This document contains a student's responses to online discussion questions for their American Diversity and Design class at the University at Buffalo. In the first response, the student introduces themselves as a freshman architecture student named Adara Zullo. They discuss how the class has made them more respectful of others' opinions and encouraged them to stand up for their own beliefs. In subsequent responses, the student engages with assigned readings on topics like the impacts of social media and photographs that convey powerful messages. They provide examples to illustrate their points and analyze different issues around diversity, design, and communication.

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ADARA ZULLO
5-17-2017
Online Discussion Questions
ARC 211 - American Diversity & Design
Spring 2017

2. My name is Adara Zullo and I am a freshman in the Architecture program at the University at Buffalo. This
spring semester I was in the American Diversity and Design class. This class has taught me a lot, all the way
from current problems in the United States and other’s responses towards certain issues concerning disabilities
and diversity amongst everyone in the world. This class has influenced me to think about other’s opinions on
topics and to respect what they say but also be able to argue respectfully and professionally. This class has also
encouraged me to stand for what I believe in and to create a response to an issue and to evaluate it effectively.
After taking this class and I look back on the student I was before this class, I noticed that I have become more
respectful to others and what they have to say on certain topics that aren’t exactly talked about in a normal
conversation. The following pages document my responses to the online discussion questions in the Spring
2017 version of ARC 211 American Diversity and Design at the University at Buffalo – State University of
New York.

3. Week 1 - Introduction
Thread 1: Introduction
This thread provides you with an opportunity to "meet" each other and initiate a connection with
participants in your group. In responding to this discussion thread, please introduce yourself and provide
us with one interesting fact about yourself. After posting your introduction, take a look through
and reply to some of the others. The purpose of this exercise is to develop a sense of community. You
might find that you share similar experiences and can help each other in many ways throughout the
semester.
Hi, my name is Adara Zullo and I am a first-year Architecture student here at UB. I am almost 19
years old and I'm from Albany. One interesting fact about me is that I almost played Softball here
if it wasn't for the rigorous scheduling given by my field of study. I am also excited for yet another
semester with Beth!
(Tammy Zullo)
Thread 2: Response to "What is design?" from Hello World
On “What is design?” from Hello World: Where Design Meets Life by Alice Rawsthron
The author opened her chapter with the example of Ying Zheng, the ruler of the Qin empire, one of the
most powerful/ and enduring empires I the history of China. She explained how design innovation
contributed to Ying Zheng’s success. For example, in the development of weaponry, he resolved many
problems by standardizing parts, and this single innovation gave his armies great advantage over other
armies.
For this discussion, let’s move away from 246 B.C. China, and into the U.S. Describe an innovation or
invention (can be current or historical) that gave advantage to a group of people in the U.S. or to the
population as a whole. What were the social impacts of this innovation? Were any groups negatively
impacted by this innovation? For example, the telegraph, developed and patented in the United States in
1837 by Samuel Morse, permitted people and commerce to transmit messages across both continents and
oceans almost instantly, with widespread social and economic impacts. This heightened communication
speed allowed business persons to make decisions with up-to-date information, often resulting in big
profits. Those without access had to rely on outdated information, which put
them at a disadvantage.
Ying Zheng used many aspects of design to create what is now China and to become a ruler of a vast
land and many people. But now thousands of years of design later many other advantages and
innovations have emerged. The invention of social media has now ruled over most the young people
of the world. For example, Facebook. Facebook first being invented opened new doors to meeting
new people, keeping in touch with the ones you already know and making sure you post enough
pictures each month so family members can embarrass you by commenting on everyone. But with

4. every action comes a reaction. With Facebook, multiple doors have been opened to stalking, cyber bullying, and many other crimes
to affect the social and emotional health of others. Many people think it is okay to say whatever they want to say behind a screen.
But also with social media sites a lot people get their news from every day. It is important for every age to be involved with what is
going on in the world, because knowledge is the biggest weapon to those with power. No matter the date in time, knowledge is
power.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KL5NxRS7sqY/Tjac52rFmpI/AAAAAAAAALw/WSL46Vc1ArA/s1600/Facebook_icon.jpg)
Thread 3: Response to "Introduction" from Diversity and Design
On “Introduction” from Diversity and Design: Understanding Hidden Consequences
The editors state that “diverse participation in the design process, from both professionals and public
citizens alike, yields more equitable results.” This makes sense, but typically has not been the case.
Nonetheless, many marginalized groups have impacted design in ways that have changed our visual and
physical worlds as well as our systems, policies, and institutions. For example, in the 1960s, disability
rights advocates designed media events to raise awareness about barriers in the physical environment.
They persisted with their efforts for decades, and, finally, in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act
became law. It mandated accessibility in public accommodations such as restaurants and stores, public
transportation, communication, and other areas of public life. This dramatically changed our physical
environment (from curb cuts to ramps to automatic doors) and the results made public life more
equitable.
Now it’s your turn. Describe a design that was impacted by a diversity group. How and why did it change
form and/or circumstances? (Note that a design can be anything requiring planning and development
prior to the production of an action, system, visual, material object, or environment. Also, keep in mind
that, for our purposes, a diversity group is a group of individuals who are underrepresented in society in
some way—children, older adults, the economically disadvantaged, those with cognitive disabilities, etc.)
You never want to feel trapped with your disability but rather live comfortably with it. For when you
cross the street there's a box on a pole that lights up on the other side of the road that put up signs for
"stop" and "walk", but what about the people who are blind and cannot see these signs? Across the city
areas, there have been a replacement of these signs so that there is a countdown for when it is safe to
cross the street. Now blind people don't have to feel trapped and afraid when doing normal day things,
like crossing the street, and now be comfortable walking with their disability.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fXVr3w5m-gE/TurASGERWLI/AAAAAAAABuY/SPNOGDwy0qs/s1600/Countdown+Signal.jpg)

5. Week 2 - The Design Professions: Communication Design
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?
A variety of information has been conveyed through the Internet weather it is true or false. The photos
from the TED talks belong in the media message and product section of the diagram because they all
convey a message and provoke change in many ways. Photos in the media don't need to say words directly
on them but a picture is worth 1,000 words. A photograph that has served as an icon of an event is
Harambe. Harambe has influenced a lot of direction on the animal rights movements but it also moved a
lot of direction towards the president election this year. At one point in the race a lot of younger voters
decided it was a good idea to vote for a dead gorilla (RIP). But these votes were taken away from Hillary
and Bernie as well. In the race, he was written in as one of the top 5 candidates.
(https://heavyeditorial.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/harambe-22.jpg?quality=65&strip=all&strip=all)
Thread 2: FROM: “Fashioning Protest for the Women’s March on Washington” and “The Worst Design
of 2016 Was Also the Most Effective”
Typically, we do not think of hats as elements of mass media or social media. However, the two hats (red
and pink) discussed in the articles certainly have taken on that role. Why are the two hats (red and pink)
mentioned in the articles vehicles of communication design? What meanings do each of the two hats
carry? In terms of communication design, how are they similar? And how are they different from one
another?
The hats are both vehicles of communication design in that they're both straight forward
with the message they're trying to convey and the arguments based on each of the sides.
The Trump hat displays not only supporting Trump but also Nationalism and
progressiveness. The woman's hat also portrays a very straight forward idea showing the
support towards woman's rights. In the points of communication design, both hats are
similar in the fact that they both portray a very straight forward and simple concept. They
are different from the audiences that each hat is attempting to impress or even make
upset.
(http://17663-presscdn-0-49.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Trump_Hillary_Caps_Make_America.jpg)

6. Week 3 - The Design Professions: Industrial/Product Design
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?
Henry Ford’s production line was revolutionary in many ways. Not only did it
streamline the creation of complex machines (cars) but it also created a
multitude of jobs for what were at one time considered unskilled workers. An
influx of jobs and a production of a new and affordable machine created a boom
as well as developed a whole new industry within which the U.S. could have
economic competition. In a social perspective, it created what could be
considered a new model of wealth which was the ownership of one of these new
machines which today is a need alongside water and electricity. As far as social
effects that remain to this day I would have to say the necessity of machines in
general. The growth of technology in everyday life from that time-period is
incredible and it is to the point that machines may in fact be replacing the now
“skilled workers” on the assembly line they themselves helped to create.
(http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/525304d46bb3f72033fdcbb8-1200-924/1913_1staline_highlandpark.jpg)
Thread 2: Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle concept developed by
architect William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart? How does this product resist or
disregard the concept? Please provide your own example of a product that uses Cradle-to-Cradle design.
Describe and cite sources.
The Vive Virtual Reality System is the 2016 IDEA Award product that seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle
concept. William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart developed the Cradle to Cradle concept which
states how objects that are considered waste can be used again to better the environment. The Vive
Virtual Reality System resists the concept in the fact that the plastic used to make them isn’t reused plastic
in any way and neither is the cloth for the straps. And there aren’t any ways for you to recycle the entire
virtual reality headband so every aspect of that design entirely resists the Cradle to Cradle concept. A
product that is Cradle to Cradle certified is the “Bark House Brand Poplar Shingle Siding and Wall Covering
Panel (Exterior Use)”. The shingles are made from reclaimed tree bark and is textured with furrows, ridges
and valleys of varying depth depending on the grade. The application of the shingles is simple and they
can be used as stand-off wall mounts or for exterior walls. The product is a perfect representation of
Cradle to Cradle because it helps the environment by using what is essentially trash and uses it in many
ways.
http://www.idsa.org/awards/idea/gallery
http://www.c2ccertified.org/products/registry

7. (http://www.c2ccertified.org/products/scorecard/bark_house_poplar_bark_shingle_siding_and_wall_covering_p
anel_exterior_use)

8. Week 4 – The Design Professions: Architecture
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.)
All the readings and videos argued about their opinion on how architecture should look,
function and be like. But, they all concluded that architecture can change based on the context
and the culture. Two works of architecture that highlighted this comparison were; the Walt
Disney Concert Hall in Los Angles and the Trinity Church in Boston. The Walt Disney Concert
Hall in Los Angeles encompasses the start to the future. This building was designed by Frank
Gehry that opened in 2003. This building is a step towards the future from the design phases
that went along. They used an architecture computer simulator to create the building rather
than hand drafting everything. And with the simulation it was a lot easier to calculate certain
things like the acoustics in the concert hall. Yasuhisa Toyota designed the appraised acoustics
in contrast to the previous building, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The designing of the
acoustics took a long while also with the actual construction and took a long time to be
open to the public, but the public stated that it was time worth waiting for. But the reason
that this building is a work of the future because it took a step forward with decreasing the
longevity of the design process with now architects doing a lot of design on computers
rather than by hand increasing the potential great works of art that can be created now on
the computer. The other work of architecture that stood out to me while watching and
reading this week is the Trinity Church by H.H. Richardson. The church was built following
the Civil War, in the American Renaissance Era, and the construction process took from
1872 to 1877, when the complex was consecrated. This building established Richardson’s
reputation along with the birthplace of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The reason
of this building is a design from the past is from Richardson designing from a medieval
standpoint but this building left a message of that the building was there to stay which was
a strong message from the new America, post-Civil War, embracing the past.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fU7LdRkUMVM/TPQfT8ZP0BI/AAAAAAAADK0/RSbc9vgVx8I/s1600/Walt-Disney-Concert-Hall-01.jpg)
(http://cdn.loc.gov/service/pnp/highsm/12200/12234v.jpg)
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.)
Reading each of these articles both Ballantyne and Zumthor explain their ideas of what building
and architecture mean to them. Ballantyne states that buildings serve as the background to
human life. He emphasizes the idea that buildings are defined just as their visual appearance, but
by the human activity that occurs within them. Without human’s habits that take place within a
building the building becomes, “as lifeless as an empty shell”, by Ballantyne describing homes as
being brought to life through everyday habits of the humans living within them. Ballantyne treats
buildings as tools that are used for humans to follow habits for everyday life and doesn’t believe
anything more than what it should be. Per Ballantyne, it is just an artwork that is utilized to give
purpose to human activities. However, Zumthor decides to dig deeper with explaining what a building means to him. He explains

9. that he not only loves the visual appearances of a building but also all the individual
components that make the building a whole. An example of this is when he
describes a doorknob in his aunt’s garden. Using sensory details, he explains that
the experience expands when you not only can see a room but you can also how
certain textures, smells and materials can change an atmosphere. But in
comparison to both authors, they both agree that a building is brought to life and
tells a story of the everyday lives of the people inhabiting it. An example of this is
when Ballantyne talked about the gas chambers in Auschwitz during WWII.
Although the buildings were simple and plain in design, they are defined with the
atrocities that went on within them. The architecture that surrounds us today tells a story about the past and what went on with in
it. Humans create this architecture so we can carry out our everyday lives as suggested by Ballantyne and fully embracing the aura
that is created through human activity which is proposed by Zumthor.
(http://wibiti.com/images/hpmain/472/275472.jpg)
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g3h0rSzjV_w/maxresdefault.jpg)

10. Week 5 – The Design Professions: Urban Planning and Design
Thread 1: Response to Levy Article
Here is your discussion question on the Levy article. Please post your own response, and respond to at
least two other students' responses.
John Levy’s article, “An Overview: The Need for Planning,” discussed ways in which planning can
determine the characteristics of a place. For example, some smaller towns restrict the heights of buildings
to maintain a certain scale. How did planning define the character of the place in which you grew up?
I grew up in the same house, same street, same town,
and same state my entire life. I grew up in Albany New
York, not the area around it not just the county,
“smAlbany”. My father also grew up in the same place as
well and the house we live in is just a couple of blocks
over from the house he grew up in. A lot of families that
have lived in Albany usually stay in Albany to raise their
family or live in areas around it. After school, here I think
I will stay in Albany to raise my family as well. I love
Albany and it reminds me a lot like Buffalo in many ways.
Both Albany and Buffalo have nice parts and bad areas as
well. And it seems like Buffalo also has many people who
stay there as well. In Albany, it is very hard for my family
and I to go down the street without noticing someone
and it seems like everyone in Buffalo also shares that bond. Buffalo and Albany differ in the way that their city plans are laid out.
Buffalo is laid out in 3 axes where all the streets move about those major points and Albany is laid out in a grid system. I like the way
that Buffalo is laid out because there are multiple ways to get somewhere rather than just one direct way like the grid system. But, I
like the grid system better just because for all the bad drivers out there it is easier for people to navigate around when they mess up
the direction or if they don’t know where they’re going. For beauty and conceptual reasons, I love the way that Buffalo is laid out but
I enjoy the ways Albany is laid out not just because I am very biased but also because learning how to navigate and get around was
very easy when I was learning how to drive.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tS7mxfDAI7U/maxresdefault.jpg)
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?
Due to the federal public housing, Pruitt Igoe was very unsuccessful from the amount of planning, design, and location errors. The
most prominent errors were: segregation of race and lack of a wealth diversity among residents. Another huge error was the lack of

11. federal funding for the upkeep of the 33 eleven story buildings. Kent
Larson’s TED Talk touched all aspects of how a house can turn into a
successful” home. He wanted to maximize space and have
everything within 20 minutes. These 20 minutes include not just
where you shop and where you work but everything that is included
in your daily lives. Pruitt Igoe was isolated since the beginning
making it very difficult for residents to get where they need to go.
Lawson would suggest that there would be mass transit or some sort
of easy way to get to place to place to better their everyday lives.
Emily Talen suggests a deeper integration of race and diversity
among the community. She would also suggest “encouragement of
vital urbanism, the improvement of sustainability, social equity and
the rebuilding of economic health. If I were to suggest ways to create Pruitt Igoe would be in ways to make it sustainable not to only
the environment but also in ways that people live. In the beginning of Pruitt Igoe people could live together and be a community, I
would want to have it designed in a way to make that happen for the entirety of the complexes.
(https://designerlythinking.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/pruitt-igoe.jpg)

12. Week 6 – The Design Professions: Landscape Design
Thread 1: Response to F.L. Olmsted
Displaying his plan at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Frederick Law Olmsted stated
that "Buffalo is the best planned city, as to its streets, public places, and grounds, in the United States, if
not in the world." What was the basis for this claim? Would Olmsted still make that claim today? Why
or why not?
Fredrick Law Olmstead is one of the main reasons why cities are connected in the most beautiful and
planned ways. He is responsible for creating the first park integrated city in the world. His claim is all
about the connectedness of a city. Olmstead stated, “Buffalo is the best planned city, as to its streets,
public places, and grounds, in the United States, if not in the world”. He said this because these parks
were interconnected within each other and he wanted to make it not only “green” but also appear as
the person can walk through each one without feeling disconnected from the other. This “green” aspect
made sure that the basic person could understand that the environment can also blend into the urban
life without disturbing either. He not only advocated for the parks but also for protecting Niagara Falls
and the area around it. Overall, the green space increased the value of people’s properties due to the
amount of green land someone had, and this money was shown being given back to the tax payers. Even
though a lot of the green land that once was is now parking lots, shopping malls, roadways, etc. I still
think Olmstead could notice how beautiful Buffalo still is today and still see that his claim of
connectedness still lives.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-
H6O7xkgmIU4/VeywCJwCXxI/AAAAAAAAVqg/9HAebrB2mRU/s1600/Portrait%2Bof%2BFrederick%2BLaw%2BOlmsted%252C%2Blan
dscape%2Bdesigner%2Band%2Barchitect%2Bby%2BJohn%2BSinger%2BSargent%252C%2B1895.jpg)
Thread 2: Response to Walter Hood's Work
Identify something that should be memorialized either on UB's campus or in your hometown. Imagine
that you are the person who will oversee this project, and that you are using Walter Hood's 'triad of
investigations' as your approach to the project. What would your landscape intervention
commemorate/memorialize? How will you use Hood's 'triad of investigations' to design a new landscape
intervention? What do you imagine that the design will be? (Either written or visual descriptions are
acceptable).
One place that I would memorialize is Washington Park in Albany NY. I
grew up in Albany and I love it there. Washington Park is a Fredrick Law
Olmstead Park and in the 70s they wanted to put a large highway opening
that would go right through the park and destroy not only the park but
the neighboring apartments that were a part of a large downtown
community. So, as a community we stood by the park and everything that
it represented, like the annual Tulip Fest that celebrated the Dutch
colonizing Albany in the 1600s, and didn’t let it happen. But as time went
on the park still gets maintenance done on it but it doesn’t look the same
as it once did. The illegal activity started becoming larger and larger and
the park started becoming less and less enjoyable to go to. For cross
country practice, we would run from my school to the park to do laps and
workouts there and see many people either doing the same or utilizing
the park the way you’re supposed to, but if you went at night it became a
whole different park. So, to memorialize the park, I would introduce

13. Hood’s ‘triad of investigations’ to make the park better than it is now. First, to make use of everyday and mundane tasks, I would
make the cracked asphalt and concrete a more sustainable material that is not only good for the environment but also for the many
runners and pedestrians that go through it every day. Next, to commemorate what Washington Park stands for I would restore the
boat house that is right on the lake that not only holds the history of Washington Park but also holds the activities for the end of the
annual Lights in the Park around Christmas time and holds the plays that The Park Playhouse puts on every week in the summer that
are free. These events are just two of the main reasons for the community to get together and be one without any violence. Lastly,
to acknowledge life ways I would make sure that there are police or security staff always on duty with a lot of proper lighting that
would go all throughout the park and make the people feel safer to be able to come together once again as a community like we
once did through Washington Park and restore what is a part of our city and our lives.
(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/118360296429038812/)

14. Week 7 – Diversity Issue: Race
Thread 1: Response to the Brookes
The abolitionist poster, the Brookes, is an iconic image that often is included in exhibits that explore
issues of race and power. It was commissioned by Thomas Clarkson in 1788, and the Committee of the
Abolition of Slavery used it to inform and shock the public. While some consider the poster as an
important component of the abolitionist campaign, it recently “has been strongly criticized by some
individuals and groups of African heritage as providing a very limited view of the history of the
transatlantic slave trade, resistance and abolition (Hudson 2007).” The lesson here is that how a viewer
sees an image is dependent upon his/her social, economic, and cultural position. Keeping this in mind, find
another iconic graphic that addresses racial issues and post it for others in your group to view. (Add it to
your response by clicking on the picture in the tools section. Do not add it as an attachment that needs to
be opened.) How do you interpret the graphic? What is its meaning? Now imagine that someone from a
racial and cultural background different than your own is looking at the same graphic. Briefly describe
this person. How might s/he interpret its meaning? How might this differ from your interpretation?
What are the possible reasons for these differences? (Consider the three assessment principles mentioned
in the article to help you: a technology of vision, an instrument of empathy, and a symbol of
control.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
This poster is depicting the Black Panthers Party. The Black Panthers was a revolutionary
black nationalist and socialist organization active in the United States from 1966 until
1982. I interpret this graphic by being a source of pride and hope for African Americans
in a time where there wasn't much. But this picture is rather ironic just from how the
Black Panthers message when it was alive during the civil rights movement and now just
from what it says in the poster. You can't fight racism with racism..." Which is a message
that is strong to me. An African American who was alive during the civil rights
movement and an African American girl who is my age is going to have different feelings
towards this poster. I grew up in an inner city high school where me being white was a
minority. Someone like me and someone in a small town where they might not even
have more than 3 African American kids in their high school, is going to interpret this
poster completely different as well. During my junior and senior year at my high school
my friends were running against a group of African American girls for class office. These
girls all used to be my friends until they started to stop talking to me and started calling
my friends racist when nothing happened at all. I was casted out as a white girl who
didn't understand struggle. At the time, me dating someone who was African American
was still looked at as odd and even his family didn't approve of that. I just find it
outrageous that this is still happening today. This moment in my life changed my view
on a lot of things and mostly thorough the Black Lives Matter movement. Nothing will
progress in time when you fight racism with racism, everyone needs to accept who they
are and that we are all different and everyone can just be peaceful and not matter what
the color of someone’s skin is.
(http://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-you-don-t-fight-racism-with-racism-the-best-way-to-fight-racism-is-with-
solidarity-bobby-seale-26-45-64.jpg)
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.)
EquityXdesign’s first and second beliefs are easily expressed through The MLK Memorial. “Historical Context”, which is the first
belief, states “We must see both who we were (our historical selves) and who we are (our current selves).” The MLK Memorial is a

15. great example of these because it represents the efforts of the African
American community took restore and anchor the liberty and equality
during the mid-20th
century. This reminds African Americans that their
freedom is largely impacted and due to the presence of Martin Luther
King Jr. So, this monument isn’t just for the African American’s history but
also represent how one man can change the nation in a positive way. The
second belief is “Radical Inclusion” which states, “…bringing diverse
stakeholders together across race, role, gender, and socioeconomic
status to build relationships and lay the groundwork for community.” This
is represented through the quotes on the sides of the memorial. These
quotes explain that positive events or changes can happen in the most
negative of situations. Also, it can also be interpreted by showing that it
doesn’t matter what race you are, everyone can relate. Thus, everyone is
included, explaining racial inclusion in the fact you can interpret it in their
own way so anyone can have a connection with the memorial.
(https://spfaust.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/mlk-memorial-1-1.jpg)

16. Week 8 – Diversity Issue: Race
Thread 1: Response to "Landscape Stories" Chapter
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.)
A place in my home that describes my ethnic background I would
say is my kitchen. My dad is 100% Italian, and my mom is a mix of
French Canadian, Scottish, and Dutch. My mom and dad cook
very often but it is mostly near Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
Easter that their true colors come out. My dad prepares a dish
that we just call stuffing, but it has been in my family for
generations and it is a pasta dish consisting of tubettini, Italian
sausages, salami, and pepperoni along with other ingredients.
This dish brings my family together and we countdown until we
get to eat it again every year. My mother is also known to be
accepted into my dad’s side by making a better lasagna than my
dad’s mother. So, I’d say that my kitchen is where most of my
ethnicity is shown through. I will absolutely continue the family
tradition and take on making the tubettini in my family and then
pass it onto my children as well. I think where you are from is very important and even if it is generations upon generations of being
in America, you should still understand where you’re from and celebrate that.
(Tammy Zullo)
Where I’m from there is a large Jewish community that has migrated over near this
one large pond that is near me for generations. Many Jewish people in the Albany
area live there, near the pond, and I am not Jewish so please correct me if I am
wrong but, in their religion there is a part that they visit a body of water and throw
pieces of bread into the water to symbolize throwing away your sins. I believe that
this community will stay near Buckingham Pond for generations to come just
because a sense of community is amazing for families that all share the same
religious background.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DG_kjSRr2GY/TImIuQb4iTI/AAAAAAAACFI/AstqkJwKBf4/s1600/IMG_5792.JPG)

17. 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.)
This is a largely debated topic so it is going to be hard to fit my opinion in 150
words. I personally believe that it is based off certain situations. The Fighting
Irish, Boston Celtics and The Atlanta Braves are all teams that it seems that
they're all positive interpretations of the words because these ethnicities also
have a team that is worth rooting for. In contrast, I think that the name
Redskins shouldn't be used in a playing manner. Also, mostly these teams were
made a while ago when people were ignorant to the fact that these words hurt.
But if they were made a while ago then why do they have or not have to
change. It would also be hard to be a fan of that team your entire life and then
suddenly have a different team you're rooting for. So obviously now we aren't
going to make a team name be, "The New York Negroes", but if that is offensive
or odd then why is it okay to have a team named the Redskins?
(http://www.cobrabrigade.com/braves.jpg)

18. Week 9 – Diversity Issue: Ethnicity
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 one other 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.)
The way that this author describes the gender issue by using
two frames in comparison, with one showing the guy being
superior and the girl not being represented at all and
obviously not superior. The designer uses "stories in data" as
an example of the visual approach. This approach is effective
to communicate that boys’ sports are displayed as more
superior than girls’ sports in schools and in general. I like this
approach a lot because I understand what is being displayed
as soon as I see it. It’s also effective also because it shows a
significant difference between the two genders. This graphic
could be improved to show a larger and better difference in
the two gender superiorities by putting color on the guy's
side of the comparison.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6EAeDdysew/UIy1g889TMI/AAAAAAAAABM/NGCi1xH0Pyo/s1600/genderdiscrimination.jpg)
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.)

19. Bathrooms aren't only made for the private comfort of going to the
bathroom but also for safety. So, if there are multiple bathrooms
where anyone can go into there isn't going to just be discomfort for
some but also danger to others. Security cameras cannot be legally
placed in bathrooms so that could easily be a place where people
can be in danger of rape or robbery or many other things. I don't
think that the LBGTQ would be the problem with these gender-
neutral bathrooms but rather the predators and others who are
willing to harm others.
On the other hand, I think that someone that goes through being in
the LBGTQ community goes through enough hardships and if they
want to use the other bathroom that they can relate to then they
should be able to without a question. The amount of time that you spend in the bathroom shouldn't be a huge time or a huge
outrage either. A bathroom is a bathroom and there isn't a reason to make a third one or allow anyone in either to make sure that a
small group of people are comfortable.
(http://yellowhammernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/gender-neutral-bathroom-sign.jpg)

20. Week 10 – Diversity Issue: Class/Economic Status
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.
This is a picture of a rundown boat along one of the main grain silos in
Silo City. I took this picture in the beginning of my first semester here
at Buffalo when Beth Tauke told us that this is where our site for our
next project is going to be. A semester later and my studio and I are
about to put 10 full scale build projects along a path right behind this
silo. (Feel free to stop on by Silo City to check them out, the Exhibition
is coming soon!). This is an example of slippery space because this area
is very easy to see but difficult to access. The actual plot of land that
the silos stand on is owned by a man who gates off the entire area. This
plot is slippery space not only from how inaccessible it is but also from
the owner not wanting others going onto the land and vandalizing and
putting graffiti all over his property.
Sorry for how large both pictures came out, but this is me in front of Riverside Park. My class
for END 120 had to visit many Fredrick Law Olmsted Parks when we were learning about him
and his impact on Urban cities. Many of these parks were gorgeous and ended up going with
the plan that Olmsted had in mind, but many others didn't at all. Riverside Park was well kept
with the landscape but is an example of "crusty". It's an example of crusty because of the
neighborhood surrounding the park. There were a lot of reported crimes in these parks and
were seen to bring people together not draw them away. This is discriminating for the families
in the area who just want to enjoy the park rather than be scared to walk through it.
(Adara Zullo)
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

21. to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What approach will your team take to address this
difficult problem?
I would design a building where it would act like a community
center for families who can't exactly support themselves
financially and need to find a way to get out of poverty. This
community center would have a day care for children who are
too little to go to school so the parent doesn't have to watch
them so they can work. It would also contain offices of financial
advisors and other people whose jobs consist of helping the
families know where they stand and where they need to go.
There would also be a pool and gym area where wants can be
provided because health is a big issue in a lot of areas who are
below the poverty line. And finally, the community center would
also have a dining hall where people can pay a certain amount
and get the meal they need or shop for their groceries like a
food pantry. And for jobs, each position in this community
center would be available for any family that needs a job badly,
so that this money can go towards an education while also
getting paid with free food to feed their family.
(http://custom-car.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/community-center...-504.jpg)

22. Week 11- Diversity Issue: Age
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?
Regent Park is being developed to ensure more social
integration is intertwined in the concept of the park and one
action that could be taken to ensure this in the 'new and
improved Regent Park is by improving the walkways. Elderly
people have a harder time with mobility. To solve this, you
would widen the walk ways and create more bridges and less
steep hills so that the elderly can go where anyone else can
go, causing more social interaction with all different kinds of
people. The next thing that I would install would be more
benches of all sizes and ergonomically friendly to a variety of
people along the walk way. This way anyone can sit and rest
on these benches allowing multiple people to interact and
being able to act like anyone and still do the things that
younger people can go and do. Also, I would integrate a large
"gathering space" which would consist of a monument in the center of the park and then landscaped around it with beautiful
flowers. In this gathering space you can rent certain games for free and then multiple age groups are able to still be together and
ensuring more social integration. With these changes, I think that the park will not only create more social integration but also
create more of a sense of community within the area to bring people together no matter their age, gender, or color.
(https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/opinion/commentary/2014/05/05/how_revitalization_is_leading_to_displacement
_in_regent_park/regent_park.jpg)
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. If 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?
Juan Enriquez explained how human kind is
going to gradually can live longer due to the
new technology in biology. This starts to enter
the side of the question if people want to even
life for that long. I feel like you get to that
certain point in your life where you know you
are ready to go and/or are content with leaving
the life they have. But then you can start
thinking about all the possibilities of being able
to live that long. You could see your youngest
granddaughter or grandson get married, or
based off your occupation can still work and do
what you love longer, because it is said that

23. Architects never retire. So, the ways that our society would change would be a lot of more one level homes in the fact that older
people cannot normally climb stairs. There would be a lot more codes for buildings to be made so that not only handicapped people
can be able to access the building in a safe way but also for older people to access the building. The population of the world today is
growing and it is said by 2020 the baby population will outnumber the baby boomers, so the population would expand even more
rapidly. This population growth could also cause for a lot of consumer growth and end up potentially not having enough of the
supply to accommodate for everyone. Designers might have a lot of problems not only with commercial buildings but most
especially with residential buildings. In residential buildings, you can design for the client's needs and wants but that client is going
to change when the population of older people is going to grow. This problem would be shown through the fact that most of the
homes would have to be all one story or have elevators in them.
(https://rixxblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/five-generations41.jpg)

24. Week 12 – Diversity Issue: Physical Disability
Thread 1: Response to PPT, Smithsonian, and Roy
The two most frequently mentioned models of disability are the ‘social’ and the ‘medical’
models. The medical model of disability views disability as a medical ‘problem’ that belongs
to the disabled individual. The social model of disability, in contrast, draws on the idea that it
is society that disables people, through designing everything to meet the needs of the majority
of people who are not disabled. There is a recognition within the social model that there is a
great deal that society can do to reduce, and ultimately remove, some of these disabling
barriers, and that this task is the responsibility of society, rather than the disabled person.
In the Smithsonian online exhibition, the story about the superhero hand, and Elise Roy’s
TED Talk, you saw examples of ways to engage disability that use the social model rather
than the medical model. In the Disability and Design PowerPoint, you were introduced to the
concept of Universal Design (UD) (sometimes called inclusive design, design-for-all, or
human-centered design). Certainly, UD embraces the social model of disability. In this same
PowerPoint, you saw positive and negative examples of each of the seven principles of
universal design.
For the Module 12 Thread 1, please select one of the seven universal design principles, and
post photographs that show both a positive and a negative example of the principle. Then
address the following question: How do your examples empower or disempower various
people? Describe the specific features of the positive example and the specific features of the
negative example. Discuss ways that the positive example could be even further improved.
The image of the ATM is an example of the Equitable
Use UD principle. This ATM has been built low to the
ground for everyone to have access to it. With people
in wheel chairs they have a hard time to do everyday
things that people who aren't disabled can do. One of
the reasons why have this problem is because of the
height they are at from sitting in the chair itself. The
ATM is brought lower to make sure they can reach it.
This ATM is an example of equitable design because
everyone can use it. This empowers those in wheel
chairs because they won’t be restricted while using
the ATM while others can use it. The negative impact
of this design is that taller people will have to bend
down or squat to use it, older people or others that
have back problems would have a problem getting
down to it. A way to improve this design is having two
screens. One on top and one right below it so that
everyone can get to the ATM without having a problem.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/24/article-2588113-1C8826DA00000578-241_634x445.jpg)

25. The next design shows an example of a poor equitable design. In the image,
there's two lanes on top of the stairs which is poorly designed and unsafe.
Although handicapped people can use the stairs, the slope is too harsh where
they can fall and hurt themselves. While they will take a while to get down by
slowly going down, they wouldn't be able to get up from how harsh the incline
is. This design disempowers people in wheelchairs because they will have to
think when they get down, how are they going to get up without hurting
themselves.
(http://www.bluebadgestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/wheelchair-ramp-thumb_1.jpg)
Thread 2: Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
Our 2017 Design-A-Baby survey yielded the following characteristics as indicated by a majority of you:
• Sex: Male (47%)
• Hair Color: Dark Brown (22%)
• Hair Texture: Wavy (33%)
• Eye Color: Blue (26%)
• Race: Caucasian (36%)
• Height: 5’-10” to 6’-1” (45%)
• IQ: 131-140 (20%)
• Memory: Excellent (43%)
• Athletic Ability: Excellent (43%)
• Weight: Average (79%)
• Disease Carrier: None (85%)
• Beauty: Somewhat attractive (46%)
• Empathy: Very empathetic (38%)
• Creativity: Very creative (37%)
Sounds like an all-around lovely person!
Currently, we have the technology for you to choose many of the survey characteristics in your future
child, and this ability to choose poses some ethical questions. Of course, we all want the best for our own
child. However, as we move into a more collective situation, we need to consider how the consequences of
majority choices for children might change who we are as a species.

26. In the film trailer FIXED, you were introduced to the dilemma of living in a culture in which the
“science-fiction of human enhancement” has become almost a way of life, from prenatal genetic screening
to bionic body parts. In the video, “A Man with Three Ears” you are introduced to an artist who is using
current technology to move humans beyond their current abilities. Last week, Juan Enriquez asked us if
it is ethical to evolve the human body. All of these videos suggest that the concept of disability ‘as we
know it’ could cease to exist in the future.
This leads us to this week’s discussion question:
What lessons do you think we should learn from history when thinking about emerging enhancement
technologies and reproductive technologies? What are some of the possible consequences (both positive
and negative) of being able to design our bodies and the bodies of our children? What ethical quandaries
do these technologies pose?
Today, when we are no longer restricted by technology and
our world is advancing not by the day or hour but by the
minute we need to stop and think about what we are doing.
We are supposed to learn about history so we do not repeat
our actions but it seems like we do that no matter what.
Personally, I don't think that anyone should be able to alter
their child to look, act or feel a certain way. I am very
catholic along with my family and we believe in many things
along with not having an abortion in certain circumstances. I
feel like this is in the same category. You shouldn't be able to
alter what your child looks like when God already has a plan
for you. I am not the type of person to talk about my religion
to others and I have no taste in wanting to hear other's
opinions on their religion because I think that everyone has
the right to their own opinion, but no matter what you
believe in I think that everything happens for a reason and
you cannot alter time or the future so why would you try to.
From the statistics that Beth just posted with the thread the
possible consequences of altering someone's characteristics
and personalities is having the same child running around all
around the world. The positive consequences are that you get to have your dream child. With what you make, that is what they are
supposed to be but what if inside they want to be something else and you don't accept that. I just wish that parents will not alter
what their child is going to look like, like it is a video game and that they can just accept their child and love who they become.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebl2nJ_Inr4/T8Mqv2voE7I/AAAAAAAAAU4/wAKPFszoifA/s1600/designer-baby.jpg)

27. Week 13 – Diversity Issue: Cognitive/Psychological Ability
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?
The whole point of a documentary is to inform an audience about a certain subject.
Wiseman was making this documentary to make sure the public had the knowledge they
needed to be informed about the patients that live there and the conditions they live in
every day. Wiseman should've been able to film the residents if he asked them and they
said yes, otherwise I don't think that he has the authority to film them. His argument makes
sense saying that he got permission from the institution because the institution is the
patient's primary care and their guardian, but then the law suit should've been against the
institution and not Wiseman. But I do understand Massachusetts' argument, because no
matter the disability, a person is a person, and they should have the same rights as the next
person. This film is of value to designers because they get to see the attitude, actions, and
behaviors of the client they are designing for. When you are designing something, you have
a client and a site no matter the job, the definition of both changes in between each job.
Designers are valuing this movie because they can see who the client is inside and out
without having a conversation with them along with the site. You can imagine, if you have
ever had a relationship with someone with a disability, that it would be difficult to
communicate with them to figure out specific needs that they don't or won't understand.
So, this movie destroys the communication barrier and shows the designer what they need.
http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/titicut-follies-
1968/large_v9alKxaEGOYVtlVo0H6Z5cLxJh8.jpg
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?

28. 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 this proposal because it doesn’t
affect me or my family. I believe in a world that if
you can’t help people or the world then get out of
the way. If I have four kids and a $650,000 home
then I can see that my life is very nice, but having
the home then it will have my children being
exposed to lives that aren’t peaches and cream,
and they get to learn about life sooner. Assuming
that the community home has regular staff that
knows what they’re doing I still have no problem
with it. Everyone deserves a place to live. Since I
was on the side where I was all for the intellectually
disabled to be living three doors down, I don’t think
that there is an alternative to be discussed about. If
I could do anything I would try to convince the
neighbors to change their decision on having the
home in our neighborhood, where there is no need
to be worried about those with disabilities, it’s not like they’re running around disrupting everyone. I think it is an
opportunity to open the neighborhood to those less fortunate.

29. Week 14 – Diversity Issue: Religion & Course
Summary/Reflection
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?
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was built in 1848 for about $7 billion in today's dollars. The doors opened
to the public in 1852. In the mid-1960s, where the Empire State Plaza was being built in downtown Albany, that area had
a lot of homes that got bought by the city, leaving the church 300 households, threatening the existence of the church.
There was a sculpture built on the west side of the sanctuary outside in 1986 that became the first ever site for the
forgiveness between Christians and Jews on Palm Sunday. The Cathedral used to be a central hub of Albany but now it
has been built around, which is sad considering the huge religious roles it plays. A significant amount of people don’t
attend churches anymore and this hurts the church tremendously. Personally, I am very Catholic and the church is a
place where I can feel safe and whole. I love going to church to be calm and to clear my mind. Design wise, the priest at
my church in Albany, St. Vincent De Paul, is an Architect and we share ideas, and I show him my projects from each
semester as he gives me critiques. So, I hope that these churches play the same role that they have been for the past
couple of centuries; helping the community, helping families, and spreading the word of peace.

30. http://cathedralic.com/interiorphotos.htm
https://www.google.com/maps/place/900+Madison+Ave,+Albany,+NY+12208/@42.661723,-
73.7839046,3a,75y,214.82h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sSbdQgsA5TJ9KedUCC80U3Q!2e0!4m5!3m4!1s0x89d
e0a51cba44423:0x6650c1489c7a6dfc!8m2!3d42.6614018!4d-73.7843687!6m1!1e1
https://www.facebook.com/pg/stvincentalbany/photos/?ref=page_internal