ARC 211: American Diversity and Design: Zechariah Taitt

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 - American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Zechariah Taitt
1
1 Anguerde.com. "Thought 375413 791.97 KB." 1920x1080px Thought simple and free 15 #1448197373. Accessed May 16, 2017.
http://anguerde.com/TTF-375413-thought.html.

2. Diversity and Design has influenced me by making me view different aspects of everyday life from
a more design oriented standpoint. One of the compelling aspects of the course was having to recall
your own experiences and use them to explain or portray different aspects of design. My views
have not changed since the start of the course, although it did have me consider more perspectives.
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:2
2
Taitt, Zechariah N. Bronx, New York.

3. 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.
Hello everyone, my name is Zechariah Taitt, Zeke for
short. I am a second semester freshman. I am from
Bronx, NY. I am currently planning to major in
aerospace and mechanical engineering. I enjoy playing
sports, playing and making music, and working with my
hands. Space is one of my greatest interests, ever since I
first went stargazing when I was very young.
http://images1.villagevoice.com/imager/u/original/8903884/screen_shot_2016-07-25_at_9.04.51_pm.pngfoo3
3
Hamm, Theodore. "Brooklynizing the Bronx: Will the Boogie Down's Boom Leave Thousands of Workers in the Dust?"
Village Voice. February 22, 2017. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.villagevoice.com/news/brooklynizing-the-bronx-will-
the-boogie-downs-boom-leave-thousands-of-workers-in-the-dust-8902461.

4. Response to "What is design?" from Hello World
On “What is design?” from Hello World: Where Design Meets Life by Alice
Rawsthron
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. http://www.teslasociety.com/pictures/teslamotor7.jpg4
The invention of alternating current, or AC current, by Nikola Tesla greatly impacted the world. The use and distribution of AC
current is how we now power our homes and devices today. The wall sockets providing a place for us to utilize this electrical
current to charge our smart devices and power our lights and televisions. Each home comes standard with wall sockets that uses
AC current. The invention shaped the electrical industry and provided a crutch for more inventions utilizing electricity. One
invention branching from this was also a negative, which was the use of DC current for harming animals and the creation of the
electric chair.
4
Tesla's AC Induction Motor is one of the 10 greatest discoveries of all time. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.teslasociety.com/hall_of_fame.htm.

5. 5Response to "Introduction" from Diversity and Design
On “Introduction” from Diversity and Design: Understanding Hidden
Consequences
Now it’s your turn. Describe a design that was impacted by a diversity
group. How and why did it change form and/or circumstances? (Note that a
design can be anything requiring planning and development prior to the
production of an action, system, visual, material object, or environment.
Also, keep in mind that, for our purposes, a diversity group is a group of
individuals who are underrepresented in society in some way—children,
older adults, the economically disadvantaged, those with cognitive
disabilities, etc.)
A design that has been impacted by a diversity group has been the design of cities. The need for living space, work space, and
recreational space is evident, and ever growing. The constant construction of buildings, to meet the needs of people in a community.
The community is what helps determine what changes and additions need to be made in the surrounding areas. Additions to different
communities affect it as a whole. For instance, to promote poverty stricken areas, the addition of work places to establish and raise the
overall economic wealth and value of the area. Another instance of a diversity group impacting a community is how more wealthy
communities bring in more companies and franchises like McDonald's and Starbucks, and having suck enterprises be more
densely distributed throughout the area.
5
"New Satellite City Design in China." Kevin Klinkenberg. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.kevinklinkenberg.com/blog/satellite-city-design-china.

6. Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED Talk on Photographs
Where would you place the images shown in Photos That Changed the World into Croteau and Hoynes' diagram entitled
“Model of Media and the Social World”? Identify a mass mediaphotograph 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?
6
I would place the photos shown into the "Social World." Since it
is such a broad category, I feel that most if not all pictures
shown, would fit into the social world, since most of the photos
depicted an event that can be remembered as a time in our
history in the social world. One photo that served as an icon
would be of Steve Jobs introducing the first iPod. This
represents the start of a more modern era, leading to the future
of the smart devices we now own. This is the beginning of
Apple becoming the massive brand that it is today. All with the
introduction to the iPod, it shaped the industry of portable
devices.
6
"Why We Can’t Stop Talking about Steve Jobs | Superhype." Superhype RSS. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://superhypeblog.com/design/why-we-cant-
stop-talking-about-steve-jobs.

7. Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
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?
7The red and the pink hat were both made for the use of
conveying a message, although they are opposing messages. The
red hat was made to advertise the campaign of Donald Trump
for presidency, which branded his slogan "Make America Great
Again," which is what he claims he would do if he were to be
elected. The pink hat was made to mock one of Donald Trump’s
past quotes, and also Trump himself. Representing the
dissatisfaction people had with his campaign, actions,
comments, or overall demeanor. Both made for expressing a
message, yet one was made for promotion while the other was
made for denunciation.
7
"WATCH: SJW Freaks Out Over Student Wearing 'Hateful' Pro-Trump Hat, Has It Stolen." Vessel News. September 15, 2016. Accessed May 03, 2017.
http://vesselnews.io/sjw-freaks-student-wearing-hateful-pro-trump-hat-stolen/.

8. Response to “Industrial Design” by John Heskett and "The Incredible Inventions of Intuitive AI" by Maurice Conti
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?
With the introduction to Ford's production line for mass production of automobiles it led to a massive societal change to the U.S. It led
to more mass production factories being placed in more areas. With the addition of more mass production factories and the hiring of
unskilled workers resulted in increased income to more poor to middle class workers and a massive increase of job opportunities as
well. Now we still have and have even increased the amount of mass production facilities, we do not have unskilled workers
assembling products. Future manufacturing processes will undoubtedly have more robotic lines. If Maurice Conti's predictions are
true, we will also have artificial intelligence helping in designing products. This changing the job spectrum with less manual labor of
manufacturing and more design, computing, and engineering. This change in jobs will further cement the need for more
specialized workers in the respective fields, which will need more specialized education.8
8
Ford. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.autozine.org/Manufacturer/USA/Ford.html.

9. 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? Provide an example
any products that embraces Cradle-to-Cradle design? Please describe and cite your source.
A product that seems to not account for the Cradle-to-Cradle concept
is the Suncubater. Its sole purpose is to keep infants warm at night.
While the concept does use solar energy, the materials used are not
kept in constant cycle. It is made from foam which could take a long
time to decompose, and the amount of time the product would be
used for will be small since the infant will quickly outgrow it. The
use of solar energy was a good concept but the disregard of more
useful, reusable or, biodegradable material. A product that does apply
the Cradle-to-Cradle concept is the Solara 50, and solar powered
atmospheric satellite. It is a relatively small aircraft that relies on
solar energy to power its flight. With its design it can be easily disassembled and have parts be utilized for other products.
9
9
"Google's High-Flying Internet Drone Crashed In New Mexico Weeks Ago." Popular Science. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.popsci.com/googles-
high-flying-internet-drone-crashes-outside-albuquerque.

10. 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?
A work of architecture that incorporated sensibilities for the past is the iconic Boston landmark, Trinity Church. Designed by Henry
Hobson Richardson, who first instituted the Richardsonian Romanesque style with this church. It used clay and stone, with its many
arches and massive and wide tower. The iconic masonry and tower, coupled with its arches and pillars are what defines this archetype.
Though it stemmed from influences of Romanesque architecture, which too was known for its arches, but in contrast had much taller
towers. The church challenged its cultural context with its design of a whole new style of architecture. Not being able to go with
10
original designs, Richardson was forced to adopt a new method to adapt to the circumstance.
A work of architecture that incorporated sensibilities for a more modern area is the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership. This
building with an aesthetic trigonal design was designed to help encourage group gatherings and meeting other individuals. With its
open center it invites a comforting and open atmosphere to entice others to congregate and interact with each other. While being an
abnormal design shape its outer wall has a low tech design of cordwood masonry. Simply using wooden logs as you would with bricks
gives it a more outdoor look while being eco-friendly. The overall building relied on sensibility, and used it heavily its design and
construction. this building reflects the culture of those who gather there, to feel open and welcome.
10
Mross. "The BSO & Trinity Church." Springfield Museums. November 04, 2016. Accessed May 03, 2017. https://springfieldmuseums.org/program/bso-
trinity-church/.

11. 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?
Ballantyne and Zumthor view architecture in a similar fashion. They both acknowledge the human aspects when it comes to
architecture. They consistently refer to human responses or feelings when it comes to architecture. Many times comparing design to a
form of art. Both drawing analogies with mostly music or poetry.
Although they both draw there similarities with the human
aspects of architecture it also where they draw their different
viewpoints. Zumthor views architecture from the more human
emotions, feelings and memories of their surroundings. This is
how he describes his process of designing, he tries to remember
his past experiences with architecture and add meaning to his
designs. On the other side Ballantyne looks more at the habits we
encounter when it comes to architecture. Not only that he
consistently refers to a buildings aesthetics, mentioning how it is
to be viewed as a buildings character. He also mentions how
buildings are not being viewed for aesthetics as much as before,
but instead of what the use of the building is for. 11
11
"Emotional architecture: about the feeling of things." Aleph. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.faena.com/aleph/articles/emotional-architecture-
about-the-feeling-of-things/.

12. 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 was raised in Bronx, New York, in a six floor apartment building. Since it was an apartment building my parents got to know other
parents and I would get together with other kids from my building. We lived right by the zoo, a few parks and a parkway with a long
strip of open grass. During breaks, and weekends we
found ourselves playing at any one of these places, since
they were all in walking distance or a short car ride away.
Despite having a car and public transportation available,
it was not needed to find something to do with everything
in such a close proximity. This leading to making with
people who live pretty lose to you. Especially around
school, the adults would usually talk while the kids
played after school for hours each day. All this resulting
in early childhood bonds and bonds between other adults
in the area. 12
12
"Living City Block, Denver, CO." StudioJDK. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://studiojdk.com/?portfolio=living-city-block-denver-co.

13. Response to F.L. Olmsted
Displaying his plan at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Frederick Law Olmsted stated that "Buffalo is the best
planned city, as to its streets, public places, and grounds, in the United States, if not in the world." What was the basis for this
claim? Would Olmsted still make that claim today? Why or why not?
Olmsted's claim of Buffalo being the best planned city is based on its
design of the city inside of a park. Olmsted was in charge of designing
the landscapes around the cities radial design. He had three main parks
that were connected by parkways, so most of the city will be by a park.
Today some parts of the parks were paved to make way for more travel
with cars. He would most likely detest these actions like how he detested
how to beauty of Niagara Falls being tainted by the surrounding
industrial design. Though I feel he might appreciate some of the effort
that those put into to keeping most of his original design ideas of the
cities openness to parks and landscapes. I believe he would still make the
claim today because of how much of what he helped implement into the
cities design was still left. The majority of his ideas and vision seem to
be evident in the city today.13
13
Knight, Shannon. "NaNoWriMo 2015: TOUR." Pinterest. November 06, 2015. Accessed May 03, 2017.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/54817320442297479/.

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).
I would have a scaled down version of the parks from where I
grew up as a small island through one of the park ways, so
that when walking through it shows the area of the parks and
are able to walk through the scaled version of it. I grew up by
Bronx Park, which is connected to the Bronx Zoo and New
York Botanical Garden. Also connected to it by the Bronx
River Parkway is Van Cortlandt Park. These two I feel being
the main parks of the area of where I grew up. I imagine
walking through a small version on the park almost like a
map, and recognizing the different landmarks there. Without
using the landmark identifications that would be put there, I feel I could easily spot out the zoo, garden, and golf course from it. I feel
like it would bring out the unappreciated aspects of the parks and their design. I for one would appreciate it more to see the place
where I had spent a lot of my time with friends and family, and not just as the park I live by. 14
14
"WCS-Bronx Zoo Master Plan – Ayers Saint Gross." Ayers Saint Gross. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://asg-architects.com/portfolio/wcs-bronx-zoo-master-
plan/.

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? (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.)
The chart below depicts the average income for those who are classified as Black, White, Hispanic and Asian. It is meant to show the
amount of income, on average, each race has received from 1967 to 2012. I interpret it as that, statistics meant to show information.
Though the information being conveyed does fit stereotypes of the different races, such as Black and Hispanics tending to make less
than average incomes, while White and Asians tend to make more than the average income. This is clearly shown in the data, and how
by 2012 Asians average income was more than doubled the income of the Black average income. An individual of Hispanic descent
might view this as unfair depiction of the races income, because there are many of them with different situations that will seem to
deviate from the data from the graph. Their interpretation leans more towards the inaccuracy and unfair depiction of the races, while
my interpretation sees it more as pure data that happen to fit certain stereotypes of the different races. These differences might arise
from the difference in upbringing, experiences, and thought processes.15
15
Perlberg, Steven. "American Median Incomes By Race Since 1967 [CHART]." Business Insider. September 17, 2013. Accessed May 03, 2017.
http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-median-income-in-the-us-by-race-2013-9.

16. Response to "Landscape Stories" Chapter
First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors and/or outdoors) that you think of as
representative of your own ethnic background and discuss why you consider this place to be ‘ethnic’. –OR-- Describe an object
in your home that you think of as representative of your ethnic background and discuss why this object is considered to be
‘ethnic’. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this object or place something that you will keep or continue when you establish your
own home? Why or why not? Now let’s move into your community. In “Landscape Stories,” the authors show how landscape
architects develop a historical narrative that sifts through and interprets the culture and material of underrepresented groups.
Think about the community where you grew up. Describe and discuss any evidence of cultural influences on the physical
environment in your community. If possible, describe evidence of the cultural influence of an underrepresented group. (If
possible, add photo/s.) Is this cultural influence being acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or why not?
As for something that describes my ethnicity I cannot recall anything that would represent my background since it is not really a
prominent thing expressed in my household. The only thing I could think of is a bandanna of the Guyanese flag my dad has, but that
still does not apply to me that much anyway. I would continue to not establish anything about my ethnicity as my parents and I already
do, in my own home.
As for the community culture is very prominent, with many flags being spray painted on the walls of buildings and flags being strung
on light poles occasionally. This one wall art by my apartment of the Albanian flag is something I can clearly recall, as it has been
there since I was born. During the independence days, all the light poles would have Albanian, Puerto Rican, and Dominican flags
being flown. My neighborhood used to be prominent area for Jewish and Italian people, when my mother grew up there. They are not
really represented there anymore. Even a Jewish synagogue that was a block away from my building being torn down and got turned
into an elementary school a few years ago. I would not have even been able to tell of past cultural influences if my mother had never
told me.

17. 16
16
Robertharding, Neil Emmerson /. "Flags and signs, W24th Street, New York City, New York, USA, North..." Getty Images. Accessed May 03, 2017.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/flags-and-signs-w24th-street-new-york-city-high-res-stock-photography/rh728-2486.

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 feel that having team names with ethnic references should be fine as long it is not depicted as very offensive to ethnicity. Some may
have gotten the name from the history of the area of where the team was located and have a significance to that area. This may be
complex because people will have different opinions on the matter and different perspectives. Some could view the usage as offensive
while others might see as part of the history. 17
17
"PHOTOS: Redskins Rookies Get New Gear ." News RSS. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/PHOTOS-
Redskins-Rookies-Get-New-Gear/c0e94c8f-8da3-4292-a4b2-29e65d633449.

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 simple visual uses the "get the idea" approach to communicate that men and women are equal. The designer does this by placing
a pink Venus symbol denoting females on one side of a scale, and a blue Mars symbol denoting males on the other side and having the
scale be completely balanced, with both symbols on the same level. While this is a very simplistic graphic for getting across
equality between men and women, it can prove to be very affective. From the over simplistic nature, the meaning of the image can be
clearly identified with a quick glance. By using the symbols that represent male and female, coloring them with
the stereotypical colors that each gender identifies with respectively, and using a balanced scale which represents equality, one could
easily piece together the meaning without giving it a second thought. While the design is pretty much perfect, the only thing I would
do to improve it would not use blue and pink to help identify male and female. It does make the graphic easier to read but some might
think it is perpetuating the stereotype that females like pink and males like blue.18
18
Service, Posted By Members' Research. "The road to gender equality: achievements and challenges." European Parliamentary Research Service Blog.
March 06, 2015. Accessed May 03, 2017. https://epthinktank.eu/2015/03/04/the-road-to-gender-equality-achievements-and-challenges/.

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?
I do believe people should use the bathroom corresponding to their gender to make the process easier, and making people more
comfortable. Keeping the simple sex identification of male and female will prevent any confusion and people from not feeling
comfortable. Many are not comfortable with public restrooms as it as and bringing a change like that would not help.
On the other hand it would make bathrooms easier not having to worry about if it’s a Men's or Women's restroom, and also will have
the ability to possibly expand the bathrooms since there will be no restrictions. It might also make people feel more secure since
there is no discrimination or separation between the genders as well.
I would have a gender neutral restroom as well as the male and female so it would be able to accommodate the different preferences
for restrooms. So all options will be available to those so those will not feel discriminated against.

21. 19
19
"Posts · USDemocrazy · myUMBC." MyUMBC. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://my.umbc.edu/groups/usdemocrazy/posts.

22. 20
Response to People Like Us
After almost two decades of public assistance, Tammy Crabtree took herself and her family off the welfare rolls. But her job
cleaning bathrooms at a local Burger King barely paid the bills. Crabtree wanted to do better and hopes to go to college and
become a teacher.
Imagine this scenario. You are a designer who works at the well-known firm, iPD (Integrated Planning and Design). You work
on a team with planners, urban designers, policy designers, architects, and social designers. You have been tasked to
develop/design a way for Tammy Crabtree and her family (and others with situations similar to Tammy’s) to move themselves
out of poverty. What will your team to do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What approach will your team
take to address this difficult problem?
I would develop a low cost community for families like Tammy's to live and be able to come out of poverty by having schools and
colleges nearby, along with available opportunities for part time jobs as well. With this it is
possible for Tammy to have a job to pay bills and go to college to become a teacher. Since it is
also a low cost community it would be easier for her to pay her bills and make ends meet until she
is able to finish her schooling. The community should have most of the things that families with
situations like Tammy's would need to help make it out of poverty. With a community of similar
situations many would be able to relate and maybe help each other out when needed, like
babysitting for someone while they are in class or at work. The community should be able to help
families get themselves out of poverty with little to no help from others if they so choose.
20
Mrandmrswow. "A Community Project – I Need YOUR Help!" Mr and Mrs WoW. August 16, 2014. Accessed May 03, 2017.
https://mrandmrswow.wordpress.com/2014/08/16/a-community-project-i-need-your-help/.

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?
I would ensure that the park will be more mobility friendly to better accommodates the elderly and more disabled. For example having
a laundry room, at the very least, be on every floor so that they would not have to travel so far just to do their laundry. Also ensuring
accommodations and transportation being close to the senior residents so that would have to travel far for their market needs rather
than having to travel a city block for such needs. Finally having more gardening sites so that they might be able to interact with others
and have one nearby for better mobility.21
21
"Stairs on Pinterest." Pinterest. February 12, 2015. Accessed May 03, 2017. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/365354588496458195/.

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?
I think it all depends on how the aspects that cause the extended lifespan really affect the
body. If it just merely helps you stay alive to a later age than I believe not much would
change beside an increase in facilities to help accommodate or assist the now more aged
elderly. Although if the aspects that that extend lifespan also slows the body degradation
rate as well then the need for such facilities won’t be as prevalent. Most problems for
designers might arise from my first example since they would have to design facilities or
technologies to help assist the aged population. From the longer lifespan more problems for
the body might arise that designers will have to account for to meet the needs of the
people.22
22
Husain, Nadia Shireen. "Technology." Pinterest. June 25, 2014. Accessed May 03, 2017. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/148970700149150134/.

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 pictures shown is an example showcasing equitable use. The first picture shows regular doors that need to be opened by a person
which can inhibit or hinder some that might be disabled from entering. It can be difficult for someone in a wheelchair to enter without
out assistance. Some doors like these can be heavy as well making it hard to open for some. On the other hand, the second picture is
shown to be automatic sliding doors. These can be used by anyone and isolates no specific group. All it takes to open them is the
motion of someone in front of it. The only thing that could prove as a hindrance or annoyance would be if the doors opened too
slowly, so one would have to wait for it to open to get through. Though most do not have this problem an easy fix would simply be to
make it to open more quickly.23
23
"Selecting the Right Entrance system is an Important Decision." Automatic Doors. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.securadoor.com/show_article/11.

26. Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
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.
What lessons do you think we should learn from history when thinking about emerging enhancement technologies
and reproductive technologies? What are some of the possible consequences (both positive and negative) of being able to
design our bodies and the bodies of our children? What ethical quandaries do these technologies pose?
From history, it shows that technology will continue to grow, and for some make aspects of life easier. Though is following the pattern
of past technological advancements it would be not easy to produce making it not as available and highly expensive at first. So those
who are actually in need of the technology may not be able to get it until it becomes more readily available to all. When having
technologies for body enhancements it will undoubtedly create a new trend and group of individuals that will have to accounted for in
the future.
While being able to design our bodies may benefit some, it can also produce more issues. Policies and regulations will have to be put
in place for the new advancements which might encounter questions of morality and ethicality on how far we will be able to push the
new technologies. Some might feel that it can be destroying things that make us human by removing imperfections and creating their
own or their child's image how it suites them. If being able to redesign your body and design a child's body did exist ethical
quandaries might arise, but if there was anything that the child feels they dislike in the future they would be able to change themselves
regardless of what their parents initially designed them to be. Yet designing someone intending to be something that they have not yet
chosen for themselves will put disconcerting thoughts in many.

27. 24
24
"Talking To The Future Humans - Steve Fuller." Vice. Accessed May 03, 2017. https://www.vice.com/en_dk/article/talking-to-the-future-humans-steve-
fuller-transhumanism.

28. Response to Titicut Follies
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?
Although Wiseman had wanted to show the conditions that the patients at the correctional facility were being held in, I feel that if an
individual does not want to be shown in a film they should have the right to not be filmed. Despite that, having the film being shown
to designers could help improve the facility making it more patient friendly and having a better, and more livable space.
25
25
"Troubled Over Bridgewater." Boston Phoenix. Accessed May 16, 2017. http://thephoenix.com/boston/news/108081-troubled-
over-bridgewater/.

29. Response to PPT, The Architecture of Autism, Public Space
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”?
I would support the proposal because it would not disturb nor affect me in any way so I would have no reason to not
support it. The knowledge of the three men would not sway my initial design. As long as none of the surrounding
residents are disturbed, and the intended residents are kept safe and are receiving what they need, I would have no reason
to change my decision. If the town voted against the home, I would propose having them build a facility that they would
live in and also get the care that they need. If not this, I would try to convince them to reconsider the original idea. There
seems to be no reason not to build it unless they have a better use for the acre of lands that has been purchased.
26
26
KI BOIS Developmental Disabilites. Accessed May 16, 2017. http://www.kibois.org/dd_about.html.

30. Response to The Connection Between Religion and Urban Planning by David Engwicht
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 place of worship plays a valuable role in my community. This church Van Nest Assembly of God, has influenced the community in many of
their community outreaches, such as car washes, community barbecue, and recently an event called Hope Day at one of the parks where they
played music, gave out food and blankets, and had games and activities for the children of the community. Over the years they have grown to
reach out to the community in unifying them with such public events. They have planned to grow out more in increasing the size of the church,
and plan to do many more community outreaches, and continuing to have Hope Day as an annual occurrence with this year being the third year
for this event.27
27
"Holy New York." Van Nest Assembly of God, The Bronx. Image 1 | Holy New York. Accessed May 16, 2017. http://www.holy-
ny.com/node/155.

31. Response to Prospects for the Future of Diversity and Design
Think about your own major and/or future profession. What is the biggest challenge, problem, or question that your field
needs to tackle right now? What do you plan to do to address this challenge, problem, or question either as part of your
studies or professional life?
As an Aerospace Engineer, one of the main problems would be making space flight, space travel and satellite implementation more
feasible and less costly. The future of exploring the stars has been one that has been much sought after and is getting closer to
becoming reality. Being able to design more efficient rockets or new forms of efficient propulsion for travel will bring us ever closer
to colonizing other planets and learning more about our vast universe.28
28
"Aerospace Propulsion." U.S. Air Force - Career Detail. Accessed May 16, 2017.
https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/aerospace-propulsion.