This is a project made for the ARC211LLB course.

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
Online Discussion Questions
ARC 211 - American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Leslie Aleluia Sequeira

2. Introduction
Hello Everyone. My name is Leslie Sequeira, and I am 18 years old. I am an international
student and my major is Computer Science. I took this class so I can get a better
understanding of how design can influence our lives and how diversity is related to design. I
am very glad that I took this course. This course has changed my perspective about the
value of design and its true meaning. Every time I see a new design, I look at it carefully and
I admire it. Throughout this semester, I learned a lot about architecture and how it involves
diversity. The weekly modules were designed so thoughtfully that it made me excited to learn
about the different cultures, and history of architecture. All the reading materials and video
were so informational and I learned a lot of new things. I also learned how to design a
billboard which I had never learnt before and this can be of use for me in the future. The
thing that I found most compelling about this course is the TED Talks. These videos were so
interesting and captivating. The amount of information I learned from these videos were
enormous. Even now, I watch new TED Talks when I get free time.
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.
By Leslie Sequeira

3. Response to ―What is design?‖ from Hello World
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 out-dated information, which put them at a
disadvantage.
An invention is the act of making something. An invention can serve many purposes, and
does not necessarily create a positive impact. These purposes might differ significantly and
may change over time. An invention may serve purposes never envisioned by its inventor or
by others living at the time of its original invention.
One such invention that has made a lot of impact in the world was the telephone. It was
Alexander Graham Bell who first patented it in 1876 and is known as the father of the
telephone. However, the idea of the telephone was not his. Antonio Meucci, an Italian
immigrant, began developing the design of the telephone in 1849. Before the telephone, long
distance communication was done with telegraph machines which were less efficient and
took longer to get messages across. The telephone expanded and simplified communication
in the US. The invention sped across the world due to its capacity for real-time interaction.
One of the greatest disadvantage of telephone is it is often used for threating and criminal
activities. It has many network problems as well.
Wikipedia contributors, "Invention of the telephone," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invention_of_the_telephone Accessed February 2, 2017.
https://kunaljanu.wordpress.com/tag/how-graham-bell-invented-telephone/

4. Response to ―Introduction‖ from Diversity and Design
The editors state that ―diverse participation in the design process, from both
professionals and public citizens alike, yields more equitable results.‖ This makes
sense, but typically has not been the case. Nonetheless, many marginalized groups
have impacted design in ways that have changed our visual and physical worlds as
well as our systems, policies, and institutions. For example, in the 1960s, disability
rights advocates designed media events to raise awareness about barriers in the
physical environment. They persisted with their efforts for decades, and, finally, in
1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. It mandated accessibility in
public accommodations such as restaurants and stores, public transportation,
communication, and other areas of public life. This dramatically changed our physical
environment (from curb cuts to ramps to automatic doors) and the results made
public life more equitable.
Now it‘s your turn. Describe a design that was impacted by a diversity group. How and
why did it change form and/or circumstances? (Note that a design can be anything
requiring planning and development prior to the production of an action, system,
visual, material object, or environment. Also, keep in mind that, for our purposes, a
diversity group is a group of individuals who are underrepresented in society in some
way—children, older adults, the economically disadvantaged, those with cognitive
disabilities, etc.)
The history of cosmetics spans at least thousands of years ago. Cosmetics dates from
ancient Egypt and Greece. Over the years, cosmetics have changed a lot. In
1990s, cosmetics were not at all popular. In fact, women hardly wore makeup at all. Make-up
at this time was still mostly the territory of ladies of the night, those in nightclubs and dinner
theaters. Applying makeup was dangerous due to the main ingredient often being
Arsenic. Cosmetics were so unpopular that they could not be bought in department stores;
they could only be bought at theatrical costume stores. Over the years, the popularity of
cosmetics, cosmetic surgery and skin bleaching grew. Today, the production of cosmetics is
blooming. Although modern makeup has been used mainly by women traditionally, gradually
an increasing number of males are using cosmetics usually associated to women to enhance
their own facial features.
Wikipedia contributors, "History of cosmetics," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_cosmetics Accessed February 3, 2017.
http://juriewicz.info/elf-cosmetics-wiki/

5. Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED Talk on Photographs
Where would you place the images shown in Photos That Changed the
World into Croteau and Hoynes' diagram entitled ―Model of Media and the Social
World‖? Identify a mass media photograph taken in your own lifetime that has served
as an icon of an event. (Feel free to add an attachment.) What roles does this photo
play in the communication of the event?
The images shown in the video were significant to us in many ways. The images shown had
the power to shed light upon the events that happened in the world. Each image tells a
"thousand words" like stories. Stories with which we identify with and hold on to because of
our structural anxiety for seeking certainties. This is where design comes into play. Design is
a activity shaped for employing and re-forming stories/ images, while its objective is to
impact the thoughts of others. This shows the power of the image. The images shown in
"Photos That Changed the World" would perfectly fit in the "Media message or product" box
because every image had an important message to tell us.
On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake tore through the Haitian capital of Port-
au-Prince killing an estimated 316,000 people. The quake left over 1.5 million people
homeless. The photo attached shows the aftermath of the disaster. This photo provoked
reaction in people and those reactions provoked a change. Rescue efforts began in the
immediate aftermath of the earthquake. Many countries sent aid and rescue workers to help
the people recover. The photo persuaded many governments to send donations to the
people of Haiti. An image like this grabs attention and helps us learn the meaning of an
image.
Wikipedia contributors, "2010 Haiti earthquake," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2010_Haiti_earthquake&oldid=777018611
Accessed February 9, 2017.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1243540/

6. Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
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?
The two hats mentioned in the articles are vehicles of communication design because they
both are used as a means of communication with the people. The red hat "Make America
Great Again" was used by Donald Trump in his electoral campaign to communicate his
message to the people of America. This red hat turned out to be a strong branding product
and Trump spent a lot of money on the production of these hats even though it was poorly
designed. The pink hats were used by women in the "Women's March" to protest against
Trump and his campaign. The pink hats were intended to unify women. They were known as
the “pussy” hats. The pink color was meant to be a strong visual signal against the
offensive/lewd comments said by Donald Trump in the 2005 Access Hollywood tape when it
leaked a month before the election.
The two hats are similar in many ways as they both were used to grab attention of the public
and make them understand their purpose. The “pussy” hat has some of the same traits that
made the "Make America Great Again" hat work i.e., it sends a very particular political
message, one that is simultaneously unifying and antagonistic. Both hats represent a kind of
backlash: one by a group of people who believed they were ignored political outsiders, and
the other by people who recently suffered a stinging election defeat.
The two hats are different because each hat represented a different purpose. Both of the
hats have different design as well. Also, the pink hat does not have words on it like the 'Make
America Great Again' hat does.
Danielle Kurtzleben, “With 'Pussyhats,' Liberals Get Their Own Version Of The Red Trucker
Hat,” NPR Politics, http://www.npr.org/2017/01/21/510997192/ Accessed February 10, 2017.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/21/politics/womens-march-protest-hats/

7. Response to ―Industrial Design‖ by John Heskett and ―The Incredible Inventions of
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 Ford's production line has greatly affected the production industry over the years. It was
in 1913 that Ford installed his first moving assembly line for the mass production of an entire
automobile. His production line has had many positive affects in people's life in US. It caused
a chain of events that helped create the world we live in today. His innovation reduced the
production time required to build a car and his cars were not at all expensive, so common
men could afford it as well. Because of this, people were allowed to travel. This allowed
people to move out of cities and travel around the country. His production line also gave a lot
of people with no special training work to do and they didn't have to do much of the lifting as
well. A lot has changed in since 1913. Today, cars are mostly designed and made by
machines and do not require a large amount of workers due to which not many job
opportunities are available in this field.
In the next twenty years, the manufacturing process would be on a much larger scale than it
is now. With the development of A.I., technology will be more advance and efficient. Due to
this, there won't be a need for workers and many will be jobless in the US. The development
of A.I. can be a boon and bane to us. In my opinion, we should stick to our roots and not
forget our past.
Wikipedia contributors, "Assembly line," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Assembly_line&oldid=776243049
Accessed February 17, 2017.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/274649277254761287/

8. Response to 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? Provide an
example of any products that embrace Cradle-to-Cradle design, please describe and
cite your source(s).
The Cradle-to-Cradle concept is basically a regenerative concept which helps us live a
healthy and safe life in the coming years. I would like to point out that OneBlade is one of the
2016 IDEA Gold Award products that defy the concept of Cradle-to-Cradle. OneBlade is
basically used to shave with proper safety and comfort. OneBlade is made up of the highest
and costly quality materials which have never been used on a manufacturing product of this
kind. The Cradle-to-Cradle concept states that we need to minimize the use of materials by
using few materials and less energy and hence reduce the carbon footprint. But
OneBlade completely disregards this concept by using high quality materials and by
contributing to the waste produced in the world and by depleting good resources. A blade's
main purpose is to shave but using lots of resources to make it more efficient is not worth it.
An example of a product that embraces Cradle-to-Cradle concept is the Swater. A Swater is
basically a water collector and purifier that works using solar energy. Swater is made up of
lead-free cooper and recyclable materials. This product obeys the concept of Cradle-to-
Cradle because it is reusable and does not exhaust our resources and also because it helps
a lot of people by providing safe drinking water. This way it also celebrates diversity and
keeps our environment safe.
Works Cited: "Swater" Industrial Designers Society of America - IDSA, IDEA Gallery and
"OneBlade" Industrial Designers Society of America - IDSA, IDEA Gallery.
“IDEA Awards,” Industrial Designers Society of America,
http://www.idsa.org/awards/idea/gallery Accessed February 16, 2017.
http://www.idsa.org/awards/idea/gallery

9. Response to All Module 4 Materials
Your readings and viewings this week present different ways of thinking about
architecture. Mies Van der Rohe describes architecture as ―The will of the epoch
translated into space.‖ Andrew Ballantyne describes architecture as the background
for life. Jeanne Gang describes it as the act of building relationships. All agree that
architecture can change based on context and culture. Choose two works of
architecture from any of your materials this week—one with sensibilities about the
past and one with sensibilities about the present and/or future. How do each of these
buildings either reflect or challenge their cultural contexts? (Use the SEE-IT method to
respond to this question.)
One of the works of architecture that has great insight about our past is the Dulles
International Airport. It was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1962. Back in the day, people
would love to fly non-stop across the world without any fear. Dulles International Airport was
the first airport in the world that was built for jets, to increase the flying experience of
the passengers. As most of the airports at that time were long, Saarinen built a single narrow
terminal where passengers only had to walk 150 feet and then the mobile lounge would take
them away to the flight. The mobile lounge was built to give passengers a good and
relaxing time while boarding. Even now, mobile lounges are still in use. The design of the
build was an abstraction of a classical temple. The concrete building looked as light as a
handkerchief. But this weightless form Saarinen created left a permanent mark on the
world's architecture. Some architects seem to have copied Saarinen's design while
others were inspired by his vision for what an airport should look like.
Arcus Center is one of the most amazing works of architecture in the modern age. The
Arcus Center is a center for social justice leadership and it was opened in 2014. The building
was built to break down traditional barriers between different groups of people and hence
create new relationships. It was designed in such a way that people could sit around in the
central place and see each other. They also have a fireplace and kitchen where people could
join in conservations and interact with each other. The central place worked for many big
social gatherings and meetings where people could share stories, study together, because
it was designed in such a way. The construction of the building is also about building
relationships. It was made up of super low tech materials and anyone could it. The walls
made were trapping carbon thereby beneficial to the plant as well. In the recent years, more
and more people are coming here and taking part in the events. Therefore, this building
builds relationships between people and with the environment as well. As Jeanne Gang said,
"We need architecture and every tool in our tool kit to improve these relationships".
Wikipedia contributors, "Washington Dulles International Airport," Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Washington_Dulles_International_A
irport&oldid=778265512 Accessed February 23, 2017.
http://www.archdaily.com/576630/

10. Response to Ballantyne and Zumthor Articles
Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor present ideas about architecture that seem to
value the sensorial and material elements of life. How are Ballantyne‘s and Zumthor‘s
viewpoints on architecture alike? More importantly, how do they differ? (Use the SEE-
IT method to respond to this question.)
Few of Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor ideas about architecture are common. They
believe that people don't experience the beauty and purpose of architecture around us.
People live their lives with architecture in their background and they are unconscious of their
role. They also believe that the purpose and meaning of a building matters the most rather
than the design and appearance of the building.
Ballantyne believes that in order to understand this relationship we have with buildings, we
need to understand the way habits are formed and how they become a part of who we are.
He does not consider buildings as a piece of art. Ballantyne argues for the pragmatist
aesthetics of architecture. He says that pragmatist aesthetics can allow us to value the things
about a building that matter to us when we are using it and hence making the building useful.
Unlike Ballantyne, Zumthor believes that building should have the power to affect people's
thoughts about architecture. The architect who builds a building should use proper quality
materials to give a meaningful purpose to it so that people can understand its value.
Zumthor believes that architecture is a way of showing the poetic expressions of the builder's
feelings. All in all, I believe both of their viewpoints are true.
Gili Merin, “Peter Zumthor: Seven Personal Observations on Presence In Architecture,”
ArchDaily News, http://www.archdaily.com/452513/peter-zumthor-seven-personal-
observations-on-presence-in-architecture Accessed February 24, 2017.
http://www.archiii.com/2013/05/

11. Response to Levy Article
John Levy‘s article, ―An Overview: The Need for Planning,‖ discussed ways in which
planning can determine the characteristics of a place. For example, some smaller
towns restrict the heights of buildings to maintain a certain scale. How did planning
define the character of the place in which you grew up?
The place where I grew up was truly fascinating and has amazing story behind it. This place
is called the Sheikh Zayed Road and it is located in Dubai. In the photo, you can see the
difference between the place in 1991 and now. In 1991, the infrastructure of this place was
very poor due to the limited number of resources available and poor planning. Since then a
lot has changed and mainly its character. The Lexicon Webster Dictionary defines character
as "a distinctive trait, quality or attribute," something's "essential quality or nature," and
"reputation". This place now is a famous tourist destination due to its huge skyscrapers and
large shopping centers. This is all due to planning. The major purpose of the building this
place was to increase the living standards of the people. The development of this place has
also provided many advantages to the people of Dubai. It has increased the number of
vacancies so that people could live in them and it has increased the number of jobs available
as well. There are many shops, parks and pedestrian walk through where people could
socialize with each other and get to know them. People from all around the world would
come here for vacation or doing business. The buildings build on this road are of a variety of
sizes and shapes and the rates are moderately fair. We didn't need to pay any taxes for the
services provided by the community. The security of this place is also very good and the
number of crimes that happen here are very few. The road was planned in such a way so
that it could motorize traffic and accidents as well. This place also has a Metro system so
people could travel to different places in a short period of time. This has been very
economical as it is very cheap and fast. Due to all this advantages, this place is worth living
in and I am happy that I lived here my whole life. Thus, the Sheikh Zayed Road is perfect
example of how proper planning can affect the character of the place.
Gary Pivo, “How Do You Define Community Character?,” Adapting the Environmental Impact
Statement Process to Snoqualmie, Washington,
http://www.u.arizona.edu/~gpivo/Character.pdf Accessed March 2, 2017.
http://weburbanist.com/2011/02/21/

12. Response to Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen, and Larson
Imagine that you are part of a urban planning and design firm working with Emily
Talen (author of ―Design That Enables Diversity‖) and Kent Larson (who gave the TED
Talk "Brilliant Designs to Fit More People In Every City" The thee of you have been
tasked with developing a plan to rebuild Pruitt Igoe in St. Louis. City officials told the
three of you that that they want to do it right this time. Identify three strategies for
rebuilding Pruitt Igoe in ways that promise to be more successful. What would Talen
do? What would Larson do? What would you do? How would your strategies differ
from those of the original urban planners/designers of the project? Why would your
strategies be more effective?
The Pruitt Igoe was a large urban housing project first occupied in 1954 in US city of St.
Louis, Missouri. The main purpose of this project was to improve the crowded
community and help people live a better life. Instead, it turned out to be a complete fail.
Living conditions in Pruitt Igoe began to decline after its completion. By the late 1960s, the
complex had become internationally infamous for its poverty, crime and racial segregation.
As a result, many buildings were demolished with explosives and the project became an icon
for failure of urban renewal and public-policy planning. Talen would have tried to integrate
diversity into communities to that people with different cultural context could live in the same
neighborhood together happily. She would try to improve the quality of the buildings so that
people could live a better life and feel the sense of being in a community. Larson's main idea
was to prevent overcrowding in apartments so he would try understanding the needs of the
people and designing the apartments accordingly. He wanted to rooms to be more advanced
and spacious so that it could fit the needs of the people according to the number of people
staying in it. I would most probably try to help many people with different cultural context and
income levels to live together by building many buildings with different specifications by
keeping in minds the needs of the people. This would help in bringing the people together
and also help in reducing poverty and crimes. I would also build shops and parks so that it is
accessible and close-by for the residents and help them socialize with each other as well.
This would keep the environment safe as well. I would also keep the maintenance up and
running unlike the original urban planners of the projects who did not care about it due to
which the buildings started to look like slums.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pruitt–Igoe," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pruitt%E2%80%93Igoe&oldid=778080972
Accessed March 3, 2017.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruitt%E2%80%93Igoe#/media/
File:Pruitt-igoe_collapse-series.jpg

13. Response to F.L. Olmsted
Displaying his plan at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Frederick Law
Olmsted stated that "Buffalo is the best planned city, as to its streets, public places,
and grounds, in the United States, if not in the world." What was the basis for this
claim? Would Olmsted still make that claim today? Why or why not?
In 1860s, Buffalo was the tenth largest city in the United States. In the following
years, Buffalo was on the rise and began to become a prosperous city. It was exploding
because of the Eric Canal and the Great Lakes Traffic. It was becoming more and more
modern with development of railroads and factories as well. The US Attorney,
William Dorsheimer wanted to have a higher civilization in Buffalo so he called upon F.L.
Olmsted to help him do so due to Olmsted's work on the New York's Central Park. Olmsted
was so fascinated by Joseph Ellicott's radial design for downtown Buffalo, that he built three
parks at different positions across Buffalo and all the three parks were connected to each
other with pathways in such a way that you could move from one park to another without
leaving at any one time. It was close-by for the people to enter the park as well. This
increased connectivity between the green spaces and rest of Buffalo. This was completely
unique and different from New York's Central Park. These improvements carefully
augmented the city's original plan with urban design features. Thus, Buffalo became the
nation's first urban park system of its kind and drew national and international attention. In
the coming years, Olmsted continued designing additional parks and laying out important
sites within the growing city. When Niagara Falls was threatened by industrial development,
he led the campaign to protect the site and in 1885 succeeded in persuading New York to
create the Niagara Reservation, the current Niagara Falls State Park. This was to allow the
people of Buffalo free access to it and enjoy the beautiful view. On this basis, Olmsted
claimed that "Buffalo is the best planned city”.
In today's modern world, I don't think Olmsted would still make that claim as there are many
other cities across the world that are well planned and well developed. It is not that the
infrastructure and design of Buffalo has not grown over the years, it is just other cities have
been much more augmented like Dubai for example. Back in the 1990s, the foundation or
groundwork of Dubai was not as good as that of Buffalo in the 1990s. Now, Dubai has
a world class infrastructure with over 2 million inhabitants which are much better than that of
Buffalo. The roads in Dubai are well maintained without any cracks and the public places like
malls, waterparks, airports, parks, etc. are well designed and world renowned.
Wikipedia contributors, "Frederick Law Olmsted," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frederick_Law_Olmsted&oldid=778280218
Accessed March 9, 2017.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/198439927304655018/

14. Response to Walter Hood‘s Work
Identify something that should be memorialized either on UB's campus or in your
hometown. Imagine that you are the person who will oversee this project, and that you
are using Walter Hood's 'triad of investigations' as your approach to the project. What
would your landscape intervention commemorate/memorialize? How will you use
Hood's 'triad of investigations' to design a new landscape intervention? What do you
imagine that the design will be? (Either written or visual descriptions are acceptable).
In my opinion, I think the Niagara Falls State Park would be great thing to be memorialized in
Buffalo. The Niagara Falls is a collective name for three waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls,
American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls that straddle the international border between Canada and
the United States. In the past, Niagara Falls was under the threat of industrial development
and commercial use but with the help of the Free Niagara Movement by F.L. Olmsted, these
obstacles were prevented. Now, Niagara Falls is famed both for its beauty and as a source
of hydroelectric power. Niagara Falls became a huge tourist attraction and favorite spot for
my people. But many people do not understand the true purpose of it. Walter Hood's "triad of
investigations" would want to focus more on the people and green nature of the State Park. I
would love to memorialize the Niagara Falls State Park by holding an exhibition in the park
so that people would know the history and significance of this place. This would follow
Hood's "triads of investigation" as he wanted people to know the importance of knowing its
past life rather than just viewing it ordinarily. This exhibition would bring many
people together and help them realize the beauty of nature and also make them feel
connected to nature and its surroundings rather than just clicking pictures with Niagara Falls.
In the exhibition, there would have statues of F.L. Olmsted, H.H. Richardson and E. Church
to get the gist of their role in the preservation movement and a gallery to show how Niagara
Falls has changed over the years. This will also elevate their experience. Thus, Hood's "triad
of investigations" is a very useful approach in memorializing Niagara Falls.
Wikipedia contributors, "Niagara Falls," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Niagara_Falls&oldid=778364994
Accessed March 10, 2017.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203365739401114974/

15. Response to the Brookes
The abolitionist poster, the Brookes, is an iconic image that often is included in
exhibits that explore issues of race and power. It was commissioned by Thomas
Clarkson in 1788, and the Committee of the Abolition of Slavery used it to inform and
shock the public. While some consider the poster as an important component of the
abolitionist campaign, it recently ―has been strongly criticized by some individuals
and groups of African heritage as providing a very limited view of the history of the
transatlantic slave trade, resistance and abolition (Hudson 2007).‖ The lesson here is
that how a viewer sees an image is dependent upon his/her social, economic, and
cultural position. Keeping this in mind, find another iconic graphic that addresses
racial issues and post it for others in your group to view. (Add it to your response by
clicking on the picture in the tools section. Do not add it as an attachment that needs
to be opened.) How do you interpret the graphic? What is its meaning? Now imagine
that someone from a racial and cultural background different than your own is looking
at the same graphic. Briefly describe this person. How might s/he interpret its
meaning? How might this differ from your interpretation? What are the possible
reasons for these differences? (Consider the three assessment principles mentioned
in the article to help you: a technology of vision, an instrument of empathy, and a
symbol of control.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
The photograph above was taken by Elliot Erwitt in 1950 in North Carolina, USA, and
represents the injustice of segregation of black and white people in America during this time.
At this time, the image was an example of how much things needed to change in America.
Discrimination in America took a turn for the worse after the Civil War and segregation
increasingly apparent. When the US joined WW2, the southern society was fully segregated.
Everything from schools, colleges, hotels, public bathrooms, cemetery, drinking fountains,
prisons, and even churches had separate areas for white and blacks. When I first looked at
this photograph, I was shocked and I understood its meaning right away. I did not
necessarily need to know any background information as the image itself told me a story. In
this picture, we can a black man glancing at the 'white' fountain as he is going to drink water
from the 'colored' fountain. From the picture we can see that the 'white' fountain is visibly
more luxurious than the colored. Therefore, this image is an evidence of racial inequality in
America. If someone from a racial or cultural background, for example a black man, saw this
picture, he would also be in shock to see how colored people were treated back in 1950.
They would feel a sense of minority as white people had the entire majority at that time. But,
now we don't see this happening anymore.
Sophie Davey, “Photographs that tell a story,” Sophie Davey Photographic Journalism,
https://sophiedaveyphoto.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/ Accessed March 16, 2017.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/356558495475657493/

16. Response to Charles Davis and equityXdesign‘s Work
Critique either the MLK Memorial or the National Museum of African American History
and Culture using equityXdesign‘s core beliefs and/or design principles. (Use the
beliefs or principles that are most relevant to your critique rather than all of them.)
(NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
The MLK Memorial is a beautiful memorial for Martin Luther King, an American clergyman,
activist, and a prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He was an
iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, and
also because he used nonviolent resistance. This Memorial symbolizes the struggle of the
black to regain importance in society. This Memorial had a huge impact on all the racial
groups across the world also. This Memorial fits perfectly into equityXdesign's core beliefs
and design principles. According to this article, we should not only credit Martin Luther King
for his contributions but also all the individuals who helped him in doing so. This struggle
started with Martin but many people helped him in carrying on this movement which
ultimately led to its success. Even though there is still some discrimination happening in the
world, there are people still trying to abolish it with the help of the Memorial. The Memorial
will have major impact in the future as well because it encourages people to stand up for
their rights.
“Racism and inequity are products of design. They can be redesigned. ,” equityXdesign,
https://medium.com/@multiplyequity/racism-and-inequity-are-products-of-design-they-can-be-
redesigned-12188363cc6a Accessed March 17, 2017.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Memorial

17. Response to ―Landscape Stories‖ Chapter
First, let‘s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors and/or
outdoors) that you think of as representative of your own ethnic background and
discuss why you consider this place to be ‗ethnic‘. –OR-- Describe an object in your
home that you think of as representative of your ethnic background and discuss why
this object is considered to be ‗ethnic‘. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this object or
place something that you will keep or continue when you establish your own home?
Why or why not?
Now let‘s move into your community. In ―Landscape Stories,‖ the authors show how
landscape architects develop a historical narrative that sifts through and interprets
the culture and material of underrepresented groups. Think about the community
where you grew up. Describe and discuss any evidence of cultural influences on the
physical environment in your community. If possible, describe evidence of the cultural
influence of an underrepresented group. (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.)
My family is Indian, and we have considered our clothes as an object that represents our
ethnic background. Clothing in India varies depending on the different ethnicity, geography
and cultural traditions of the people of each region of India. Historically, male and female
clothing has evolved from simple "Langotas", and loincloths to cover the body to elaborate
costumes not only used in daily wear but also on festive occasions. Also color codes are
followed in clothing based on the religion involved. For instance, Hindu ladies wear white
clothes to indicate mourning, while we, Christians wear white to weddings. When I these
clothes during festive occasions, I feel affiliated and proud of my culture and traditions. And
this is something that I would keep when I establish my own home, to remind of my traditions
and to feel being a part of a larger community.
Over the years, many foreigners have established business in India. As a result, many
people including the underrepresented group got jobs and well as homes to live in. Such
businesses helped in building parks, malls, churches and schools for people to go to. Also,
different styles of food are being made in India. People in India are enjoying the cultural
influence by the foreign businessmen. And this cultural influence is being preserved for the
future generation as well. Children would love to get to know different cultures and traditions
from different parts of the world and hopefully this would bring people closer.
Wikipedia contributors, "Clothing in India," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clothing_in_India&oldid=778389278
Accessed March 31, 2017.
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/indian-dresses/?lp=true

18. Response to Article on Sports Branding
Recent controversies about sports branding focus on ethnicity. The Washington
Redskins team is just one example of the larger controversy, but it receives the most
public attention due to the name itself being defined as derogatory or insulting in
modern dictionaries, and the prominence of the team representing the nation‘s
capital. Should sports team branding designers use ethnic references (Fighting Irish,
Boston Celtics, Atlanta Braves, etc.)? Why? Why not? What are some of the
complexities of this issue? (Limit your response to 150 words.)
I think that it is wrong to name sports teams after ethnic groups. Naming a team after a group
is usually the result of mixed positive connections with the ethnic group and the negative
ones. Certainly, no one objects to the Boston Celtics, or the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, or the
Atlanta Braves as much as they do towards Washington Redskins. The reason for this is
because the word "Redskins" has a long history as an ethnic slur against Native Americans.
Thus, people would expect them to find it offensive and feel disregarded. One of the main
complexities of this issue is stereotypes. Mascots are chosen for the stereotypical traits they
embody. Some believe that mascots pay homage to the people and help promote a better
understanding of those who dominated America before Europeans landed. While others say
that mascots perpetuate stereotypes that are void of context and history.
Erik Brady, “The real history of Native American team names,” USA Today Sports,
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2016/08/24/real-history-native-american-team-
names/89259596/ Accessed March 31, 2017.
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/redskins-logo/?lp=true

19. Response to ―Visualizing Gender‖ Chapter
In their chapter ―Communicating Gender,‖ Maya Ganesh and Gabi Sobliye
discuss two primary visual advocacy approaches: 1) get the idea, and 2) stories in
data. Find a new example of either of the two visual advocacy approaches to gender
issues, and post it in this thread. Cite the source.
First, identify the approach. Then explain how the designer uses the approach to
communicate a gender issue. Is the approach effective in this example? Why or why
not? How could this graphic be improved? (Limit your response to 200 words.)
This picture is an example of "Stories in Data". This is an article from the "Independent"
about gender equality. The image in the article compares the ratio between women and men
that feel that gender may hold them back in their careers. The designer uses this graphic to
show the confidence level between men and women. From the graphic, it tells us that more
than half of the female students feel that their gender may hold them back in their career.
They are doubtful whether or not they will progress in their careers as far as they want. The
graphic also tells us that 43% of the women feel that gender will have no future bearing on
their pay and rewards, which is quite low. These stories also highlight the issue of
"gendered" sectors, which continues to restrict talent pools in certain industries. As a result
of graphic, women are now getting well-paid jobs and have more confidence in
themselves. This shows how effective the designer's approach was. I don't think this graphic
needs any improvements as the image is all about the information that it provides us.
Zlata Rodionova, “Gender equality: more than half of women fear their gender will hurt their
career,” The Independent, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/gender-
equality-more-than-half-of-women-fear-their-gender-will-hurt-their-career-a6993956.html
Accessed April 7, 2017.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/gender-equality-more-
than-half-of-women-fear-their-gender-will-hurt-their-career-a6993956.html

20. Response to Bathroom Bill
Last year, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that repealed
local LGBT anti-discrimination laws, and required people to use the bathroom that
corresponded with the biological gender written on their birth certificates. This
prompted massive backlash. McCrory stated, ―You know, we all have to make
adjustments in life. And we‘ve had the proper etiquette situation for decades in our
country, and all of a sudden through political correctness we‘re throwing away basic
etiquette.‖ Just this past Thursday, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill
to repeal the law while placing a moratorium on nondiscrimination measures.
Should people be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with the biological
gender written on their birth certificate? State why AND state why not. In other words,
to receive full credit for this question, you need to present an argument for both sides
of the issue. As a designer, how would you solve this gender dilemma? Use the SEE-
IT method to respond to this question. (Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
The highly charged debate over transgender rights has resulted in a tangle of contradictory
laws like the Bathroom bill, governing access to public bathrooms across the United States.
Many states permit transgender people to choose bathrooms based on their gender identity,
considering it a civil rights issue. But in a handful of states and cities, legislators are moving
in the opposite direction. I strongly believe that people should be able to use the bathroom
that matches who they are. It is essential for the health and well-being of transgender people
for them to be able to live in accordance with their internal gender identity in all aspects of life
and restroom usage is a necessary part of that experience. Also, there is no rule that a
person must look a certain way to use a certain restroom. The kind of "gender policing" is
harmful to everyone, whether a transgender person, a butch woman, an effeminate man or
anyone dressed in a way that doesn't conform to someone else's gender standards. There
are also many disadvantages as well. Individuals find it uncomfortable sharing restrooms
with transgender people as it results into a crime. Also, some people pretend to be who their
not and cause a lot of trouble which results in the implementations of this laws. But this is no
excuse. As a designer, I would try to solve this issue by extending stall doors and walls from
floor to ceiling so that it can provide privacy for all.
Jason Hanna, Madison Park and Eliott C. McLaughlin, “North Carolina repeals „bathroom
bill‟ ,” CNN, http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/30/politics/north-carolina-hb2-agreement/
Accessed April 7, 2017.
https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/4glaov/

21. Response to Hidden ways
Author Steven Flusty categorized five types of disciplinary architecture that
perpetuate what he calls urban spatial injustice: 1) stealthy, 2) slippery, 3) crusty, 4)
prickly, and 5) jittery. Go out into the city of Buffalo, and find/photograph two
examples from the list of five. Identify what type of space you‘ve photographed and
why it might discriminate against a specific population. Identify the location where
you took the photographs, and make certain that you are in at least one of the two
photographs.
This is a photo of the Front Park in Buffalo (Top). This is an example of a "Pricky" space
because there are only a few benches present in this park which makes it difficult for people
to seat and relax in the park. This shows how public parks are designed to limit the time that
people might spend in the parks by only providing few benches. Another reason for this
could be that they do not want people to sleep on these benches for a long period of
time. Homeless people usually spend their night at the parks to get shelter. But this is
discrimination against the elderly and disabled because they are the groups of people who
mostly need the benches to take a rest.
This is the UB Alumni Arena on the North Campus (Bottom). This is an example of a
"Slippery" place because everyone can see this building but people can only enter this
building from the main door of the building which makes it difficult for people to enter who
park their cars at the back side of the building. Also many others doors are closed as well
which makes it inconvenient for people to use and enter the building.
Eric Jaffe, “The Hidden Ways Urban Design Segregates The Poor,” FastCo Design,
https://www.fastcodesign.com/3034206/the-hidden-ways-urban-design-segregates-the-poor
Accessed April 14, 2017.
By Leslie Sequeira

22. Response to People Like Us
After almost two decades of public assistance, Tammy Crabtree took herself and her
family off the welfare rolls. But her job cleaning bathrooms at a local Burger King
barely paid the bills. Crabtree wanted to do better and hopes to go to college and
become a teacher.
Imagine this scenario. You are a designer who works at the well-known
firm, iPD (Integrated Planning and Design). You work on a team with planners, urban
designers, policy designers, architects, and social designers. You have been tasked
to develop/design a way for Tammy Crabtree and her family (and others with
situations similar to Tammy‘s) to move themselves out of poverty. What will your team
do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What approach will your team
take to address this difficult problem?
One of the approaches me and my team would take to help Tammy and her family would be
to encourage self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency is the act of being able to live or function
without the help or support of others. I would design a program that would help families like
Tammy's to escape poverty and to live a better life. This program will be a move-to-
work program in which people are required to work for at least 12 hours per week in order to
be in the program and to be financially supported. This program would help Tammy to
provide the support she needs to pay her bills and fees by just working for few hours per
week. The main aim of this program is to help families to get off this program by getting into
a better position financially. This program will help Tammy to achieve her dreams of going to
college and becoming a teacher.
https://www.emaze.com/@ALFILIQW/Poverty

23. Response to Carroll Article: ―(Re)forming Regent Park: When Policy Does Not Equal
Practice‖
The development of Regent Park is phased, and there are several more phases to the
project. What actions could be taken to ensure more social integration for the older
people living in the ‗new and improved‘ Regent Park?
The Regent Park was built in the late 1940s as a public housing project. Regent Park was
designed to be the habitation for low-income families. It was to house people experiencing
financial difficulties. The majority of the populations in Regent Park are immigrants. The
average income of the residents in the Park was considered low. Due to low income, it is
hard for the residents to buy nutritious food that are affordable. The Regent Park was
revitalized in six different phases was helped a lot of low-income people and it had many
other benefits as well. But, not all problems were solved. The housing spaces where also
separated by the age differences among the residents which made it difficult for old people to
communicate with others. One way of solving is issue could be by organizing group meeting
or community meetings so old people can get to know other residents and can feel like being
a part a larger community. Another issue among older people in the "new and improved"
Regent Park was that it was hard for them to travel around. So the introduction of bus or
shuttles would be very useful for old people to travel in. This will help in ensuring more social
integration for the older people. Another way to ensure more social integration for the older
people can be by joint housing. This way people of different age groups can live together in
an apartment and they can get to know each other better. This will also provide the help
needed by elder people in their day to day life.
Wikipedia contributors, "Regent Park," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Regent_Park&oldid=777735136
Accessed April 21, 2017.
http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/06/
neighbourhood-node-new-and-old-regent-park

24. Response to Enriquez TED Talk: ―What Will Humans Look Like in 100 Years‖
For this question, we will focus on Juan Enriquez‘ Life Two civilization, which alters
fundamental aspects of the body. We are living longer than ever before in human
history. Enriquez argues that, because of advances in bio-medical technology, the
possibility of living to 120 years of age and beyond is quite possible for many of us in
this D+D class. Assuming that his assertion is accurate, how do you think extended
life spans will change our societies and built environments? What new issues might
designers face because of extended life spans?
In the TED Talk, Juan Enriquez talks about the possibility of evolving human beings just like
how we can evolve bacteria, plants and animals. He tells us about the uses of technology
and how it can provide longevity. Due to this, there is an increase in the life spans for many
people. Increasing longevity has contributed to unprecedented global economic growth and
wonderful opportunities for the personal fulfillment. But, this demographic aging shift will
have massive impacts on government budgets, living standards, individual health and well-
being and social stability. Public health has traditionally addressed the built environment to
tackle specific health issues like access for people with disabilities. A designer can help in
many ways. First, designers have to take into account the way people will live and work as
they age. There has to be proper housing and transportation services so that it is easily
accessible for older people. Second, designers should make sure the environment is bias-
free. Things that do not require youth ability can help a broad range of people of different
ages and abilities. Designers have to make sure that the environment should not presume a
user to be young or old. For example, if there is a mall with just stairs and escalators
available, it will be hard for a person in a wheelchair to go up a floor. So designers have to
make elevators that can help people with disabilities as well as young people.
Juan Enriquez, “What Will Humans Look Like in 100 Years,” TED Talks,
https://www.ted.com/talks/juan_enriquez_what_will_humans_look_like_in_100_years/transcr
ipt?language=en Accessed April 21, 2017.
http://www.godandscience.org/evolution/dual_coding_dna_design.html

25. Response to PPT, Smithsonian, and Roy
The two most frequently mentioned models of disability are the ‗social‘ and the
‗medical‘ models. The medical model of disability views disability as a medical
‗problem‘ that belongs to the disabled individual. The social model of disability, in
contrast, draws on the idea that it is society that disables people, through designing
everything to meet the needs of the majority of people who are not disabled. There is
a recognition within the social model that there is a great deal that society can do to
reduce, and ultimately remove, some of these disabling barriers, and that this task is
the responsibility of society, rather than the disabled person. In the Smithsonian
online exhibition, the story about the superhero hand, and Elise Roy‘s TED Talk, you
saw examples of ways to engage disability that use the social model rather than the
medical model. In the Disability and Design PowerPoint, you were introduced to the
concept of Universal Design (UD) (sometimes called inclusive design, design-for-all,
or human-centered design). Certainly, UD embraces the social model of disability. In
this same PowerPoint, you saw positive and negative examples of each of the seven
principles of universal design.
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 principle that these images represent is the "Flexibility in Use" design. This principle
states that it should accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. The
image on the top shows a college classroom with seats that are for right handed people and
not for left handed people. These seats were especially made for right handed people
because majority of the population are right handed people. The design of these seats where
made without thinking about left handed people. This image disempowers left handed people
by making them feel uncomfortable by using seats that are meant for right handed
people. This image does not obey the "Flexibility in Use" principle because it does not
provide accuracy as well as choice for left handed students. Whereas, the image on the
bottom empowers both right and left handed people. Left handed people won't feel
uncomfortable using tables. In my opinion, the use of long tables in classrooms is sufficient
enough to facilitate any person. But another good solution would be to have a mixture of
seats which can accommodate left handed and right handed people. Some seats should be
meant for right handed students and some seats for left handed students. This would create
some space in the classroom as well for students to get out.
http://www.ctdginc.com/k-12-and-higher-education-classrooms/

26. Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
Currently, we have the technology for you to choose many of the survey
characteristics in your future child, and this ability to choose poses some ethical
questions. Of course, we all want the best for our own child. However, as we move
into a more collective situation, we need to consider how the consequences of
majority choices for children might change who we are as a species. In the film trailer
FIXED, you were introduced to the dilemma of living in a culture in which the
―science-fiction of human enhancement‖ has become almost a way of life, from
prenatal genetic screening to bionic body parts. In the video, ―A Man with Three Ears‖
you are introduced to an artist who is using current technology to move humans
beyond their current abilities. Last week, Juan Enriquez asked us if it is ethical to
evolve the human body. All of these videos suggest that the concept of disability ‗as
we know it‘ could cease to exist in the future.
This leads us to this week‘s discussion question:
What lessons do you think we should learn from history when thinking about
emerging enhancement technologies and reproductive technologies? What are some
of the possible consequences (both positive and negative) of being able to design our
bodies and the bodies of our children? What ethical quandaries do these technologies
pose?
It is been known quite a while now that, human enhancement using technologies has been
practiced with a reckless and selfish short term perspective that is ignorant of the long term
consequences on individuals and the rest of the society. People in the past have feared that
some enhancements will create unfair physical or mental advantages to those who need it
to live a proper life. A positive consequence of enhancement would be that it would be able
to cure any disease that occurs in the body. Also with the aging population, these
technologies will prove essential as it would allow us to work further in old age. These
technologies will increase our physical capabilities and our concentration. A negative
consequence of enhancement is that it could such capabilities would change, for the worse,
the dynamic relations within a family. Also, babies that have impairment and use
enhancements could harm the unconditional love a parent ought to give their child and this is
a serious problem. The use of enhancements would people similar to each other and there
won't be much difference. People should prefer "enablement" rather than "enhancement".
The ethical quandaries these technologies pose is that it could blur the boundaries between
abled bodies and disabled and old citizens by reducing prejudice and increasing the quality
of life and opening up opportunities for those once unable to work.
Wikipedia contributors, "Human enhancement," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Human_enhancement&oldid=775486509
Accessed April 28, 2017.
http://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/event/1162

27. 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?
Titicut Follies is a 1967 documentary film directed by Frederick Wiseman about the patient-
inmates of Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane. Just before the film was
about to be shown to the public, the government claimed that the film violated the patients'
privacy and dignity. But a few years later, the film was released to the public to view.
In my opinion, Wiseman should have been allowed to film the residents of
Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility even though it was a violation of the human
rights laws and the patients themselves did not give any consent themselves because he
had good intentions. He wanted the public the to know about the outrageous conditions at
Bridgewater. He said in an interview that "If the First Amendment of the Constitution protects
anything, it's a journalist's right to report on conditions in a prison." If the film was released at
that the time it was filmed, people would have been shocked of the horrors and try to make a
change for the betterment of those people. Designers also could have helped the people
living in the hospital to live a better life. They could have designed the rooms where the
patients could live peacefully. Communication designers could have made sure that the
wardens were treating the patients fairly and that they are meant to help the patients become
better. Designers can make sure that the patients get provided with clean and sufficient
clothing and bedding for maintaining humanitarian conditions and also to ensure good
hygiene. Thus, the film can be a medium for designers to learn something.
Wikipedia contributors, "Titicut Follies," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Titicut_Follies&oldid=780530156
Accessed May 5, 2017.
https://peoplecallmecrazy.wordpress.com/

28. 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‖?
As a resident of the neighborhood, I would support this proposal because I believe they are
humans just like us. There are always a few people who do not like to live in such a
neighborhood where intellectually challenged people live for their own personal reasons.
One way to change the opinions about the construction of the group would be to hold
community meeting where we can discuss the goods and bad of the construction. We can
show residents that this will be useful for the betterment of the challenged adults. We can
provide them insurance that the challenged adults will not cause any harm to them or
their children. This way everybody can live peacefully. The residents of the home can also
live a better life just like ours. By making sure that they get good clothing and bedding they
can have good hygiene and can avoid any diseases. There should be visiting hours so that
residents can visit the people living in the group home to make sure that they are doing well.
This will provide good interaction time between the residents and the challenged adults.
http://www.successwithglenn.com/motivational/

29. 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 place where I worshiped in Dubai is the church, named St. Mary's Catholic Church. All
the Christians in Dubai come to this church to pray. My church holds many fund raising
campaigns for helping the poor and also helps people in getting jobs because of its contacts.
People like my mother have donated so much money for the betterment of others. This was
one of the ways my church gained its reputation in the Middle East. By helping the poor, the
church has influenced the environment as well. The area around it is a crime-free
environment. People feel much safer while going to church. My church also brings people
from different countries together. They have small communities for each group of people
from different countries so that nobody feels alone. The church has been helping the poor for
so many years with the intention that they live better a life free from poverty and
discrimination. In the coming years, the church will continue providing this good deed.
Wikipedia contributors, "St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dubai," Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=St._Mary%27s_Catholic_Church,_D
ubai&oldid=780475289 Accessed May 12, 2017.
http://www.guide2dubai.com/living/expat-life/christian-churches-dubai

30. Response to Prospects for the Future of Diversity and Design
Consider the quote in your syllabus from educator Michael J. Shannon: “Design, as
vision in action--the intersection of understanding and creation--is a universal human
capability that can play a fundamental role in social evolution, in the process that
transforms resources, energy, and information to make our world.”
At the beginning of this course, we discussed the idea that we are all designers
regardless of our profession or field of study. We‘ve asked some big questions along
the way, and the conclusion section of our textbook raises additional issues that
require input from people who might not consider themselves to be part of the
formalized design professions.
Think about your own major and/or future profession. What is the biggest challenge,
problem, or question that your field needs to tackle right now? What do you plan to do
to address this challenge, problem, or question either as part of your studies or
professional life?
I am majoring in Computer Science and I plan on doing a minor in Mathematics as well.
Like many other majors, Computer Science also has so many challenges in life. There is an
exploding demand for Computer Science in the US because of its scope in the future.
Engineering is all about tackling a challenge with a design that you construct using your
know knowledge and creativity. I am just realizing now how Computer Science can help me
succeed at not just being a software developer, but with nearly any job available. Becoming
a software developer is easy but getting the job you want is the difficult part. Everybody
thinks that majoring in Computer Science will provide you a very good job but that is not the
case. Companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, etc. only want geniuses and not just an
average graduate with a Bachelor's degree. I would address this situation by urging
everyone to study hard so that they can get the job they want.
http://www.marywood.edu/progs/ug/computer-science