Project for Arc211

1. ONLINE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
ARC 211- American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
ALEXANDER SHERMAN
University at Buffalo – State University of New York
https://beta.bps.org.uk/sites/beta.bps.org.uk/files/N
ews%20-%20Images/Diversity%20handprints.jpg

2. To be honest, this course has had very little impact on me in terms of change. I held preexisting opinions on all of the topics discussed
in this course. The required reading in this course did not change any of my beliefs; most of the readings came across either as
pretentious or as attempting to give various aspects of society labels which I felt to be arbitrary. This is not to say that this course did
not have me question my opinions of the world. It did. However, if the goal was to have me change my perspective, it failed. I did
somewhat enjoy the discussion groups. I never had the opportunity to express my opinions in a public space, or articulate them into
formal writing for that matter. This course gave me that opportunity. In terms of gaining new knowledge, I did not learn anything from
this course. However, I did get practice in converting my ideas into formal writing.
The following pages document my responses to the online discussion questions in the Spring 2017 version of ARC211
American Diversity and Design at the University at Buffalo – State University of New York.
Alex Sherman by Heather Leventhal

3. 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.
Social media, in general, is a relatively recent innovation. It allows us to
keep in touch with a variety of people and keep up with their lives, whether
http://trustedk12.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/cyberbullying-
blog.jpg

4. they are glamorous or mundane. The social implications of social media are mostly obvious. It allows us to be a much more socially
connected people, not only with our friends, but with strangers and even loosely with celebrities. All groups are negatively impacted
by social media in the same way, but to different extents. Social media provides a platform in which all voices can be heard. Some of
these voices are less than kind. People are free to discriminate against anyone on the internet, and many make use of that liberty.
People attack others for their race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, political position, religion, and any other aspect that makes
them different than the attacker. While much of this "attacking" is petty insults that are brushed off, in some cases a group of attackers
their victims to drastic actions, even suicide. Although this is a real problem, it’s important to recognize that social media, on the
whole, is not a bad innovation.

5. Response to “Introduction” from Diversity and Design
On “Introduction” from Diversity and Design: Understanding Hidden Consequences
The editors state that “diverse participation in the design process, from both professionals and public
citizens alike, yields more equitable results.” This makes sense, but typically has not been the case.
Nonetheless, many marginalized groups have impacted design in ways that have changed our visual and
physical worlds as well as our systems, policies, and institutions. For example, in the 1960s, disability
rights advocates designed media events to raise awareness about barriers in the physical environment.
They persisted with their efforts for decades, and, finally, in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act
became law. It mandated accessibility in public accommodations such as restaurants and stores, public
transportation, communication, and other areas of public life. This dramatically changed our physical
environment (from curb cuts to ramps to automatic doors) and the results made public life more
equitable.
Now it’s your turn. Describe a design that was impacted by a diversity group. How and why did it change
form and/or circumstances? (Note that a design can be anything requiring planning and development
prior to the production of an action, system, visual, material object, or environment. Also, keep in mind
that, for our purposes, a diversity group is a group of individuals who are underrepresented in society in
some way—children, older adults, the economically disadvantaged, those with cognitive disabilities, etc.)
The wheelchair is a design that has been impacted by a diversity group. The goal of the original wheelchair
design was to provide mobility to those whom cannot walk is still the most prominent. However, some
wheelchairs have been designed specifically for those who are permanently or severely
disabled. For example: My brother has severe cerebral palsy and seizure disorder and hishttp://www.sunrisemedical.com/SunriseMedical/me
dia/Built-4-Me/QM7_Camo.jpg

6. wheelchair is more of a hybrid between a stroller and standard wheelchair. The wheelchair is tilted back to help with some of his
respiratory problems, it’s wheels have the ability to clip into the floor of my family's van, it is padded to be much more comfortable
for long term use than a standard wheelchair, and it has an adjusted headrest to hold his head forward, as he cannot do this himself.
This type of wheelchair isn't specific to my brother either, I have seen plenty of his severely disabled classmates use wheelchairs of
similar customization. This niche type of wheelchair likely developed as it provides enhanced comfort, mobility, and health benefits
for those in a long term situation which a standard wheelchair could not provide.

7. 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?
I don't think the "Model of Media and the Social World" is a good model. Its categories are very interrelated and I feel it isn't accurate
to place a historical photo with such impact into only one of these categories. I think all the photos fit into all the categories to a
certain extent.
Although not as iconic or important in the long run as
of many of the mass media photographs are, the picture
used for Harambe the gorilla assisted in sparking an
uproar in the middle of 2016. In May of 2016, a child
climbed into Harambe's enclosure. Harambe then
grabbed the child, but without apparent hostile
intent. In order to avoid the risk of the child being hurt,
Harambe was killed. This sparked a short lived pseudo-
animal rights uproar. Many thought that Harambe was
unjustly murdered. People were blaming the zoo's
security for allowing a child to physically enter the
enclosure, blaming the child's parents for being irresponsible, and the zoo's
response to the situation. Some people going to the extreme; saying
that the zoo should have let the child die instead of Harambe. People
http://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-
content/uploads/2016/06/gorilla-shot-boy-
zookeper-explains-harambe-amanda-odonoughue-
cincinnati-zoo-1.jpg

8. harassed the Cincinnati zoo to a breaking point. The zoo made the decision to delete their social media accounts as a result. I think that
much of this outrage was caused in part by most popular picture of Harambe. In the above picture, Harambe is portrayed as a gentile
noble creature that is incapable of harming. After his death, Harambe turned into an internet phenomenon. Some people acted as if
Harambe was a genuinely holy creature, a martyr of similar caliber to Jesus Christ. I believe if Harambe had only unflattering photos
then this craze would not have gone as far as it did, or if it would have even lifted off the ground.

9. Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
Typically, we do not think of hats as elements of mass media or social media. However, the two hats (red and pink) discussed
in the articles certainly have taken on that role. Why are the two hats (red and pink) mentioned in the articles vehicles of
communication design? What meanings do each of the two hats carry? In terms of communication design, how are they
similar? And how are they different from one another?
The red and pink hats worn at the women's march are referred to as vehicles of communication design because they convey an
unspoken message. The red hat is a direct response to the "Make America Great Again" hats worn by supporters of the Trump
http://knoxreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/liberal-5.jpg

10. campaign. The pink hat designed to show resistance to the sexism and regressive comments spouted by President Trump during his
campaign. The pink hat's shape resembles a vagina as it refers to President Trump's most infamous remarks:“…grab them by the
pussy…” This comment was part of a conversation regarding Trump’s ability to attract certain attention from women due to his
celebrity status in the mid-2000s. Both the red and pink hats represent a united resilience against our new commander and chief and
the values he stands for. The hats differ in that the red hat's message is against President Trump overall, while the pink hat focuses
solely on the harm that President Trump may inflict upon women.

11. 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?
Due to Ford's production line: products were able to be made more efficiently and less expensively, so
they were able to be sold at lower prices. This meant that products like the automobile were no longer
just for the super-rich. It allowed for a more luxurious existence for the middle class of America.
American's saw how their lives changed for the better and were able to look at the rest of the world,
which was doing relatively worse, then think that their success was somehow directly linked to the
general American morality. This would help contribute to the phenomena known as "The White man's
burden", a mindset in which the supposed morally superior (and therefore more successful) U.S. had a
duty to meddle in the affairs of nations with assumed inferior moralities (the less successful nations).
This "White Man's Burden" was used as a justification to take colonial holds in places like the
Philippines. You can see this sense of the "White Man's
Burden" lingering around to this day, in those who feel
America is inherently on the moral high ground in foreign
“The Filipino’s First Bath” by Grant Hamilton
https://s-media-cache-
ak0.pinimg.com/236x/1b/52/b3/1b52b3955b99483d6c9fd65f5284825d.jpg

12. issues. The stance of the "White Man's Burden" has mostly diminished as it is no longer a view held by the majority. It is a much more
controversial stance to hold today.
My personal hope for America's future in terms of production is a green future. One similar to the ideas brought up in Cradle to
Cradle. I think going in this direction would either create a much more eco-conscious society. Alternatively this type of thinking may
create a society that is even more wasteful because the people think that the manufacturers are picking up all the slack. However,
judging by who is in office; I think we're headed in a direction based off of profit and efficiency of the economy alone. I think because
of this we'll see societal changes that mirror those changes caused by Ford's production line.

13. Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle concept developed by architect William
McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart? How does this product resist or disregard the concept? Do you know of any
products that embrace Cradle-to-Cradle design? If so, please describe.
Most of the products seem to fit in pretty well with the Cradle-to-Cradle concept.
If I had to pick out one that was closest to directly defying the concept I would
say it is the virtual reality headset. Personally, it seems like a product that will
have a slightly improved duplicate be manufactured few years or so. It would
make the previous version of the headset obsolete and therefore soon to be trash.
Although that depends on the future, there is nothing about the headset now that
defies the cradle-to-cradle concept at its core, however I believe it to be the
product with the highest potential to defy the concept in years to come.
Many of the Gold winning IDEA products seem to embrace the cradle-to-cradle
concept. Even the first listed: The HUBB lifetime oil filter is one such product. It
is designed to have a lifespan of fifty years. After fifty years it is able to be
disassembled and reassembled for continued use. This is all while while its
purpose is filtering oil contaminants to make the vehicle it is in more green. It
does not seem to be a product that will be building up in dumps at any
foreseeable point in the future.
The HUBB Lifetime Oil Filter
https://www.carid.com/ic/hubb-
filters/items/3201_6.jpg

14. 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?
I think that Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Capitol building exemplifies
being sensible in regards to the past. According to the
PBS production: "10 Buildings that Changed America", Jefferson
decided to create a building inspired by the past. This was in contrast
to the colonial architecture that was abundant in colonial times he
lived in. Jefferson took much inspiration from the Greek temple, the
Maison Carree, although he heavily modified the base design in
order to form a livable area. Areas of the Maison Carree that paid
respects to the Hellenistic gods were replaced by architecture and art
reflecting the colonial times. Most notable being the main god statue
being replaced with George Washington. This building brought back
architectural concepts from Greece and did so in a way that kept the
Inside the Virginia Capitol building
http://www.richmondvapresents.com/wp-
content/uploads/virginia_state_capitol_rotunda399.jpg

15. concepts relevant through even today in many of our governmental buildings.
The Arcus Center discussed in the TED talk: "Jeanne Gang: Buildings that Blend Nature and City" is sensible in regards to the present
and moving into the future. This building takes in concepts from around the world and puts them in a space dedicated to discussing
progressivism. There is a debating room which is described as being egalitarian. The room is described this way because it has low
ceilings as to prevent anyone from standing up and taking dominance over the conversation. This building was also created with the
intent of breaking architectural conventions. Images of the building shown in the TED talk depict a very modern and almost “dada”
looking building in my eyes. If you look in the building from any direction you see a comforting space that helps accomplish the goal
of attracting people from multiple ideological or cultural backgrounds.

16. 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?
I think that Ballantyne and Zumthor would both agree that goal of a building
is to create a pleasurable experience for those who interact with the building
and that the goal is achieved through design choices influenced by space and
the senses. Zumthor seems to be much more interested in the aesthetically
pleasing artsy experience a building can create than Ballantyne. Zumthor
wants his buildings to provoke feelings and thoughts within those who
interact with his buildings. Although Ballantyne states in his conclusion that
buildings are art, it is not at the forefront of his mind when designing to the
extent that it is with Zumthor. Ballantyne, although he sees architecture as
art, would be much more in favor of creating a building that most effectively
uses space in order to create the most efficient possible desired function for
the building. If given the choice to use a space of a hypothetical building for
something aesthetically pleasing or something to make the activities of the
building run more smoothly, Zumthor would be more likely to choose the
former and Ballantyne the ladder.
One of Zumthor’s buildings
http://designobserver.com/images/features/Zumthor_
stoneroberts.jpg

17. 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?
My hometown Clifton Park is fairly typical of middle class suburbia. The town has a network of neighborhoods of varying sizes (both
in actual home size and property) and price ranges (generally all within the scope of a middle class family home) surrounding the
shopping centers, health care centers, entertainment centers, schools, and other public spaces. I wouldn't say there is anything about
my hometown that would make it something special or stand out. However it was shaped by planning. Clifton Park has an efficient
https://www.cliftonpark.com/happenings/wp-
content/uploads/sites/2/2015/07/clifton-park-sign-1.jpg

18. layout for being middle class suburbia. Any living space in the town is only a short ways away from the cluster of public spaces. The
properties of the town scream that they are good places to start a family and have a laid back atmosphere.

19. Response to Pruitt Igoe Projject, 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?
In order to create a better Pruitt Igoe, one would essentially need to start from the ground up. Talen's approach would be centered on
creating a natural looking space, establishing social equality amongst the occupants, and creating a space that works to keep a healthy
ecosystem. Larson would likely focus on mobility through the city, housing (particularly for young people), technology, and work
places based on collaboration. I personally think that just better integrating the project into the city would make a big difference, as
many of its problems can be traced back to the fact that it was very far apart from the actual city. These ideas all differ from the
http://www.pruitt-igoe.com/press/print/3000px_IconicImplosion_Pruitt-
IgoeMyth_Credit-STL-Post-Dispatch.jpg

20. strategies of the original designers because they would be based upon the convenience and happiness of the people residing in the
project. I think these strategies would be more effective towards a successful project because happier people will be more likely to
stay in the project peacefully. The project economically failed because the crime and vandalism pushed people to leave which led to a
drop in maintenance which led to more people leaving and so on.

21. 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 made this claim because at the time of the claim Buffalo was objectively a prosperous city. The city was able to combine all t
types of environments in Buffalo almost flawlessly. Those environments being the high water traffic of the Erie Canal, the
railroads, factories, and more. The city's population was also wealthy and ambitious. They wanted to strive for "a higher civilization".
Olmsted looked at Joseph Ellicott's plan for the city and thought that creating multiple parks was a great way to bring the city to a
peak. I'm unsure as to whether or not Olmsted would make such a claim today. Although I feel Buffalo is almost unarguably still a
greatly planned city, much competition has arose since 1876, as well as changes to Buffalo, which Olmsted may be opposed to.
http://library.buffalo.edu/maps/img/olmstedbuffalonorth.jpg

22. 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 hometown, a few years back there was a couple of
high school students killed by a drunk driver. This
tragedy brought the town together. I think that the
memories of the students who lost their lives should be
memorialized in the form of a statue. A park would have
been my first choice to have a statue placed, but the only
park we have in my hometown is effectively a running
path in the woods. I think the statue should be incorporated into the entrance of the
school. The school is towards the center of the town, so it would be likely to be
appreciated by people going through their daily lives whether it be driving to work,
Vigil for Christopher Stewart and Deanna Rivers by Erica Miller
http://www.troyrecord.com/article/TR/20121205/NEWS/31205
9984

23. going for a walk, or shopping. It would definitely be appreciated by the students and faculty of the school, as they would see it on the
way to school or work for sure. I believe this would also satisfy Hood's 'triad of investigations', as it involves the memorializing of an
event, the everyday routines of people, and incorporation into its environment to seem natural with the surroundings.

24. 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?

25. This graphic shows the author's obvious dislike for the lack of
representation of nonwhites in films and Oscars. I see the statistics in this
graphic and think it goes deeper than racial bias. Whites, on the
whole, tend to be wealthier than other races. This means more whites can
attend college and get acting/theater/dance degrees more than other races.
This leads them to be casted in more roles as they tend to be better trained.
In addition to the ability to attend college, whites also likely can attend
better colleges than other races when nonwhites do attend college, so
when a nonwhite person is casted they are likely to be given a lesser role
due to lesser qualifications. If my assertion is correct, then less nonwhites
would be nominated for Oscars because they tend to be casted in lesser roles.
I think that the picture is implying that because the judges are mostly white
they will have a bias to pick white actors, which I think is false. I think the
inequality in these numbers is due to the racism of history, not the racism of anyone today. I believe that because this inequality in the
Oscar’s stems from economic inequality, it is caused by roots in racism of our ancestors. If someone of a nonwhite race looked at this
graphic I imagine a different response. This graphic is meant to stimulate a negative response. It shoves the unequal numbers in your
face with a big bold title that heavily implies that there is a racial bias at work. I think if thought was put into interpreting it, it would
be interpreted in a similar way I did.
http://www.awardsdaily.com/wp-
content/uploads/2016/01/racist-oscars.jpg

26. Response to Charles Davis and equityXdesign’s Work
Critique either the MLK Memorial or the National Museum of African American History and Culture
usingequityXdesign’s core beliefs and/or design principles.
The MLK Memorial is a successful design. This can be shown
through equityXdesign's core beliefs. Belief one says we must
relate our historical and current selves. The memorial is placed
near the Lincoln which relates the racial struggles of the Civil
Rights movement to the beginning of the struggle being the end
Civil War. Belief two states that the design must bring people of
all groups together. The memorial succeeds in this as it
embodied the messages of equality that MLK stood for. Although
he was mainly advocating for race his messages of equality can be
applied to any situation of inequality. Belief three states that we
must be mindful to exclude no one. The memorial succeeds in this
due to the methods which MLK used. The civil rights movement
succeeded through civil disobedience, or causing nonviolent
disruption of normal function of an area. This was a vehicle to
show that blacks were not savages and the true savages of the
time were the white who violently attacked them.
https://thenormaleye.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/mlk-
memorial.jpg

27. 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?
In my home, we don't really have anything ethnic. I'm mostly Scottish, but there's nothing
in my house that would indicate such. The only thing I can think of that may even
qualify, is the Christmas tree we set up every year. We aren't religious in my household,
but I know that my grandparents were. Despite this we still celebrate Christmas, even if
not for its religious value. My hometown is small and almost entirely white at 92%, for
that reason there isn't really any influence from any underrepresented group. The only
landmark I can think of that isn't culturally neutral is the Power's inn and Pub, which is an
Irish pub. It doesn't have much of an impact on the town, although on the main road of
the town, it isn't near the center where most of the traffic is. I would say its cultural
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-
s/05/02/01/c2/power-s-inn-pub.jpg

28. presence is not being acknowledged and if it will most likely not lasts for generations, but until someone with big money wants the
location.

29. 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?
Yes, sports team branding designers should use ethnic references. If a sports
team has an ethnic reference it might be able to draw fans solely from it.
Meaning that people can connect with people of similar heritage who enjoy
similar sports. The only foreseeable downside, I think, is that people form
intense bonds to their sports teams and intense dislike for other teams or rivals.
From this sports could be unintentionally dividing people ethnically by grouping
them into different sports teams. I don't think that this is a large enough reason to
not do have ethnic references. I believe the positives outweigh the
negatives. The Washington Redskins is an exception. Redskins can be viewed as
an offensive slur on its own, so it would not be a good idea to continue having
an ethnic slur popularized by associating it with an NFL football team.
https://img.apmcdn.org/28029a4a8d62a19feba7102e08037b
8b3f8a302a/uncropped/bdd935-20131010-redskins2.jpg

30. Response to “Visualizing Gender” Chapter
In their chapter “Communicating Gender,” Maya Ganesh and Gabi Sobliye discuss two primary
visual advocacy approaches: 1) get the idea, and 2) stories in data. Find a new example of either of
the two visual advocacy approaches to gender issues, and post it in this thread. Cite the source.
First, identify the approach. Then explain how the designer uses the approach to communicate a
gender issue. Is the approach effective in this example? Why or why not? How could this graphic
be improved?
This graphic uses the stories in data method of visual advocacy. The graphic has data of horrible actions
towards transgender people that are out of their control (bullying and harassment). The graphic also has
shocking statistics of what transgender people presumably do in response to these actions: suicide and
avoidance of the public. The graphic then has a strong statement encouraging people to be mindful
towards transgender people. I think that this graphic is effective in getting its point across. The negative
words are eye catching, the statistics are shocking, and the message is motivating. As a personal
preference to improve this graphic I would group the bullying and harassment stats together and the
suicide and avoiding going in public stats together. I think it would be more effective if the cause to
effect was organized like a story somewhat.
http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyn
gula/2013/11/20/transgender-day-
of-remembrance/

31. 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?
Whether people are allowed to use the bathroom based on the
gender they identify with or force people to use the bathroom of
aligning with their biological gender, people are going to be
uncomfortable. Although I find the notion to be negligible, people
are afraid of criminals taking advantage of the freedom to use
whichever bathroom they say their gender corresponds with, to criminally take advantage of people using the bathroom. Many people
genuinely fell uncomfortable to share a bathroom with a transgender individual and don't want to for that reason, but to mask their
http://www.peacock-panache.com/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/bathroom-bill.jpg

32. world view as basic etiquette is dishonest. If people need to use the bathroom in accordance to their biological gender, then
transgender people suffering from gender dysphoria (clinically significant distress from feeling uncomfortable in one’s body due to
sex and gender not matching up) would likely feel additional rejection of their identity and uncomfortableness in their own skin.
People who would normally argue for assigning bathrooms would also feel uncomfortable as fully transitioned transgender people
would need to use the bathroom of their biological gender although they most physically resemble the sex corresponding to their
gender. I think the best solution is a compromise. I think that a person should use the bathroom in which they aesthetically "pass" for.
In addition, a third gender neutral bathroom may be appropriate. Transgender people early in transition would feel uncomfortable still;
as having to use a gender neutral bathroom over their preferred bathroom is still a slap in the face, but at least a chunk of transgender
people would be able to use the bathroom they’re most comfortable with. People who do not sympathize with transgender people
might be opposed to it in theory, but there shouldn't be any conflicts in practice.

33. 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.
Stealthy place by Alex Sherman

34. The above image is taken from a running and biking path that starts near the base of wolf hill. It is just off campus at the exit near the
Oozefest mud pits. This is a stealthy place. As seen on the left of the image there is a barricade blocking, or at least deterring passing
people from going down the road that the path starts on. Not shown in my picture is the entrance to this road from campus. There are a
plethora of signs directing drivers on the adjacent road to continue on that road. It also blocks this path from clear view. If I didn't join
the University at Buffalo running club a few years ago; I never would have known this place existed. I feel like this discriminates
against those would do not have the resources to find the path through online methods, as I don't see anyone just stumbling across this
path. I do not want this to be confused with a crusty place, because even though there are barricades they do not block you, they just
give off a vibe that you shouldn't be going past them.
The subject of the picture above are the pillars on the lake of North campus.
I think this is a slippery place. Although the pillars are high and can be
seen from anywhere the lake can be viewed, I've never been able to make out the path to them from a distance. You also can not get a
Slippery Place by Alex Sherman

35. good view of the pillars without being on some relatively obscure roads on campus or climbing the hill between Ellicott and the
Student Union. I think this discriminates against anybody who doesn't attend school here. UB is a public place, but areas like this are
designed to only have students present. I feel like to a very small extend the lake could pass for a prickly place as well, as much of the
area around the lake that could be used for seating is left as prickly patches of dead plants.

36. Response to People Like Us
After almost two decades of public assistance, Tammy Crabtree took herself and her family off the welfare rolls. But her job
cleaning bathrooms at a local Burger King barely paid the bills. Crabtree wanted to do better and hopes to go to college and
become a teacher.
Imagine this scenario. You are a designer who works at the well-known firm, iPD (Integrated Planning and Design). You work
on a team with planners, urban designers, policy designers, architects, and social designers. You have been tasked to
develop/design a way for Tammy Crabtree and her family (and others with situations similar to Tammy’s) to move themselves
out of poverty. What will your team to do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What approach will your team
take to address this difficult problem?
I think what is mainly weighing the Crabtree family down is their location and their appearance. I think if I were able to create
affordable housing close to jobs and colleges then it would be much easier for families like Tammy's to climb the socioeconomic
ladder. According to her son, Tammy's attire consists of different articles of clothing mixed and matched with parts of the burger king
outfit. In order to look presentable in an interview Tammy would need access to some level of professional clothing. Tammy would
also need a lot of help with paying for college as she can barely support her family as is. In her particular case two of her kids look
like they're old enough to work and they could help support her. However, in the various cases of people like her there should be
policies that allow people under certain incomes to attend college for a greatly reduced fee or a large amount of time before they
would need to start paying back their loans.
https://s-media-cache-
ak0.pinimg.com/600x315/d8/62/a8/d862a836d1c421025d6531ac91346189.jpg

37. Response to Carrol 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?
As of now, it appears that seniors have their own
building in the apartments in the park. I think if
social integration is the goal, there shouldn't be
this sort of age segregation. There should be a
variety of different aged people in all buildings.
The buildings should have some kind of lounge
space or an area for community events. These
events should be things people of all ages can do:
painting, board games, etc. There should also be
free transport around the park for residents so
that old people who can no longer drive or have
difficulty traveling can visit others or different
places. The transportation should have
wheelchair accessible buses, as the elderly are
more likely to be in that type of state.https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Toward_Regent_Park_from_M
erchandise_Roof.jpg/325px-Toward_Regent_Park_from_Merchandise_Roof.jpg

38. Response to Enriquez TED talk: “What Will Humans Look Like in 100 Years?”
For this question, we will focus on Juan Enriquez’ Life Two civilization, which alters fundamental aspects of the body. We are
living longer than ever before in human history. Enriquez argues that, because of advances in bio-medical technology, the
possibility of living to 120 years of age and beyond is quite possible for many of us in this D+D class. Assuming that his
assertion is accurate, how do you think extended life spans will change our societies and built environments? What new issues
might designers face because of extended life spans?
I think an increase in the population of elderly people will directly correlate with an increase in facilities for elderly people. New
nursing homes will need to be built to accommodate the rise in the elderly populous. Although we may be living longer, the "maximal
human lifespan" is roughly between 115 and 125 years. I think this will cause an increase in people who need to use hospice care
centers. I think that there will be a greater need for people in the medical field to accommodate for this. As the increase in elders
becomes more prominent, businesses will likely directing more advertising to them. In addition, businesses may change
aesthetically change to pander towards the senior citizen demographic or add structures to their facilities in a way that would attract an
http://discovermagazine.com/~/media/Images/Issues/2015/may/youth-pill.jpg

39. older crowd. People living longer will also contribute to an increased population growth, so designers will also need to focus on
expansion to avoid overcrowding or congestion in many environments.

40. 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.

41. The above image on the left is a negative example of principle six: low physical effort. The push mower needs a sizable amount of
strength to push around a yard. The push mower also requires a user capable of removing the bag on the back and moving the contents
of the bag usually to another bag to be recycled. This type of design is disempowering to anyone without the strength to do any of the
mentioned activities, someone without use of their legs or arms, or someone with the inability to crouch to remove the bag. A better
type of mower by the universal design principles' standard would be the riding mower. Although not perfect as there are still pedals
149cc Kohler 675 OHV engine, 21" 3N1 Rear Bag Push
Lawn Mower - Sears.com
John Deere D130 22-HP V-Twin Hydrostatic 42-in Riding
Lawn Mower with Mulching Capability - Lowes.com

42. similar to a car, disempowering those without use of their legs, it improves from the push mower in terms of principle six. The riding
mower takes very little physical effort to complete the task of mowing a lawn.

43. Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
What lessons do you think we should learn from history when thinking
about emerging enhancement technologies and reproductive
technologies? What are some of the possible consequences (both
positive and negative) of being able to design our bodies and the bodies
of our children? What ethical quandaries do these technologies pose?
I feel like the only historical lesson there is to learn is from Nazi
Germany's use of eugenics. Eugenics is the idea that we could selectively
breed humans to produce "better" humans, and that people who do not meet
a certain genetic standard would not be allowed to breed. The Nazis went
about this through sterilization and mass murder of those groups deemed
unfit to have offspring. The idea of enhancing our children through
technology is sort of a resurgence of the general principles of eugenics.
Although. I feel we would go about it in a much more morally sound way
than the Nazis did. The obvious positive consequence is that future
generations of children would be as genetically fit as their parents could
muster from their genes. The negative consequence I see is that apart from
aesthetic preferences, we all would want similar attributes from our
children. We could produce a generation of children far more intelligent,
attractive, and athletic than ever before by a wide margin. I think the
problem with that is proportionally more extremely gifted people will need
to work demeaning jobs, due to intense competition for the top spots
https://i1.wp.com/www.learning-mind.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/09/immortality.jpg?resize=600%2
C600

44. which will arise from genetically superior children. Our society is built upon genetic diversity and may not function correctly if
everyone is on the perceived top shelf of the gene pool. The main ethical dilemma I think would arise is the fact that choosing the
traits of our children is not natural. I feel like there is an obsession with the preservation of the idea of what is natural in a human life,
especially in the case of babies.

45. 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 the state of Massachusetts handled the situation in the best way possible. Despite patients
have the institution as their legal guardian, the patients are adults. The patients should have to give
their consent in order for a film to be released to the public. In addition, I do not think that the
patients were in the right mind to be able to give consent. I believe that films like "Titicut Follies"
made in this time, should have needed to wait until privacy concerns were not an issue. In the
modern day, if a similar film were to be made, I think permission from an institution and use of
blurring faces and perhaps even voice modulation would be enough. Designers could use this film
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/85/Titi
cutFolliesPoster.jpg

46. and analyze the design of the institution. They could figure out what the institution did well and what could be improved. Designers could also
gain insight on how patients normally behave and create designs based on that insight.

47. 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”?

48. I would completely support the proposal. My younger
brother (15) has severe cerebral palsy and seizure disorder.
As a result, I have been around people with a variety of
disabilities my whole life. Because of this I can say having
this home in my neighborhood would not be a nuisance to
me in the slightest. In fact, I would want my children to
grow up in an environment in which they could interact with
different challenged peoples. I think it would give my
children an understanding disabled people they otherwise
wouldn't have as well as prevent the othering of the disabled
that is held in the opinions of the majority of people. The
challenging behaviors do not change my beliefs. Although
graphic; none of the behaviors, if they were to resurface,
would be physically harmful to my children. I also do not
think that there is a high possibility of their past behaviors
being an issue regardless.
In my opinion, the act of denying the people housing based on
their disabilities is a denial of "the same basic human rights as
the rest of the population". So, in my opinion, a solution that satisfies this condition is impossible. However, the next closest thing
would to be to find a similar neighborhood that would be accepting of the home. I also think it is important that the home come with
care takers for these people and that the home is placed in a convenient location to obtain any medication the residents may be taking.
http://www.adventurers4specialneeds.com/images/seeperson.jpg

49. 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?
http://www.cliftonparkcommunitychurch.org/

50. Places of worship have held next to no role in the development of my town. Churches in my town are scattered around in uncommonly explored
places. In addition, many of the churches on my town look run down. There are no church hosted community events that take place in my town
that I was able to find, in fact the church in the picture above is one of three to have a website. It is also the only one to have an image of their
church. The only impact they have on the development of my town is that they were present in the 1800s. During this period my town was
almost entirely farmers. Since, then my town and blown up in terms of commercialism and population, but not in any religious sense. Unless
there is a surge of new churches in my town, I think places of worship will continue to have a negligible effect on my town as a whole.

51. https://thevanhornadvocate.com/wp-
content/uploads/2016/06/pharmacy.jpg
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?
In the field of pharmacy there are many challenges to be conquered. As time progresses,
especially in the United States, pharmacists have become more and more involved with
the health care system and are receiving more responsibility. For example, it wasn't until
recently that pharmacists were allowed to administer immunizations (vaccines). Although
there are many problems in the medical world, the concept from the module eleven
discussion regarding longer life spans is a relevant one. As, people grow older it is no secret
that they tend to need more medical care. Depending on which branch of pharmacy I end
up going into I could be addressing this problem in many different ways. I could go into
research and help to discover new medicines that would be effective for the older

52. populous, I could go into the hospital or Hospice and directly help moderator and advise specific (generally older) patients and their medicines,
or I could go into the community or ambulatory branches and specialize in counseling.