desk, it would be
helpful to design a way to easily maneuver the top of the desk up and down.
Photo By:
https://goo.gl/images/
Wzq2Tx
Photo By:
https://goo.gl/images/
Wzq2Tx

26. 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?
I believe that there are some positives to being able to design the bodies of us and our children. It would help prevent having the
struggling lives of living as a person with a disability, creating an easier life for us. Being able to design our bodies suggests that there
is something wrong with us the way we are and treats our living body as a technological machine that can be enhanced.
I believe that this is unethical because this process of enhancing our bodies directly suggests that people with disabilities are inferior. I
really liked how when asked the question "what would you want to enhance about yourself?" in the "FIXED" video18
, Gregor
Wolbring states "I'm happy with who I am". He does have a disability but it does not hinder him from living his life to the fullest. I
believe it is important to design tools to help him live his life with ease, but I do not think we should use technology to further enhance
him because it would change the person that he is. His disability has shaped his personality, and from the short time in the video you
can tell that he is a strong independent person. With designing our children, it would give us the ability to eliminate mental disabilities
18
MakingChangeMedia1. "FIXED: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement - film trailer." YouTube. May 11, 2012. Accessed May
3, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl4CdnLue-k.
Photo By:
https://goo.gl/images/1jua6g

27. such as down syndrome. I completely understand that life with a child that has been diagnosed with down syndrome is extremely
difficult, as I have multiple relatives with down syndrome, and one with an extreme case of autism. Although it is sad at times that my
cousins won't live a "normal" life, I truly believe that they are some of the most amazing people I know. All of my cousins that have
been diagnosed have amazing personalities that I would not want to have changed. I grew up knowing them as who they are and I
believe that changing their body and mind would alter who they are as a person, and I would not want them to change because I love
them as they are.

28. Response to Titicut Follies
The state of Massachusetts tried to ban the 1967 documentary
Titicut Follies19
, 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 believe that it was a complete invasion of privacy to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility. Filming
these people's lives dehumanizes them and treats them almost like rats in a laboratory. I feel like it treats them as a science project that
is being observed which is not fair to the residents that are unable to speak for themselves.
Although I am against the initial filming of the residents, I do understand the value that it has to designers. Designers are able to gain
knowledge on the lives of people with mental disabilities. Watching the film, and the way the people react to different things in their
daily lives can allow designers to be able to see responses to certain things. Designers could stray away from the negative responses
that the patients have, and keep consistency in old designs that had a positive impact on the patients.
19
Titicut Follies (Complete Film). Accessed May 10, 2017. http://www.poetv.com/video.php?vid=75226.
Photo By:
https://goo.gl/images/PYue9m

29. Response to PPT, The Architecture of Autism, Public Space
Prelude: Wolf Wolfensberger's seminal work "The Origin and
Nature of Our Institutional Models" posited that society
characterizes people with intellectual disabilities as sub-human
and burdens of charity, He argued that this dehumanization,
and the 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.
Photo By: https://goo.gl/images/6hQnLB

30. 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”?
As a resident, I would support the decision to build the group home because the 10 adults that are intellectually challenged deserve the
right to live in a neighborhood, just as any other citizen would. Although they live a different lifestyle I believe that the location does
not have to be secluded from the rest of the world, and that they should be able to live in a lively, friendly neighborhood.
After learning this I would definitely be aware of the possibility of the instances of challenging behaviors, and even though it is a
difficult situation I would still support the building of the group home. If the group home had been built, it would allow me to educate
my children on people with intellectual disabilities. I believe it is important to teach my children that these are people, too, and that
although they live a different life they are still people.
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" would be to build a home with some of the design goals mentioned in "The Architecture of Autism" by Michael
Tortorello20
. It would be important to hire a design team with education on autism, and the ability to see the living space through the
eyes of a person struggling with autism. This way we would be able to design a place where the residents would feel at ease and
content, such as some of the residents living in Sweetwater, mentioned in the article. Having the residents feel comfortable would
ensure that episodes of challenging behavior would happen less often, or not at all.
20
Tortorello, Michael. "The Architecture of Autism." The New York Times. October 09, 2013. Accessed May 10, 2017.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/10/garden/the-architecture-of-autism.html?_r=0.

31. 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?
This is a church located on the east side of the city of Buffalo, New York. It is
the church of St. Stanislaus21
. When it was first built it was placed in an area of
a small Polish community. The church offered services and a sense of
togetherness for the Polish population in the east side of Buffalo and the
population of Poles grew drastically over the next decade. Today this still
serves and an iconic building of Catholicism and Polish heritage.
21
"St. Stanislaus, B. & M. Church Complex." Polonia Trail. Accessed May 10, 2017. http://poloniatrail.com/location/st-stanislaus-
church/.
Photo By: https://goo.gl/images/Hrsskm

32. 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?
I am studying engineering. Engineers are the problem solvers of our world. There are many
different challenges that the field of engineering face as a whole to help make the world a
better place by making things easier to do. I am studying the field of industrial engineering.
The main focus for industrial engineers is to focus on systems of production and
manufacturing to help make them safer and more efficient. I could be working to help create
a more efficient delivery system for online deliveries to ensure that customers are receiving
their products within a timely fashion. Another job I could have would be to work for a manufacturing company and help create a
more efficient and safe system in the warehouse to ensure that no employees are injured in the process of manufacturing goods. With
any job I do take I will be designing new processes and systems to help improve the old ones. I plan to use my abilities in mathematics
and science to help create systems in the workplace to avoid injuries of humans working there. I will also use my new knowledge of
design and focus on creating a design that accommodates for those in diversity groups as well.
Photo By:
https://goo.gl/images/Cy8mu5