ARC 211: American Diversity and Design:Heng Wu

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

Introduction
Diversity, reflects plenty of different aspects in a society. Because of diversity,
our life can be more colorful. Design, mirrors people’s wise and knowledge, could
affect our society significantly. The course American Diversity and Design combines
these two aspects together, encourages us to think about the real meaning of different
types of designs and through this process, we had learned about the diversity of our
society. The compelling side about this course would be the opening mind thinking
because it helps us to think about a problem in different ways so that we will have
different opinions and results which really improved our thinking ability. After taking
this course, I know that there are so many stories behind the designs such as
buildings, parks, policies and so on. Therefore, the point that I am concentrate is not
only the exterior appearances or the externals, I will think about the meaning of a
design, the deeper aspect which can really affect the external.
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.

Week Two Thread 1: FROM: Chapter in Media/Society and
TED Talk Photos that Changed the World
Where would you place the images shown in Photos That Changed the
World into Croteau and Hoynes' diagram entitled “Model of Media and the
Social World”? Identify a mass media photograph taken in your own lifetime
that has served as an icon of an event. (Feel free to add an attachment.) What
roles does this photo play in the communication of the event?
First time that I saw the shocked moments from 911 were on television. I was about 15
years old at that time. The photos of the burning builds and fallen people cannot get out
of my mind. I can feel the helpless and despairing just by looking these photos. A
specific photo which shocked me most is a fireman was pulling a dead people. I can see
his hopeless from his eyes and body. The feeling that you cannot do anything for help has
explained by this photo. These people shouldn't be killed. I cannot image how sadness
that their families are.
http://picture.youth.cn/qtdb/201609/t20160912_8647871_8.htm

Week Three Thread 2: FROM: “Fashioning Protest for the Women’s
March on Washington” and “The Worst Design of 2016 Was Also the
Most Effective”
NOTE: Use the first three part of the SEE-IT method of critical thinking (State,
Elaborate, Exemplify) to address the following questions:
Typically, we do not think of hats as elements of mass media or social media.
However, the two hats (red and pink) discussed in the articles certainly have
taken on that role. Why 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?
According to the articles, red hat means that Donald Trump is trying to attach the
publicity by wearing such a bright color hat. Also, there is a sentence on the hat which
is 'Make America Great Again'. It is Donald Trump's quote for his election. The pink
hats, which are wear by the women, standing for an attitude that stand out from the
crowd and be the one that is special. In terms of communication design, these two
hats have an important feature which is the bright color. It is easily to catch people's
eyes and attention by wearing the bright hats. On the other hand, the meaning that
they stand for is different. The red hat is a certification of Donal Trump's
determination but the pink hat is the best proof of being a special person.
http://gnosticwarrior.com/red-hat-revolution.html

Week Three Thread 1: Response to “Industrial Design” by John Heskett and
"The Incredible Inventions of Intuitive AI" by Maurice Conti
In his chapter on industrial design (written in 1987), historian John Heskett claims that the
methods of mass production introduced by Henry Ford in the U.S. involved new concepts of the
standardization and integration of the production line that were adopted across the world. With
Ford’s method, work could be completed by relatively unskilled workers; it was more efficient
and with this method, products were made more quickly and cheaply than previously
possible. What were some of the social consequences of Ford’s production line? In other words,
how did this system change our U.S. society? Do any of those changes remain with us today? Now
consider Maurice Conti’s TED Talk, and the predictions he makes about production. How do
you think manufacturing processes will change in the next twenty years? How do you think these
changes will affect our U.S. society?
The new concepts of the standardization and integration of the production line really changed the
industry construction of the world. The easier production process can significantly reduce the time and
the cost which can lead to the prices of products become cheaper. At the same time, the cost of hiring
workers will be lower because less skilled workers will be needed for the whole production process.
People can pay less money to afford better product though this revolutionary industry system. Thus, the
quality of people's lives will be improved easily. The efficient production system still remain in our
society, more and more products are becoming cheaper.
In my opinion, the manufacturing processes will have a new revolution in the next twenty years. Most
of the working process will be finished by machineries. Therefore, less workers will be needed for the
companies because machineries are the better and cheaper labor than people. All of these changes lead
to high unemployment rate in our society because there are no more place for manufacturing labor.
http://www.toledoblade.com/Economy/2013/10/01/US-manufacturing-expands-at-best-pace-in-2-years.html

Week Three Thread 2: Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-
to-Cradle Video
NOTE: Use the first three part of the SEE-IT method of critical thinking (State,
Elaborate, Exemplify) to address the following questions:
Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy the Cradle-to-
Cradle concept developed by architect William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael
Braungart? How does this product resist or disregard the concept? Please provide your own
example of a product that uses Cradle-to-Cradle design. Describe and cite sources.
In my opinion, the smart phones disregard the concept of Cradle-to-Cradle. There are
several reasons. First of all, most of the materials that included in a smart phone such
as silicon cannot be degraded which will affect the environment. Secondly, just like
normal battery, there are some toxic materials in the battery of smart phones. Once
these battery are processed in a wrong way, it will be harmful for the animals and our
society. Lastly, the frequency that people change their smart phone is really fast
because more and more new technology have been added in the new smart
phones which will lead to more and more wasted smart phones. These phones can be
a serious problems for our living environment.
Depending my experience, a product that uses Cradle-to-Cradle design is electric cars.
The only power that electric cars use is electric which can be gain from the clean
energy such as solar power. During the driving process, there is no any air pollution
because it does not use gas. Therefore, this design is friendly for the environment
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/313
915036496520503/

Week Four Thread 1: Response to All Module 4 Materials
Your readings and viewings this week present different ways of thinking about architecture.
Mies Van der Rohe describes architecture as “The will of the epoch translated into space.”
Andrew Ballantyne describes architecture as the background for life. Jeanne Gang describes
it as the act of building relationships. All agree that architecture can change based on
context and culture. Choose two works of architecture from any of your materials this
week—one with sensibilities about the past and one with sensibilities about the present
and/or future. How do each of these buildings either reflect or challenge their cultural
contexts? (Use the SEE-IT method to respond to this question.)
For the work of architecture that represents about the past, it should be Walt Disney
Concert Hall. As we know, Mr. Walt Disney is a wonderful artist, director, film producer
and entrepreneur. He created a historical cartoon character which is Mickey mouse.
What's more, he contributed a empire of cartoon and joy and that is Disney. The Walt
Disney Concert Hall, was built in 23rd, October, 2003, is in memory of Mr. Walt Disney.
His wife Lillian Bounds donated about eighty million dollars to help the government
to build this concert hall. The creative design of this building caught everyone's eye
when the building process was completed. This building itself, is the representation of
Mr. Walt Disney and the wonderful accomplishment that he achieved. It represents the
past, that golden age which Mr. Walt Disney were living.
The work of architecture that represents about the present and future, is the
Arcus Center. The reason why this building presents the future is because its' design. The
attractive design of this building breaks through the tradition which gives people a visual
shock.
http://www.archdaily.com/441358/a
d-classics-walt-disney-concert-hall-
frank-gehry

Week Four Thread 2: Response to Ballantyne and Zumthor
Articles
Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor present ideas about architecture that
seem to value the sensorial and material elements of life. How are Ballantyne’s
and Zumthor’s viewpoints on architecture alike? More importantly, how do they
differ? (Use the SEE-IT method to respond to this question.)
From Andrew Ballantyne' s opinions, we can know that he really cares about is the
building itself. The comfortability and convenience of living in the building is what
he considered of. Unlike Peter Zumthor, who always pays attention to the design of
the building, Andrew Ballantyne has more thinking about the building itself.
Peter Zumthor 's thought is mostly about the beauty of the buildings. The creative
design is the essential characteristic of a building because the appearance of the
buildings can express the thought of the designers and how the designs come up with.
On the other hand, the way that Andrew Ballantyne expresses his thinking about the
building, is the truly feeling of the inside.
http://jpg.group/portfolio-item/the-butterfly-yorkshire/

Week Five Thread 1: Response to Levy Article
Here is your discussion question on the Levy article. Please post your own
response, and respond to at least two other students' responses.
John Levy’s article, “An Overview: The Need for Planning,” discussed ways in
which planning can determine the characteristics of a place. For example, some
smaller towns restrict the heights of buildings to maintain a certain scale. How
did planning define the character of the place in which you grew up?
The place where I grew up is called Guangzhou which is a city that near the South China
sea. There are eleven districts in this city and each of them have different efficacy. The population
of Guangzhou is about fifteen million which means that this city has massive population stress.
Therefore, some laws had passed to protect the land resources. As an example, there is a particular
law about the area of a building which says that the building should be higher but not wider. This
law significantly changes the height of the buildings in Guangzhou and leads to a number of tall
building constructed. What's more, more and more land that from farm are now being used to
build the factories. Thus, there are lots of people go to the factories for work because they cannot
plant crops anymore. Nowadays, people are more likely to work in factories because there are too
many factories in Guangzhou.
The planning of this city was really changed the entire construction of industry. It also changed
people's life style and living environment. City planning is a very long process which can takes
years to accomplish the goal of constructing a city that gives everyone the feeling of home.
https://www.lostlaowai.com/city-guides/guangdong/guangzhou/

Week Five Thread 2: Response to Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen,
and Larson
Here is your discussion question on the Pruitt Igoe project, the Talen article, and the Larson lecture. article. Please post
your own response, and respond to at least two other students' responses. Imagine that you are part of a urban planning
and design firm working with Emily Talen (author of “Design That Enables Diversity”) and Kent Larson (who gave the
TED Talk "Brilliant Designs to Fit More People In Every City" The thee of you have been tasked with developing a plan
to rebuild Pruitt Igoe in St. Louis. City officials told the three of you that that they want to do it right this time. Identify
three strategies for rebuilding Pruitt Igoe in ways that promise to be more successful. What would Talen do? What would
Larson do? What would you do? How would your strategies differ from those of the original urban planners/designers of
the project? Why would your strategies be more effective?
As matter of fact, Pruitt Igoe has scientific and safety design. However, it was maintained before and
the result was not that bad. Also, there are more ways to achieve a more successful Pruitt Igoe. First of
all, Emily Talen will concern about the weakness of the buildings such as the diversity. He always
believes that more diversities can lead to more functions for the cities. By improving the functional
ability of the buildings, it can lead to the development of the interaction between the people who live in
the city. Secondly, Larson, would think about how to not waste the usage of the buildings. Also, the
efficiency of each building is what he wants to care about. A better usage of buildings can help people
to get some hard work done easily such as a person that needs to go through several government
buildings. In my opinion, I would create a community that has more economic efficiency. The
combination of the buildings is important for this community. For example, near the food market, there
should be a store that sells the cook. Different ability of buildings can combine together to gain a
scientific and economic development for the whole community.
http://www.theplaidzebra.com/liberla
nd-is-the-worlds-newest-self-
proclaimed-micro-nation-where-
taxes-are-optional/

Week Six Thread 1: Response to F.L. Olmste
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?
As Olmsted said, buffalo has great city planning which is about the streets, public
places and grounds. He was the designer of Central Park in New York City. The main
purpose that he designed a park in the central of such a mass city is to help people to
have a break from the busy life. He realized the importance of a multi-function park
for this huge city so that he thinks that there could be a park or multi parks in buffalo.
Because of the difference of buffalo and New York City, central park may not be a
good idea for a situation like buffalo. And the reason is the area of the city. As we
know, buffalo is so much bigger than New York City, a single park could not meet
the need of so many people in different area so that Olmsted thought there can be
more parks in buffalo.
Nowadays, in my opinion, Olmsted will not make that claim because buffalo was
actually not that advanced as before because the changing of whole industry system.
The place for this city is no longer exists.
http://excellpugetsound.com/tag/buffalo-park/

Week Six Thread 2: Response to Walter Hood's Work
Identify something that should be memorialized either on UB's campus or in your
hometown. Imagine that you are he 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).
For me, something that should be memorialized in my hometown is Canton Tower. It is the
third tallest tower all over the world. The height of Canton Tower is 610 meters. It has the
world's highest sky wheel, world's highest revolving restaurant, world's highest gazebo. The
whole building was finished in September, 2009. On the tower, there is a shopping center, 3D
and 4D cinema, plenty of restaurants from different countries, the science exhibition area. If I
am using Hood's 'triad of investigations' to design a new landscape intervention for Canton
Tower, I will add some natural element for this tower. As an example, there could be a sky
garden on the top of the tower. Once this garden is built, it will be the highest garden all over
the world. The garden can really enrich the natural concepts for this tower. Through this
garden, people can feel the combination of architecture art and natural. What's more, by
adding some green view for this tower which was built by steel, the whole appearance of
Canton Tower will improve to a new level. Trying to achieve the green concept is what I want
for this tower. The real success design is all about the combination of life and architecture.
http://www.archdaily.com/89849/canton-tower-information-based-architecture

Week Seven Thread 1: Response to the Brookes
The abolitionist poster, the Brookes, is an iconic image that often is included in exhibits that explore issues of race and
power. It was commissioned by Thomas Clarkson in 1788, and the Committee of the Abolition of Slavery used it to
inform and shock the public. While some consider the poster as an important component of the abolitionist campaign, it
recently “has been strongly criticized by some individuals and groups of African heritage as providing a very limited view
of the history of the transatlantic slave trade, resistance and abolition (Hudson 2007).” The lesson here is that how a
viewer sees an image is dependent upon his/her social, economic, and cultural position. Keeping this in mind, find another
iconic graphic that addresses racial issues and post it for others in your group to view. (Add it to your response by
clicking on the picture in the tools section. Do not add it as an attachment that needs to be opened.) How do you interpret
the graphic? What is its meaning? Now imagine that someone from a racial and cultural background different than
your own is looking at the same graphic. Briefly describe this person. How might s/he interpret its meaning? How might
this differ from your interpretation? What are the possible reasons for these differences? (Consider the three assessment
principles mentioned in the article to help you: a technology of vision, an instrument of empathy, and a symbol of
control.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
The racial issue of black people had been one of the most influencing issues for United States. It took Americans hundreds year
to fix the leak of the difference between two races. This graphic shows some people hold the boards which has a sentence ' All
lives will matter when black lives matter ' on the boards. As we know, words can be so powerful in some specific situations. In
this picture, these black people use a easy sentence to express their complicated and helpless situation. From this picture, I
realized that there was a history, a black history about these black people. During that black ages, they cannot get rid of the
stress from race and they were so hopeless that they had to stand up and fight for themselves.
If a black teen whose parents had been arrested for several years for non-official reason just because their race, if he is looking at
this picture, he will interpret this picture as a power to fight. Because he knows that if they do not fight for their race and rights,
the unfair treatment will be forever exists in this country. The main reason why he has different interpretation form me is because
his historical issues about his family. He has the experience of racial issues and he understands the importance of being strong
and brave.
http://aa.com.tr/en/europe/lon
don-airport-protest-grounds-
flights/642040

Week Seven Thread 2: Response to Charles Davis and equityXdesign's Work
Critique either the MLK Memorial or the National Museum of African
American History and Culture using equityXdesign’s core beliefs and/or design
principles. (Use the beliefs or principles that are most relevant to your critique
rather than all of them.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
The Martin Luther King Memorial is located in the West Potomac Park, Washington，D.C. The
height of this memorial is nine meters and it was made by a Chinese sculptor. This
memorial stands for the time that Martin Luther King fought for the rights of
black people. His famous presentation which was called ' I have a dream' was the
inspiration of this memorial. Looking back the road that Martin Luther King went
through, his legendary life was full of difficulties and barriers. However, his great will
encouraged him to keep up and fight for his dream. In the end, even his life was devoted
for his dream. His journey of flighting for the fair and rights for black people was ended.
But his words and dream, will be remembered by every person.
Nowadays, this memorial was in memory of his wonderful life journey and special
devotion for United States. It was made by white granite. He just stands there and his
arms are crossing. His is looking at the past and the future, looking at this country and the
people.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma
rtin_Luther_King_Jr._Memorial

Week Eight Thread 1: Response to "Landscape Stories" Chapter
Thread 1
This is a two-part question. Please post your own response by Friday, March 31at 10:00 am, and respond to at least two
other students’ responses by Sunday, April 2 at 10:00 pm.
First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors and/or outdoors) that you think of as
representative of your own ethnic background and discuss why you consider this place to be ‘ethnic’. –OR-- Describe an
object in your home that you think of as representative of your ethnic background and discuss why this object is
considered to be ‘ethnic’. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this object or place something that you will keep or continue when
you establish your own home? Why or why not?
Now let’s move into your community. In “Landscape Stories,” the authors show how landscape architects develop a
historical narrative that sifts through and interpets the culture and material of underrepresented groups. Think about
the community where you grew up. Describe and discuss any evidence of cultural influences on the physical environment
in your community. If possible, describe evidence of the cultural influence of an underrepresented group. (If possible, add
photo/s.) Is this cultural influence being acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or why not? (Limit
your response to 250 words.)
Something that can represent my ethnic background in my home should be moon cake. It is a traditional Chinese cake which is
made from flour, egg, and suger. It has different type of flavors depends on what would be used for making the moon cake. In
China, moon cake is only made at Mid-Autumn festival which is a traditional Chinese festival on 15th August in lunar calender.
On this festival, people will have the moon cake when they are enjoying the sight of the moon. Depending on the old people's
statements, on 15th August, the moon will be the biggest moon compares to all the other nights in the whole year. Additionally,
moon cake is always made as a shape of moon which represents the strong relationship of Chinese families. People believe that
their families will be more stable after having the moon cake during Mid-Autumn festival. I will keep moon cake in my home
because I wish the bond of my family can be stronger and stronger. From the community where I grew up, the great wall should
be a representative landscape architect that develop a historical narrative. In the ancient of China, the great wall was built to
protect our country and underrepresented group. But nowadays, the great wall has become a good scenic spot to travel for the
families. The influence of the great wall has been acknowledged by the whole country because it has been the first protection of
our country for a long time.
https://marshmallow92.wordpress.com/special-
food-serving/mid-autumn-festival/

Week Eight Thread 2: Response to Article on Sports Branding
This thread will focus on the ethnic characteristics of sports branding. Please post your own
response by Friday, March 31at 10:00 am, and respond to at least two other students’
responses by Sunday, April 2 at 10:00 pm.
Recent controversies about sports branding focus on ethnicity. The Washington Redskins
team is just one example of the larger controversy, but it receives the most public attention
due to the name itself being defined as derogatory or insulting in modern dictionaries, and
the prominence of the team representing the nation’s capital. Should sports team branding
designers use ethnic references (Fighting Irish, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Braves, etc.)? Why?
Why not? What are some of the complexities of this issue? (Limit your response to 150 words.)
Depending on my own opinions, sports team branding designers should not use
ethnic reference. There are several reasons. First of all, people always think that
the competition should be occurred between different races. As a matter of fact,
competition of sport is all about the level that competitors can achieve, is is not
the competition between race and race, it is the competition between people and
people. Using ethnic reference as the sport team's brand will against the basic
concept of competition of sports. Second, a brand of sport team that using ethnic
references will easily lead to a potential violence problem. There will be a winner
and a loser in the game. The ethic brand can easily makes the lost team angry if
the competition is unfair. The complexity of this issue should be the different
culture background between different races.
https://www.themeboy.com/blog/sports-team-branding/

Week Night Thread 1: Response to "Visualizing Gender"
Chapter
Please post your own response by Friday, April 7 at 10:00 am, and respond to at least oneother
student’s response by Sunday, April 9 at 10:00 pm.
In their chapter “Communicating Gender,” Maya Ganesh and Gabi Sobliye discuss two
primary visual advocacy approaches: 1) get the idea, and 2) stories in data. Find a new
example of either of the two visual advocacy approaches to gender issues, and post it in this
thread. Cite the source.
First, identify the approach. Then explain how the designer uses the approach to communicate a
gender issue. Is the approach effective in this example? Why or why not? How could this graphic
be improved? (Limit your response to 200 words.)
I decide to use stories in data approaches. The data was from the world cup which
is the biggest soccer competition on the world. Depending on this graphic, we can
see that US men's team's pay for losing in the first round of the world cup is four
times more then the US women's team's pay for winning the world cup.
Obviously, this fact is telling a truth that how serious the gender issue could be.
Even the women's team win the world cup's first prize, it is still much less then
the men's team who lost just in the first round. Numbers from the graphic is the
best expression of this issues. Also, the number of money gives us a visual
impression that there is such a huge difference between these two genders. So I
think that the approach is effective in this example. In my opinions, to improve
this graphic, the designer could provide some data about how long it takes to win
the world cup and lost in the first round so that the difference can be more
specific.
https://thinkprogress.org/womens-
soccer-rio-fair-pay-50ae178c9418

Week Night Thread 2: Response to Bathroom Bill
Last year, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that repealed local LGBT anti-discrimination
laws, and required people to use the bathroom that corresponded with the biological gender written on their birth
certificates. This prompted massive backlash. McCrory stated, “You know, we all have to make adjustments in life. And
we’ve had the proper etiquette situation for decades in our country, and all of a sudden through political correctness
we’re throwing away basic etiquette.” Just this past Thursday, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill to
repeal the law while placing a moratorium on nondiscrimination measures.
Should people be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with the biological gender written on their birth
certificate? State why AND state why not. In other words, to receive full credit for this question, you need to present an
argument for both sides of the issue. As a designer, how would you solve this gender dilemma? Use the SEE-IT method to
respond to this question. (Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
First of all, people are required to use the bathroom that corresponds with the biological gender written
on their birth certificate. And the reason is, transgenders, biologically, they are still the same gender as
their birth certificate states, so that they cannot using the bathroom that does not fit their genders. This
counters the initial design of distinguishing bathroom. Additionally, proper etiquette is also a necessary
requirement for a formal city. Rules are important for a community, once the rules are broke by the
first person, there are more and more issues that will happen in the future.
On the other hand, being a transgender is a personal choice which people should not interfere.
Depending on their appearance, it is reasonable for them to choose the opposite gender bathroom.
What's more, they can use the private bathroom in order to get rid of unnecessary trouble.
If I am a designer, I will set up a specific bathroom which only has private bathroom for these
transgenders. Even if it cost a lot of money, but it is a reasonable choice that can satisfied all the
genders.
https://clipartfest.com/categories/view/7395
46424cfffa2be7f9554ecf3beb93ed824fd6/re
stroom-clipart-free.html

Week Ten Thread 1: Response to Hidden Ways
Author Steven Flusty categorized five types of disciplinary architecture that perpetuate what he
calls urban spatial injustice: 1) stealthy, 2) slippery, 3) crusty, 4) prickly, and 5) jittery. Go out
into the city of Buffalo, and find/photograph two examples from the list of five. Identify what
type of space you’ve photographed and why it might discriminate against a specific
population. Identify the location where you took the photographs, and make certain you are in
at least one of the two photographs.
The first picture refers to one of the five types disciplinary architecture that perpetuate urban spatial injustice: slippery. This
picture was took in UB campus. There is no any special access for the handicapped people so they can not go to the second floor
which means they have to find another entry to the second floor somewhere in the campus.
The second picture was took in UB Commons. This picture shows that these door do not have a special button for the disable
people to press so that they can get into the building. Imaging if a person whose hands do not have normal abilities as normal
hands, how can this person go inside if there is a terrible snow outside. The only method is to ask for other people's help, or they
will be stay in the snow and cold.
Photographer: Heng Wu

Week Ten Thread 2: Response to People Like Us
After almost two decades of public assistance, Tammy Crabtree took herself and
her family off the welfare rolls. But her job cleaning bathrooms at a local Burger
King barely paid the bills. Crabtree wanted to do better and hopes to go to
college and become a teacher.
Imagine this scenario. You are a designer who works at the well-known
firm, iPD (Integrated Planning and Design). You work on a team with planners,
urban designers, policy designers, architects, and social designers. You have
been tasked to develop/design a way for Tammy Crabtree and her family (and
others with situations similar to Tammy’s) to move themselves out of poverty.
What will your team to do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals?
What approach will your team take to address this difficult problem?
If I am a designer, my approach would be contained these several aspects: First of all, I
will let my team do some research of Tammy Crabtree's family, including wealthy level,
saving amount, children amount and life quality. After collecting these information we
can know how much help we can provide for her family. Depending on her historical
experience of public assistance and her incoming status, improving her wage level would
be a appropriate method for her. To increasing her incoming level, the minim wage will
be improved in this society. Even if this could affect the government's finance situation,
but this is the most effective way to improve their life quality. Second, depending on her
future goal, my team should give her a chance for her to achieve her goal. We would set
up a foundation for the people who wants to change their jobs but do not have
professional and suitable skills. They can apply for finance help to learn new skills and
knowledge. However, they should meet the requirements such as personal will, current
situation and financial level for this financial help. This would get rid of the unreasonable
using of the foundation.
http://www.takepart.com/article/20
14/08/05/kentucky-state-
university-president-gives-90000-
his-own-salary-so-low-paid/

Week Eleven Thread 1: Response to Carroll Article:
“(Re)forming Regent Park: When Policy Does Not Equal
Practice”
The development of Regent Park is phased, and there are several more phases to
the project. What actions could be taken to ensure more social integration for
the older people living in the ‘new and improved’ Regent Park?
A development of park is important for older people's social life because most of their
social places are parks. Depending on this current situation, a functional Regent Park is
necessary for the older people.
First of all, there should be a central square in the park which can let the older people sit
down and have a nice talk to their friends. Therefore, bench and table plays important
roles in this square. Talking is one of the most comment social action which can help
people exchange their opinions, experience, knowledge and so on. So I think that a place
for these older people to have a good conversation is one of the most important parts in
their daily life social.
Second, a multi-function area would be a good place for these older people to relax. Make
sure they can have enough entertainment so that Regent Park will be more attractive for
them. There should be a swimming pool, a lake for fishing, some speakers that play the
classic music and even a small fitness which is design for older people to use.
The main reason to development Regent Park is to make sure the older people can have a
good time in this park and spend enough time to socialize when they are enjoying the
multi-function area. Trying to let them go out and talk to friends, do some activities is the
necessary function for Regent Park.
http://www.scpr.org/programs/take
-two/2016/05/12/48806/agence-
ter-picked-to-redesign-pershing-
square/

Week Eleven Thread 2: Response to Enriquez TED Talk: “What Will Humans
Look Like in 100 Years?”
For this question, we will focus on Juan Enriquez’ Life Two civilization,
which alters fundamental aspects of the body. We are living longer than ever
before in human history. Enriquez argues that, because of advances in bio-
medical technology, the possibility of living to 120 years of age and beyond is
quite possible for many of us in this D+D class. Assuming that his assertion is
accurate, how do you think extended life spans will change our societies and built
environments? What new issues might designers face because of extended life
spans?
In my opinion, the most significant change would be the overload of population. Image if
the rate that new children are born remain the same, but the rate that older people die
becomes two-third then before, the population will be great influenced and the result is
overload of population. What's more, the price of all kind of resources will become higher
because the change of the demand. More people means more food, water and land for this
society but none of these resources are unlimited so there will be a increasing demand for
these necessary resources. At the same time, the medical industry will be affected. Higher
age imply more medical care because at most of the cases, the health condition
of humans' body is become worse which means more medical care will be needed for the
society. In the end, there are plenty of jobs are created in medical industry.
Additionally, the environment will be changed with such a long life spans. More and
more household refuse, medical refuse and industry refuse will become one of the biggest
issue for the society. The government should spend much more money on dump area than
before. Otherwise the plenty kinds of refuse will be harmful for people's health.
http://www.sitnews.us/0505ne
ws/051205/Commentary-
Columns/051205_lindsey_gra
nt.html

Week Twelve Thread 1: Response to PPT, Smithsonian, and Roy
For the Module 12 Thread 1, please select one of the seven universal design principles, and post
photographs that show both a positive and a negative example of the principle. Then address the
following question: How do your examples empower or disempower various people? Describe the
specific features of the positive example and the specific features of the negative example. Discuss
ways that the positive example could be even further improved.
I am interested in the second principle of the seven design principles and it is called "Flexibility to
Use." The positive example that I want to use is the pillow shows in the picture. As we can see, this
pillow contains two different angel which can match most of people's use. Additionally, when it is
being used, the sleeper can choose a different height of the pillow if they do not satisfy the current side
that they are using. That means this pillow can be used in different situation. When people have some
kind of neck injury that they cannot use the pillow with too high height or too low height, this pillow
would be their first choice. It truly refers to a concept of "Flexibility."
To improve this design, there could be some texture on the pillow which can help people to fall asleep
easier and have a better sleep quality. Also, inside the pillow, people can put some stuff that have some
good smell which can help them to fall asleep. This will help the people who always have trouble to
fall asleep.
The negative example that I want to use is this specific design of pillow that shows in the picture above. With this
pillow, people can only adapt to its height which means they cannot switch to a different height that they want in
different situation. What's more, when people have some body injury and their doctors say that they cannot use a
pillow too high or too low, they have to use another pillow if the height of pillow that they currently using is too
high or too low. (First picture: Photographer: Heng Wu) (Second picture: https://www.overstock.com/Bedding-
Bath/43/store.html)

Week Twelve Thread 2: Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
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?
In my opinions, there are plenty of experience that we can learn from emerging enhancement
technologies and reproductive technologies in the past years. These technologies had been
developed for decades and achieved various of achievements in different aspects. Nowadays,
it is not only be used in the animals but also in humans. For me, I think the positive aspect
would be helpful for the people who have disability or serious injury. By applying these
technologies on these people, there would be a great improvement for their lives and even
they can completely get rid of disability or injury so that their future could be more hopeful.
However, the negative aspect exists as well. If the parents use these technologies to design
children, a designed child would be more like, I will say a product that his or her parents
produce. The children do not have any right to reject or change their parents' mind during the
process of forming to a baby which implies that some aspects of their body, mind or even life
have been decided by their parents. Also, a different between designed children and non-
designed children would be more and more obvious and it will lead to a serious issue in our
society. By being aware of the difference, the conflicts will be appeared between two
different types of children which is harmful for their growing up process.
http://www.theemergingfuture.com

Week Thirteen Thread 1: Response to Titicut Follies
The state of Massachusetts tried to ban the 1967 documentary Titicut Follies, arguing that
director Frederick Wiseman had violated the patients’ rights by not getting written permission to
film them. The case went to court, and Wiseman argued that he had consent from their legal
guardian, the institution. After a judge ruled in favor of the state, the legal appeals carried on for
several years: in 1969, Massachusetts allowed the film to be shown to doctors, lawyers, and
health care professionals; in 1991, a superior court judge ruled it could be released for the
“general public,” as privacy concerns were no longer at issue, so many years later.
Should Wiseman have been allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts
Correctional Facility? Why or why not? How might this film be of value to designers
(communication designers, product, designers, architects, interior designers, planners, landscape
designers, systems designers, and/or social designers)? In other words, what might they gain
from this film that they could use in their work?
Wiseman should have been allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility.
Because he had consent from the legal guardian which can represent the people in the area. He found the right
people and got the right permission. However, the more important aspect is, if Wiseman did not get the permission
and record the film about the resident in Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility, there was not any other
better methods to expose their living situation. And these residents' living conditions needed to be exposed because
they were having a hard time so that they need someone to tell the country how poor conditions these people
forced into. Wiseman played this role and told the true story to this country.
For the designers, this film can really tell them what is the problems in this area. The essential problems is about
their living condition which includes food, heat, clothing and some privacy. The designers can design a functional
home which looks more like a home for these residents. Also, the surrounding outside the home should be safer.
http://www.waccglobal.org
/articles/big-data-analytics-
and-the-right-to-privacy

Week Thirteen Thread 2: Response to PPT, The Architecture of Autism, Public
Space
Prelude: Wolf Wolfensberger's seminal work "The Origin and Nature of Our Institutional Models" posited that society
characterizes people with intellectual disabilities as sub-human and burdens of charity, He argued that this dehumanization, and
the segregated institutions that result from it, ignored the potential productive contributions that all people can make to society.
He pushed for a shift in policy and practice that recognized the human needs of those with intellectual challenges and provided
the same basic human rights as for the rest of the population.
The Scenario: Imagine that you and your four children live in Amherst, New York in a $650,000 home at the end of a cul-de-sac
on the edge of a ten acre woods. The town has purchased a one acre lot three houses away from yours, and plans to build a group
home for ten intellectually challenged adults. As a resident of the neighborhood, would you support or oppose this proposal
and why?
You've learned additional information about the residents of the proposed group home in your neighborhood. In 2013, three of
the ten intended residents exhibited challenging behaviors including screaming, public masturbation, repetitive rocking, and
echolalia (elective incontinence). However, these behaviors have not occurred since then. How would this change your opinion
about the construction of the group home in your neighborhood?
The residents in your neighborhood voted (14-3) to reject the town of Amherst’s proposal to build a group home in the
neighborhood. Town officials agreed that the home would not be built in your neighborhood if you and your neighbors could
develop a workable alternative. What are some possible solutions that would allow the residents of the home to be provided
with “the same basic human rights as the rest of the population”?
For the first scenario, I would like to be these ten people's neighborhood because they should have some place to live even if they
are intellectually challenged. This is their basic right and we do not have the access and power to take off their rights especially
the basic rights. It is necessary for us to adapt these people and give them a comfortable living environment.
When I learned additional information about the residents of the proposed group home I would like to change my mind just
because I have four children. For myself, it is find that I live in such a situation because as an adult, my social experience and
skills is in a good level which means I can handle most of the cases. However, my four children do not have enough abilities to
understand and comprehensive what they have seen. Although the behaviors of these residents have not occurred, but there is a
potential possibility that these behaviors will affect my four children. As their guardian, I should not let them live in such a place
that has potential danger. It is my responsibility to make sure these children can have a safe and health growing environment.
The best solution would be hiring some staffs to help these residents overcome the difficulties in the daily life. By taking a good
care of them, the affection on their neighborhood would be reduced instantly and significantly.

http://listcrux.co/egypt-most-unsafe-country-for-women-in-arab-world/

Week Fourteen Thread 1: Response to The Connection Between Religion and
Urban Planning by David Engwicht
In his article, David Engwicht discusses the fact that religions (of all types) have
played major roles in the development of our cities. Today, places of worship are
primary components of almost all urban centers. Author Lorne Daniel writes “From
their often active role in supporting people who live in city centers to their iconic
influence on design and use of space, religious structures tell us a lot about our
history, our current needs, and where we might be headed in the future. This is an
aspect of our urban future that planners and urbanists should attend to.”
Identify a place of worship with which you are somewhat familiar. (If you are not
familiar with any places of worship, do a bit of research on one in your own city or
town.) Show a photograph of this religious structure. (You may use photographs
from the web.) What roles has this place served in the development of your
city/town? How has it influenced the design of the area around it? How has its role
changed over time? What roles could this place of worship play in the future
development of your city/town?
My hometown has several Catholic churches and most of them were built a hundred years ago. I picked
one that with a beautiful exterior design. I have been to this church several times with my grandmother
when I was just a kid. Nowadays, there are more and more people go to this church. Because of this,
the entire area near this church is well developed. Also, this church has some influence of design in this
area. As an example, a religious school was built near the church several years ago. The role of this
church has not changed over time, it is a holy place for the religious people in my hometown. In the
future, this church could be design as a great place to visit, which can improve the local tourist
industry.
http://tieba.baidu.com/photo/p?
kw=%C9%C7%CD%B7&tid=4
701805176&pic_id=536fca806
5380cd7ad2cd483a944ad34598
281bb&pn=1&see_lz=1

Week Fourteen Thread 2: Response to Prospects for the Future of Diversity and
Design
Consider the quote in your syllabus from educator Michael J. Shannon: “Design, as vision in
action--the intersection of understanding and creation--is a universal human capability that can play
a fundamental role in social evolution, in the process that transforms resources, energy, and
information to make our world.”
At the beginning of this course, we discussed the idea that we are all designers regardless of our
profession or field of study. We’ve asked some big questions along the way, and the conclusion
section of our textbook raises additional issues that require input from people who might not
consider themselves to be part of the formalized design professions.
Think about your own major and/or future profession. What is the biggest challenge, problem,
or question that your field needs to tackle right now? What do you plan to do to address this
challenge, problem, or question either as part of your studies or professional life?
My major is business which is plenty of people's choice. In my opinion, the biggest challenge would be
the changes that happening in most of the industry. Nowadays, people spend more and more time on
their mobile phones and laptops. Therefore, the battlefield of selling and advertising goods and service
are changed from offline to online which means we should change our traditional opinions as well.
Because of such an unstable environment for companies, some enterprises gain a huge improvement
and some loses almost all of their cash and inventories. Once the mistake is made, it would become
greater and greater until people realize it. Therefore, making the right decisions and having enough
professional knowledge has become an essential requirement for the entrepreneur.
However, with a good study of professional skills and knowledge, the risk of failure will be reduced
significantly. So my plan is, always try my best to learn new knowledges and work hard for my
professional skills. Keep thinking about the current environment of business and our society. The only
chance that I can deal with this challenge is leaning, keep leaning until I am ready for the fight.
https://www.allbusiness
.com/operations/internat
ional-business

ARC 211: American Diversity and Design:Heng Wu

ARC 211: American Diversity and Design:Heng Wu

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