This document contains my responses to discussion questions in UB class ARC211- American Diversity and Design.

1. AMERICAN DIVERSITY
AND DESIGN
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS http://editorial.designtaxi.com/news-infworkplacediversity220814/1.jpg
University at Buffalo - State University of New York
ARC 211 - American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Marissa Hayden

2. Week 1 Module
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, I'm Marissa and I'm a freshman in the architecture program. I'm from
Syracuse, NY and I like to draw in my free time. I like to try new things, so recently I’ve
been painting more and trying different mediums of art. My favorite food is chicken
riggies, and I love to cook. I also have a twin sister and I love dogs and John Mayer.
Over the course of this year, I’ve found that I’m really passionate about school and my
major.
This class influenced my ability to state my opinions on controversial topics. I
was introduced to new readings and standpoints, which I then considered and found my
own standpoint on the topics. My viewpoints on topics discussed in the modules
changed throughout the course, however my opinions mostly stayed the same.
Although, I did explore new ways to look at the issues and topics discussed. I
particularly enjoyed reading other people’s responses to the discussion questions and
hearing about how other people are influenced by the world.
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.
Michaela Senay

3. Week 1 Module
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 out-dated
information, which put them at a disadvantage.
An important invention that changes peoples' lives is the camera. The first
camera was invented in 1839 and since then it has made life much easier and more
enjoyable. It is useful to capture moments that we cannot always remember exactly and
to take a photo of something instead of writing it down. Cameras are used to make tv
shows and movies, and are used in some way in most professions. Most people own
one or own a phone that has one and use it every day. Cameras are used to record
videos and photos that are used to advertise and spread important messages. I think
that the invention as a whole has improved peoples' lives.
https://raoulpop.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/ca
non-7d.png

4. Week 1 Module
Thread 3
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.)
A design that was impacted by a diversity group is the car. Cars and vans have
been redesigned to accommodate people in wheelchairs. They have lifts to help those
in wheelchairs easily enter and exit the car. This saves time and makes it so people
don't have to worry about fitting their wheelchair somewhere else in the car. These lifts
are also used in pools and in small buildings that don't have the room for an elevator or
ramp.
http://www.nmeda.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/09/handicap-accessible-
vehicle.jpg

5. Week 2 Module
Thread 1: 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 in the Ted talks video belong in the media message or product
section of the diagram. The photos have been seen by the world and have evoked
change in some way.They have communicated a message to people without directly
saying it with words. A mass media photo that has served as an icon of an event is the
photo of a little boy in an ambulance in Syria. He is covered in dust and blood after
rescuers saved him. This photo has gotten lots of attention by the media, but according
to the photographer, it is an ordinary occurence in Syria.
http://media4.s-
nbcnews.com/i/newscms/2016_33/1151721/omran
-daqneesh-syrian-boy-rescued-today-160818-
tease_5e473fa6ca86912cc7ef9596844cb6ca.jpg

6. Week 2 Module
Thread 2: 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 hats are vehicles of communication design because they directly
communicate a message to the public. The two hats represent two opposing viewpoints.
The red hat delivers Trumps slogan and the pink hat represents the views of feminists.
The two hats are worn by followers of each group and publicly show their views. They're
different because they represent opposite opinions.
https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.2cYSui9TYrsZX
twCo33AfwEsDO&pid=15.1

7. Week 3 Module
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?
Some social effects of the production line were the increase in new materials and
interest in design. The consequences, however, were more related to workers and
consumers. For example, the workers did not have to be skilled and they probably
made less wages because they all did essentially the same job. Also, consumers
purchased products that were made in bulk, so they were not special. Any artistic
product or design was not unique because it was made in the production line and didn't
have the artisan touch. Nonetheless, the production line made production much easier
and forever affected how products were made in the U.S. Products can be offered in
large quantities because of how easy they are to make. Many workers in America today
work in factories that operate on systems similar to the production line. Though, today,
machines and robots are used in place of human workers as well. In Maurice Conti's
TED talk, he touches on this subject. He predicts that humans will enter the "augmented
age"- a time when humans will be affected by computation systems to help us think and
preform. 1 I predict that in the next 20 years, manufacturing will become even more
advanced and use mostly robots to do jobs in factories. It will decrease jobs available to
humans.
http://ichef-
1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/DA1F/producti
on/_84293855_robotfactory.gif
Conti, Maurice. Maurice Conti: The incredible inventions of intuitive AI | TED Talk | TED.com. TEDxPortland, n.d. Web. 02 May 2017.
<https://www.ted.com/talks/maurice_conti_the_incredible_inventions_of_intuitive_ai?language=en>.

8. Week 3 Module
Thread 2: Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
NOTE: Use the first three part of the SEE-IT method of critical thinking (State,
Elaborate, Exemplify) to address the following questions:
Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle
concept developed by architect William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael
Braungart? How does this product resist or disregard the concept? Do you know
of any products that embrace Cradle-to-Cradle design? If so, please describe.
I'd say that many of the products on the 2016 IDEA gold award list seem to defy
the Cradle-to-Cradle concept. Most of them seem fascinating and helpful, but few of
them mention reusing materials, saving energy, or the idea of bringing back the product
for reuse after it is used. One of the products, OneBlade, seemed to disregard the
concept to me, because it said it is made of "the highest quality materials through a
manufacturing process that has never been used for this type of product." 2 The
description did not state what the process was or how the product relates to the Cradle-
to-Cradle concept in any way. It talks about quality and experience, but that is not so
relevant to the concept.
I am aware of a few products that embrace the cradle-to-cradle concept and
design. I work at a grocery store and I know that at my job, many plastic products are
made from recycled plastic. For example, the baskets to hold groceries and plastic
water bottles. The say the percentage of reused plastic on them. They even say how
customers can recycle and reuse them, and customers get money back for their bottles
and cans. Customers can reuse the plastic bags also.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_i7AaUxJ-
fBA/S9G10iXEYlI/AAAAAAAAIuI/mgcaPuOw_GU/s16
00/free+Wegmans+tote+bag.jpg
“IDEA Gallery." Industrial Designers Society of America - IDSA. Accessed May 03, 2017. http://www.idsa.org/awards/idea/gallery.

9. Week 4 Module
Thread 1: Response to All Module 4 MaterialsCOLLAPSE
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.)
There were many buildings discussed in this week's materials but there are two
that stand out to me after reading this prompt. One building that has sensibilities about
the past is the Virginia State Capitol building by Thomas Jefferson. It is basically a
building that copies past buildings and structures from around the world. The classical
buildings of Italy and Greece were precedents for this building. It is well known and was
trend-setting in America but it is not original. The pediment and columns look exactly
like those from ancient temples, because Jefferson studied such buildings. However,
there is one difference between his building and previous temples; his lacks the front
steps. His capitol building set the stage for many other "copy-cats" in the U.S., like
Abbott Hall here on UB's south campus, countless banks, and even houses.
One building that has sensibilities about the present/future is "Aqua" by Jeanne
Gang. It is a 82 story skyscraper that has balconies placed in such a way to allow for
human connection between levels. They also break the wind, which is smart and
necessary since it is in the windy city. The building has a specific purpose, which is to
connect newcomers to the city. It is futuristic because the facade is wavy and glassy. I
can't think of a building that looks like this one does, so I'd say it is unique.
https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.7cs7llKYlO2
-36YhDfhtDgCAEs&pid=15.1

10. Week 4 Module
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.)
Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor both believe that architecture can affect
how a person lives their life.3,4 Ballantyne thinks that buildings are important to people
based on how we experience and interact with them. He pushes aside the artistic
quality of buildings and focuses more on how a person uses a building, repeatedly, until
it is a habit. Ballantyne mentions how a tourist views a building from the outside and
sees the appearance but doesn't always get to experience it from the interior. Zumthor
pretty much agrees that most people view buildings in this way. Zumthor ultimately
thinks that the appearance and artistic qualities of a building are most important. He
does, however, touch on the fact that buildings can have a place in our memory based
on their sensorial qualities.
I feel like most buildings we come in contact with heighten our senatorial
experience in at least one way. One type of building pops into my head first- a church. I
have been in churches and I believe that they affect one's sensorial experience through
sight, touch, smell, hearing, and even taste. Some of these senses are affected by
outside objects being brought into the building. However, the design of a church often
creates an echo and heightens our hearing experience. The designs are often beautiful,
affecting our sight of the building. Many times, there are candles burning in a church
that one can smell. The pews have rails that people can hold onto and touch in the
church. This is only one example, but most buildings do affect our senses.
http://n7.alamy.com/zooms/f3139e8242ba4353
91c9bf0aa2503f11/interior-of-the-cathedral-of-
mdina-a-town-on-the-island-of-malta-bje7wt.jpg
Zumthor, Peter. Thinking architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2010. Print.

11. Week 5 Module
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 Syracuse, New York. Syracuse was originally called the "Salt City"
because there were salt springs in the large lake in the city, Onondaga Lake. The Erie
Canal was dug directly through Syracuse, and this added a lot of traffic to the area. It is
something I remember learning a lot about during elementary school, because it
effected the area so much. It brought work and commerce. Nowadays, the canal is
mostly used for recreation and to walk the trails along it. There is a main road in
Syracuse that runs through the city, down through my town, Camillus, and even into
other cities. This road is called West Genesee Street and it has mostly all of the
shopping malls and centers on it. The city bus service, which is Centro, runs all the way
down this road and through Syracuse. There is a train station in Syracuse also.
Syracuse is the 5th most populated city in New York, but to me it isn't that large. Most
people from Syracuse feel a sense of pride for living there, probably because of
Syracuse University's school spirit.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/
thumb/d/d7/Syracuse_NY.jpg/400px-
Syracuse_NY.jpg

12. Week 5 Module
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?
Pruitt Igoe failed due to economic, demographic, political, and architectural
factors. Three strategies for rebuilding Pruitt Igoe could be saving energy, increasing
diversity, and increasing recreation. Larson valued the idea of saving energy and
increasing efficiency. Pruitt Igoe didn't take energy into consideration and one of it's
downfalls was the sanitation and upkeep issue. People living there ended up throwing
their garbage into the hallways, elevators, basement, and yards. The broken utilities
were not fixed and this was a major problem. If there was a way to maintain upkeep and
do it while saving energy, this would ensure that the project would run smoother and
last longer. Talen believes that city planning has to find away around the tendencies of
segregation. Pruitt Igoe failed due to the segregation that occurred. Riots stemmed from
this and people often referred to the project as "poor people housing." Having people of
mixed backgrounds come together would probably also help the project. I would have
the new project include recreational places. For example; parks, lounges, game rooms,
etc. The different residents could get to know each other and help eachother to keep the
place somewhere nice to live. I also think that the living space should not restrict which
family members are able to live there. In the documentary, one lady talked about how
her husband wasn't able to live there and it ended up tearing the family apart. This
probably encouraged the outrage and unmotivated residents to pay attention to upkeep.
I think all of these strategies would make the public housing last longer.
http://iconicornot.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/11/Pruitt-igoe_collapse-
series.jpg

13. Week 6 Module
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?
Olmsted believed that Buffalo was the best planned city in the nation and
possibly the world because of the way that it connected different areas of the city.
Olmsted's park system was what made Buffalo stand out from other cities. The park
system was and is great for Buffalo because it connects many different parts of the city
and serves as a public space for the community. I actually visited seven of Olmsted's
parks, a parkway, and a circle for another class. I got to experience the parks and how
to navigate from one to another. Many of them had large open areas that were great for
people to meet up in. They are all planned out in a great way, and run from one side of
the city to the other. However, some of Olmsted's parks and parkways were destroyed
due to the construction of the highways that run through Buffalo. When I visited Buffalo
for the first time, my friend was giving me a tour and she was telling me how devastating
it was to the people and the community in Buffalo that such an amazing system was
hindered. I think Olmsted would also feel that way.
http://buffaloah.com/a/landmks/parks2.jpg

14. Week 6 Module
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).
I think that the Ellicott Complex on UB's North campus should be memorialized
because it is a very important part of the school. It is made of 38 buildings which are
residence halls, dining halls, lecture halls, and many open courtyards. I believe that the
courtyards could be utilized much more than they are. I think that the atmosphere would
benefit if there were more captivating things going on outdoors. The courtyards are
more than big enough to host multiple activites and to include green space for
gathering. As of now, the buildings themselves are really cool looking and are effective
from the inside and outside. However, the courtyards are just boring concrete spaces
that are really open but very uninviting. The space could be used to host classes, and
for people to eat and work outside. I think that the spaces could have beautiful flower
gardens put in, with ledges for people to sit on and gather around. It is a proven fact that
people are more productive when introduced to fresh air. I feel that this area could really
improve the campus. The Ellicott complex is so important to UB and I think that
memorializing it by adding green space could make the most of it.
http://library.buffalo.edu/archives/img/ellicott1.j
pg

15. Week 7 Module
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 photo is of the Woolworth’s Lunch sit-in in Greensboro, North Carolina in
1960. Four college students politely asked for service at the restaurant, which denied
service to African Americans. The students then remained seated and sparked a
movement of sit-ins across the nation. The photo disturbs me because the men and
women are being disrespected and assaulted solely because of their race. At the same
time, I admire the subjects because they are taking the assault in order to change
society. I think that if someone else was viewing this image and was African American,
they might interpret it differently. I was talking to my friend, who is African American,
about this and he said that he is directly offended, and is angry because his people are
being treated so horribly. He said he also understands if someone felt gratitude because
this picture calls attention to the fact that racism was, and still is prominent in our
country.
https://btx3.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/woolw
orth-sit-in.jpg

16. Week 7 Module
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.)
Radical inclusion brings together different types of people and eliminates
barriers. The national museum of African American History brings together people that
want to learn the history and admire the journey of African Americans in our nation. It
welcomes all people and it’s sole purpose is to educate. Radical inclusion is also about
loving others and not just respecting difference. Loving starts with learning and
understanding.
http://www.architecturalrecord.com/ext/resourc
es/Issues/2016/Nov/projects/1611-Projects-
Landmark-Freelon-Adjaye-Bond-Smith-Group-JJR-
Washington-DC-National-Museum-of-African-
American-History-and-Culture-01.jpg

17. Week 8 Module
Thread 1: 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 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.)
When I was younger, my grandpa handmade a family tree on large paper. He
wrote the names of my ancestors very small, and it fills up the entire paper. (I've
attached a photo.) The tree stops at around 2005, and since then many more family
members have been married and born. It is in my house, and whenever I have people
over or family members from the other side of my family, they love to look at it and see
how big my family is. I think that this represents my ethnicity well because it shows my
ancestry and Italian heritage. A while after my grandpa made this, my cousin was still
very interested and did a lot of research on my family and found even more names and
information about our ethnicity and ancestors. It was a very cool topic for my family to get
together and talk about, and was even a bonding moment between the family members.
When I look at it, I often ask my mom about her family members that I don't see as much
or that have passed away. I think that is one of my favorite things to hear her talk about.
In my hometown, there are different neighborhoods that consist of different ethnic
groups. For example, Little Italy in Syracuse. There is a neighborhood close to my old
house which has Chinese temples and residents. There are many immense statues just
in the front lawns of their houses, and it really adds to the neighborhoods and city.
Catherine Hayden

18. Week 8 Module
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.)
I believe that sports team branding designers should not use ethnic references.
Most teams with ethnic names can be considered offensive and derogatory. The
Washington Redskins does recieve a lot of attention, but it is not the only team with a
controversial name or logo. For example, the Boston Celtics can be considered
offensive to some people. The leprechaun itself was actually a derogatory and
stereotypical depiction of the Irish in the past. So, this could offend anyone. It doesn't
recieve as much attention because most people don't use the phrase in a hurtful way. I
think that the team names and logos can be changed without destroying the teams.
People will probably still support the team without an offensive name. Of course, it is all
up to personal opinion and experience, so that is why the issue is so complex.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thu
mb/8/8f/Boston_Celtics.svg/1024px-
Boston_Celtics.svg.png

19. Week 9 Module
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 approach for this poster on gender inequality is "stories in data". The
infographic calls attention to a major social issue by using design methods such as
simplistic clipart-like images, large text, questions, and percentages. It is simple enough
for everyone to understand and become interested in, and it gets the point across very
well. The infographic also uses direct quotes from women and men, so that other
women and men can relate to them and become interested in the poster. The fact that
the infographic shows exact percentages also enhances the viewer's reaction to the
facts. I think that the approach of this poster is effective. However, it could be improved
by choosing a neutral color for the background.
thelondoner.eu/international-womens-day-where-
is-the-gender-equality/

20. Week 9 Module
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.)
People should not be required to use a bathroom that is the gender they were
assigned at birth. People should be able to use the bathroom that they believe fits their
gender. Either way the law goes, there is going to be instances where people feel
uncomfortable. For example, if there is a law that requires people to use the bathroom
of their gender assigned at birth, then that isn't the gender they are now and it could
make other people uncomfortable. It would be a man going into a womans' bathroom or
a woman going into a mens' bathroom, and there could be a negative response. The
same could happen if people judged transgender people for using the bathroom of the
gender that they identify as. I think a possible solution to this problem would be to have
bathrooms that are one stall so that anybody can use them. The best way to do this is
have the kind of stalls where the walls reach the floor, so everyone feels comfortable.
This is a more expensive solution, but it could ultimately replace separate restrooms in
certain public spaces.
https://s-media-cache-
ak0.pinimg.com/736x/a1/62/11/a1621158e8874a
ef979b083300ade31b.jpg

21. Week 10 Module
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 photograph, and make certain that you are in at least one of
the two photographs.
Silo city can be categorized as slippery. It is slippery because you can see the
silos from afar but it is hard to access. There is a gate that is locked at the entrance and
the owner is constantly making sure there are no trespassers. The owner does not want
any vandalization of the area. The location might discriminate against a large majority of
the population. Only people that pay for tours can access the location. Students of UB’s
school of architecture can access the location during limited time slots, but that is only
with granted access. This photo is of me at the site, in front of a “door to nowhere.”
Richardson-Olmsted Park can be categorized as jittery. The location was under
construction, so there were definitely security cameras. There are also abandoned
buildings at this location which you cannot trespass in. When I was there, a police car
followed me because I was there. This park is public, however, so it’s quite ironic.
Brooke Nicholas
Marissa Hayden

22. Week 10 Module
Thread 2: Response to People Like Us
After almost two decades of public assistance, Tammy Crabtree took herself and
her family off the welfare rolls. But her job cleaning bathrooms at a local Burger
King barely paid the bills. Crabtree wanted to do better and hopes to go to college
and become a teacher.
Imagine this scenario. You are a designer who works at the well-known firm, iPD
(Integrated Planning and Design). You work on a team with planners, urban
designers, policy designers, architects, and social designers. You have been
tasked to develop/design a way for Tammy Crabtree and her family (and others
with situations similar to Tammy’s) to move themselves out of poverty. What will
your team to do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What
approach will your team take to address this difficult problem?
If I were to design a solution to Tammy's problem with trying to get her off of her
welfare plan and create a better life for herself, it would be to create a better public
transportation system so that she could have access to more job opportunities. It's
extremely difficult for one to be 100% reliable and on time when they need to take public
transportation to get to work, because there are often hold ups or certain times that the
busses/trains come. If the system was improved, she could ensure employers that she
could be reliable at work, and she would have more energy to do her job because she
would never have to walk if the public transportation wasn't an option. The system
would be improved by adding more options to the schedules and improving busses and
trains.
https://www.planetizen.com/files/styles/larg
e/public/img/cleveland-health-line.jpg

23. Week 11 Module
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?
After the redesign of Regent Park, older people experienced even less
integration than before. There were still significant issues of segregation and the older
people were not adequately listened to when they voiced their opinion about what
Regent Park should be like in the next phase. I think that if the designers of Regent
Park included the residents for the entire design process, the same mistakes wouldn't
have been repeated. The older residents had ideas that could ensure more social
integration for older people living in the 'new and improved' Regent Park. For example,
there should be more contact between different income groups. This could be done by
mixing the different types of units on the site and placing them strategically, so that
there is less crime as well. There should also be more contact between different social
groups (people of all ages, ethnicities, etc.) There should be more open access to
public spaces, such as gardens, parks, and community areas for recreation (such as a
pool). This would all increase the social interaction, which leads to behavioral changes.
The behavior of tenants would improve and ultimately, the quality of life would
increase.
http://www.sacredmedicinejourney.org/w
p-content/uploads/2014/05/senior-
community.jpg

24. Week 11 Module
Thread 2: Response to Enriquez TED Talk: “What Will Humans Look Like in 100
Years?”
For this question, we will focus on Juan Enriquez’ Life Two civilization, which
alters fundamental aspects of the body. We are living longer than ever before in
human history. Enriquez argues that, because of advances in bio-medical
technology, the possibility of living to 120 years of age and beyond is quite
possible for many of us in this D+D class. Assuming that his assertion is
accurate, how do you think extended life spans will change our societies and
built environments? What new issues might designers face because of extended
life spans?
If Juan Enriquez' assertion is accurate, then longer life spans will change our
lives and our surroundings. The relationship between the human body and the built
environment is always changing and improving, and this directly affects our lives and
society. As Enriquez talked about, prosthetics are now becoming internal and can be
necessary to survive. For example, pacemakers. Some prosthetics make it possible for
humans to live longer, because without them, they'd die. This puts stress on designers
to create more inventions that can keep people alive for longer. However, when these
inventions are readily available to people and humans begin to live up to 120 years old,
society will inevitably change. The elder population will increase and there will need to
be more elder housing and services available.
There are many changes that will be made to the built environment in response
to an increased life span. The built environment inevitably changes continuously, and a
longer life span will effect it also. For example, it’s possible that human’s bodies won’t
start deteriorating until around age 100. This could cause an increase in devices used to
enhance the quality of life, but not keep someone alive until age 100. Once a person
hits the age that they start becoming unhealthy, they’ll need more advanced devices to
keep them alive longer. There are other devices that designers will start to think about.
These could include smart devices such as smart phones, smart cars, even smart
houses. The devices are highly advances machines for living. Smart devices can detect
your heart rate, temperature, etc. and adjust the surroundings for you. Designers have
already started to address these devices but it would become much more useful if
humans started living until age 120.
http://www.3ders.org/images/handie-3d-
printed-prosthetic-hand-1.png

25. Week 13 Module
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?
I think that Wiseman should have been able to film the residents of Bridgewater
Massachusetts Correctional Facility because the facility allowed him to and the
residents technically do not have the right of privacy since they are in the facility. The
purpose of filming was to expose the facility for the poor treatment of the residents and
to prove how the facility was not working. The film showed how the design of the facility
failed. This film could be of value to designers because they can learn from the
mistakes of the prior designers and upkeepers. It also can give designers a perspective
from how the inside the facility really performs, which they wouldn't normally see.
https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.xJechUE5h8
KE1xuqeWddhQDXEs&pid=15.1

26. Week 13 Module
Thread 2: Response to PPT, The Architecture of Autism, Public Space
Prelude: Wolf Wolfensberger's seminal work "The Origin and Nature of Our
Institutional Models" posited that society characterizes people with intellectual
disabilities as sub-human and burdens of charity, He argued that this
dehumanization, and the segregated institutions that result from it, ignored the
potential productive contributions that all people can make to society. He pushed
for a shift in policy and practice that recognized the human needs of those with
intellectual challenges and provided the same basic human rights as for the rest
of the population.
The Scenario: Imagine that you and your four children live in Amherst, New York
in a $650,000 home at the end of a cul-de-sac on the edge of a ten acre woods.
The town has purchased a one acre lot three houses away from yours, and plans
to build a group home for ten intellectually challenged adults.
As a resident of the neighborhood, would you support or oppose this proposal
and why?
You've learned additional information about the residents of the proposed group
home in your neighborhood. In 2013, three of the ten intended residents exhibited
challenging behaviors including screaming, public masturbation, repetitive
rocking, and echolalia (elective incontinence). However, these behaviors have not
occurred since then.
How would this change your opinion about the construction of the group home in
your neighborhood?
The residents in your neighborhood voted (14-3) to reject the town of Amherst’s
proposal to build a group home in the neighborhood. Town officials agreed that
the home would not be built in your neighborhood if you and your neighbors
could develop a workable alternative.
What are some possible solutions that would allow the residents of the home to
be provided with “the same basic human rights as the rest of the population”?
http://plummerhome.org/cms/wp-
content/uploads/2012/06/grouphome1.jpg

27. As a resident of the neighborhood, I would support the proposal if there were certain
precautions put in place. I believe that it would be my responsibility to take care of my
children and know where they are at all times. That being said, no harm could come to
them if I kept proper track of them. Also, the group home would house ten residents,
which I believe is a reasonable amount of individuals given the size of the home and it's
location. I feel that it wouldn't be a problem to the neighborhood, if it was designed
correctly. For example, having a fence around the back yard and possibly locating the
home towards the back of the lot so that it is pushed back from the main road.
After learning of the additional information, I think that my opinion would remain the
same. Three of the ten residents have displayed certain behaviors but not since 2013. If
there were skilled individuals who acted as caretakers to the residents, I think the
opportunity for harm in the neighborhood would be minimal.
The residents could be guaranteed the same basic rights as the rest of the population
by being able to live in a nice location, out of the city, with space to enjoy themselves. If
they live in the group home, they should be guaranteed proper treatment from
caretakers and any other staff.

28. Week 14 Module
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?
A place of worship that I am familiar with is St. John the Baptist church in
Syracuse, NY. This was the church I attended while I was growing up and my whole
family did the same, even my 92 year old nana attended grade school there. There was
a school attached to the church, however it is currently a school for a different religion. I
think that back when my nana or my dad was younger, the church brought people from
all over the city together. There are small corner stores and restaurants very nearby.
The grounds for the church and school take up almost an entire block. When I was
younger, I would go to a carnival at the parking lots of the church, and win prizes. this
was always a fun time for me, and people who werent part of the church still came. I
think that it still did the job of bringing the community together. However, the churches
role has changed. It doesn't do that anymore because a very small amount of people
attend the church. I think that it is in danger of being shut down, which is sad. The
building might have no use after that. ive seen in another part of Syracuse and in other
cities such as Boston, that churches have been repurposed as living spaces. I think the
concept is pretty cool and it looks beautiful. The outside of the church is preserved and
the inside gets renovated to turn into apartments. This is destroying the inside of the
https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Jo
hn+the+Baptist/@43.0682205,-
76.1585638,120a,35y,50.34h,38.64t/data=!
3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x89d9f23659e6732d
:0x8bbe09a454851cb0!8m2!3d43.068713!4
d-76.1575531

29. church but if it isn't being used, I suppose it is pretty cool. So unless more people start
attending the church and school, this could be a possibility in the future.

30. Week 14 Module
Thread 2: Response to Prospects for the Future of Diversity and Design
Consider the quote in your syllabus from educator Michael J. Shannon: “Design,
as vision in action--the intersection of understanding and creation--is a universal
human capability that can play a fundamental role in social evolution, in the
process that transforms resources, energy, and information to make our world.”
At the beginning of this course, we discussed the idea that we are all designers
regardless of our profession or field of study. We’ve asked some big questions
along the way, and the conclusion section of our textbook raises additional
issues that require input from people who might not consider themselves to be
part of the formalized design professions.
Think about your own major and/or future profession. What is the biggest
challenge, problem, or question that your field needs to tackle right now? What
do you plan to do to address this challenge, problem, or question either as part of
your studies or professional life?
My major and future profession is architecture. There are a few main challenges that
come to mind that the field needs to tackle right now. The other day, the chair of the
department came to talk to my freshman studio. He gave us advice and his thoughts on
our recent project. He also told us 3 main issues that will arise in our careers, that we
need to be able to tackle. The one that stood out to me was that people will tell us that
the way we're doing something isn't right or isn't normal or has never been done before.
That is something we should push to get through, because new ways of doing things is
what has invented new methods that work better than the previous ones. I think that my
studio has already addressed this on a small scale, because we built structures that
people can inhabit without using maybe metal fasteners. That's not normal, but it was
designed and constructed. In the future I think that designers can continue to push "the
norm" And find new ways to build and be environmentally sustainable.
Marissa Hayden

31. Works Cited
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C2CWorld. YouTube. YouTube, 30 Apr. 2014. Web. 02 May 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMsF1P-_vWc>.
Enriquez, Juan. “Juan Enriquez: What will humans look like in 100 years? | TED Talk | TED.Com.” Juan Enriquez: What will
humans look like in 100 years? | TED Talk | TED.Com, June 2016,
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EquityXdesign. “Racism and inequity are products of design. They can be redesigned.” Medium, 15 Nov. 2016,
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Heskett, John. Industrial design. New York, Thames and Hudson, 2004.
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33. VInstitute of Historical Research (IHR), University of London and Institute for the Public Understanding of the Past, University of
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Zumthor, Peter. Thinking architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2010. Print.