Final project of all responses done over the course of this class.

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 - American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Austin SeGuin
http://www.tropicalisland.de/japan/osaka/images/KIX%
20Osaka%20International%20Airport%20-
%20Terminal%20Building%20architecture%20detail%20
3008x2000.jpg

2. Introduction
Throughout my time being a student in American Diversity and Design, the D+D response
questions have made me think deeper about everything I do or learn. The weekly response
questions that we did every week made you use a different kind of thinking than I have
used before. By using different viewpoints, questioning techniques, and different scenarios,
we were able to answer the responses with a greater intellectual ability than we previously
could. After answering all responses, I have learned to think from many different
perspectives when dealing with a situation. Prior to taking this course, I would have just
answered the question without thinking about the many different ways the question could
be answered, I would have just answered it with the obvious answer the would not have
been as in-depth as they would have wanted. This class has forever altered the way I think.
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.
Madi Meyer, UB Photography
club

3. Response to 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 everyone, my name is Austin SeGuin. In enjoy being in the
outdoors, hunting, fishing, playing guitar, and any kind of sport.
I grew up in a small town outside of Syracuse called
Chittenango. Interestingly enough, it is the birthplace of the
author of the Wizard of Oz. I have been working with my
father, an old-school, hands on style surveyor, as well as a
more high-tech Surveyor/Civil Engineer, for the past 3
summers and have grown to love it. After college, I would like
to leave UB with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, with
hopes to takeover my father's Land Surveying business and
transform it into more of a civil engineering based company.
Alex Graziose, UB Photography Club

4. Response to “What is Design?” from Hello World:
• The author opened her chapter with the example of Ying Zheng, the
ruler of the Qin empire, one of the most powerful and enduring empires
I the history of China. She explained how design innovation contributed
to Ying Zheng’s success. For example, in the development of weaponry,
he resolved many problems by standardizing parts, and this single
innovation gave his armies great advantage over other armies.
• For this discussion, let’s move away from 246 B.C. China, and into the
U.S. Describe an innovation or invention (can be current or historical)
that gave advantage to a group of people in the U.S. or to the
population as a whole. What were the social impacts of this
innovation? Were any groups negatively impacted by this innovation?
For example, the telegraph, developed and patented in the United
States in 1837 by Samuel Morse, permitted people and commerce to
transmit messages across both continents and oceans almost instantly,
with widespread social and economic impacts. This heightened
communication speed allowed business persons to make decisions
with up-to-date information, often resulting in big profits. Those
without access had to rely on outdated information, which put them
at a disadvantage.
• Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone has made
communication better in every way possible. It has had positive effects
on the country as a whole, making communication from long distances
easier than ever before. It has also helped security, both personal and
national, by allowing a call to the authorities in times of need or warning
a large group of people of a dangerous event that could occur. The new
versions of the telephone becoming the cell phone has put a whole world
of information in your hands. This great technological advancement has
had a huge impact on the world, both positive and negative. Some could
say that no one is effected in a bad way, but I think that some people are
very addicted to using their phones and waste most of their time on their
phones. I feel that the people in society that have a cellphone are all
negatively affected.

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 invention of the inhaler has forever improved the quality of life for people
with asthma. With this invention, it has allowed the person in need of it to be
able to enjoy activities they previously could not. In situations involving sports,
the inhaler can make what would be a traumatic situation into an enjoyable time.
Without the inhaler, the person needing it would have an inability to catch their
breath because the inhaler opens their lungs making it easier to breathe. This
invention impacted all of the people who has asthma, which is a large portion of
the total population.

6. Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED Talk on Photographs:
• 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 photos from the "Photos That Changed the World" Ted
Talk would make most sense being placed in the "Media
Message or Product" because each photo helped show the
emotions of important events in history. One important
photograph in my lifetime would be the photographs taken
on 9/11. The photos brought unity between the different
viewer’s opinions and gave everyone a common view to stand
behind. All of these photos clearly depict the feelings that
occurred in everyone on that day. The photographers clearly
show all of the reactions of people all around the world on
that day, and how it did not only affect the United States, but
the whole world.

7. Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design:
• NOTE: Use the first three part of the SEE-IT method of critical
thinking (State, Elaborate, Exemplify) to address the following
questions:
• Typically, we do not think of hats as elements of mass media or social media.
However, the two hats (red and pink) discussed in the articles certainly have
taken on that role. Why are the two hats (red and pink) mentioned in the articles
vehicles of communication design? What meanings do each of the two hats
carry? In terms of communication design, how are they similar? And how are
they different from one another?
• The two hats talked about in the article each represent two
statements made by large groups of people uniting for a cause. The
hat made for Donald Trump's campaign made it easy to identify the
political beliefs of the person. By making the hat as a way for people
to support his beliefs, he intern got a large group of fanatics that
supported him. Trump’s slogan was a “burn” to the women in the
Women’s march. The pink hat from the women's march
represented the statement that shot back at President Trump. Each
hat represented a very strong belief that many people share, but
Trump's hat had more of a negative effect than the hat from the
women's march.

8. Response to “Industrial Design” by John Heskett and “The Incredible Inventions of
Intuitive Al” by Maurice Conti:
• In his chapter on industrial design (written in 1987), historian John
Heskett claims that the methods of mass production introduced by
Henry Ford in the U.S. involved new concepts of the standardization
and integration of the production line that were adopted across the
world. With Ford’s method, work could be completed by relatively
unskilled workers; it was more efficient and with this method,
products were made more quickly and cheaply than previously
possible. What were some of the social consequences of Ford’s
production line? In other words, how did this system change our U.S.
society? Do any of those changes remain with us today? Now
consider Maurice Conti’s TED Talk, and the predictions he makes
about production. How do you think manufacturing processes will
change in the next twenty years? How do you think these changes
will affect our U.S. society?
• Henry Ford’s implementation of the assembly line revolutionized the
technique of mass production and assembly lines. This created many
jobs working along the assembly lines, reducing the amount of
unemployed people. But, the people who worked in these places only
mastered one thing because they only did one task all day, every day.
These workers could not implement any kind of creativity into their
work and all of these factories produced the same products. Today, as
well as into the future, the amount of jobs in the automotive
production plants will begin to decrease as the amount of robots that
can do the jobs that people did will increase as well.

9. Response IDE 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.
• The VARD Offshore Subsea Construction Vessel Violates the Cradle-
to-Cradle concept because it allows non-renewable energy sources to
be used and it does not use clean energy. These ships are made to
assist in construction of oil rigs that are offshore. These ships are very
high quality ships that are very comfortable to be on for the workers.
Ships, such as this one, need large amounts of fuel to travel and
power onboard systems. This combined waste adds up to a large
amount pollution from this vessel. One product that follows the
Cradle-to-Cradle design guidelines are solar powered lights. At my
house, we use these around our pool because they do a great job of
producing light. They do not leave behind any waste or require any
maintenance once they are put in.

10. Response to Ballantyne and Zumthor Articles:
• Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor present ideas
about architecture that seem to value the sensorial and
material elements of life. How are Ballantyne’s and
Zumthor’s viewpoints on architecture alike? More
importantly, how do they differ? (Use the SEE-IT method
to respond to this question.)
• Similarly, they both feel that architects are great examples
of human creativity and ability, being able to give an
intimate object "feelings". The viewpoints of Andrew
Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor on architecture have
similarities and differences. On one, hand Andrew
Ballantyne feels that buildings, towers, skyscrapers, and
other buildings are just "tools" used to help humans
carryout their daily routines. Ballantyne thinks that
buildings are used for a purpose, not as an artwork.
Whereas Zumthor feels that these buildings are marvelous
pieces of artwork that, to some people, can be viewed as
having emotions and can give off somewhat of a feeling.
Zumthor is completely fascinated by these buildings and
continues to be as the abilities of architects and designers
skyrockets.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wiki
pedia/commons/8/8d/Perth_skyli
ne_at_night.jpg

11. Response to All Module 4 Materials:
• Your readings and viewings this week present different ways of thinking
about architecture. Mies Van der Rohe describes architecture as “The will of
the epoch translated into space.” Andrew Ballantyne describes architecture
as the background for life. Jeanne Gang describes it as the act of building
relationships. All agree that architecture can change based on context and
culture. Choose two works of architecture from any of your materials this
week—one with sensibilities about the past and one with sensibilities about
the present and/or future. How do each of these buildings either reflect or
challenge their cultural contexts? (Use the SEE-IT method to respond to this
question.)
• On a family trip to Italy over winter break, I was in awe at how complex the
ancient buildings were. Of all the buildings that I saw in Florence, Rome, and
Venice, the most amazing one was the Colosseum in Rome. I was taken back
by just how large it was and I could not get my mind around the fact that they
could build that with the tools they had at that time. This building was very
important to its time because it is where the gladiator and execution events
were held, which was a very big part of the Roman culture. Upon entering the
Colosseum and seeing how large it was and how many people it could hold,
you begin to realize how important these events were to the Romans. The
Freedom Tower in New York City is a modern marvel. It is the tallest building
in the Western Hemisphere and the sixth tallest in the world. This tower was
built as a monument to the World Trade Center, a symbol of how strong
America really is. The building has many modern architectural aspects to it, it
is a very well put together tower.

12. Response to Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen, and Larson:
• Imagine that you are part of a urban planning and design firm working
with Emily Talen (author of “Design That Enables Diversity”) and Kent
Larson (who gave the TED Talk "Brilliant Designs to Fit More People In
Every City" The thee of you have been tasked with developing a plan to
rebuild Pruitt Igoe in St. Louis. City officials told the three of you that that
they want to do it right this time. Identify three strategies for rebuilding
Pruitt Igoe in ways that promise to be more successful. What would Talen
do? What would Larson do? What would you do? How would your
strategies differ from those of the original urban planners/designers of
the project? Why would your strategies be more effective?
• The original Pruitt Igoe failed because it was meant for low income
residents of the city to live in. It did not catch the attention of the higher
economic classes and also was more populated by African Americans than
Caucasians. Talen would have created homes that were more inviting to all
groups of people. The design would attract anyone from low to high
income, and in doing so, would implement a social aspect into the design.
Larsen's design would suit the needs of all groups of people. These houses
would be compacted into more space saving homes, but still have a comfy
feel to them. Along with this, a social aspect as well for interactions
between groups of people. I would make a design of compact housing, but
with a homey feel to it. Also, I would make the housing look appealing to all
groups, while being cautious of spending. There would be courtyards and
other common areas for social interactions between the residing citizens.
These strategies differ from the original design because they attract all
kinds of groups, low income to high income, as well as all races. These
strategies would make the experience of living there more enjoyable than
the original because the changes in the designs make the living space safer,
cleaner, and "comfier".

13. 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?
• Chittenango, the town I grew up in, has the Erie Canal
running straight through it. Originally, the town was
planned around economic drive of the Erie Canal. As
time went on, the population of Chittenango grew and
the town expanded to the size it is now, with a school
district that is very spread out. When planning the
layout of the town, the schools were placed in place
that were more central than closer to one side than the
other. Along with the schools, the grocery stores and
plazas are strategically placed in the more populated
areas than the outskirts of town.

14. Response to F.L Olmestead:
• Displaying his plan at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in
Philadelphia, Frederick Law Olmsted stated that "Buffalo is
the best planned city, as to its streets, public places, and
grounds, in the United States, if not in the world." What
was the basis for this claim? Would Olmsted still make that
claim today? Why or why not?
• Fredrick Law Olmstead stated that "Buffalo is the best planned city, as to
its streets, public places, and grounds, in the United States, if not the
world". Supporting his claim was the design of the city, the
infrastructure, buildings, and different areas. Throughout the city, there
are roadways connecting all places, making for easy navigation all over
the city. Along with this, there are many recreation areas and parks all
over the city. Downtown Buffalo has many sidewalks and paths to walk
near the canal.
• Today, the claim made by Olmstead would most likely not be
made again, as the structure of the city has been changed.
Nowadays, more buildings have been built, limiting space for
parks to be created. On the other hand, trolley systems have
been put in helping the overall connectedness and navigation
of the city.
http://lalh.org/wp-
content/gallery/best-planned-city-
media/fig-8-8.jpg

15. 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).
• If I was to memorialize one location in my hometown of Chittenango, I
would choose Chittenango Falls. These are 160 ft. waterfalls located
right outside of the town. Along with the waterfalls, there are walking
trails, a park with a playground, and other pavilions used for gatherings
and banquets. At the bottom of the falls, there is a viewing bridge over
the creek that is a great spot for pictures. This is also a great location for
fishermen, being that Chittenango creek is a great trout fishing creek.
This location needs to be preserved because it helped give the town its
name, Chittenango, meaning river that runs north. This location is a
very historic location. In the new memorialized location, the upkeep
would be a better, being that this park has been neglected over the
years. There would be a bathroom facility constructed because now
there are outhouses. When this park was at its prime quality, it held
weddings, banquets, and family gatherings. If I was to lead this
reconstruction, I would bring it back to that quality so that it would get
the use it deserves.

16. Response to Charles Davis and equityXdesign’s Work:
• Critique either the MLK Memorial or the National
Museum of African American History and Culture
using equityXdesign’s core beliefs and/or design
principles. (Use the beliefs or principles that are most
relevant to your critique rather than all of them.)
(NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
• The MLK memorial supports core beliefs of
equityXdesign. The first belief is that we should
remember who we are as well as who we were. This
memorial celebrates the lives of the people who
fought and spent their lives attempting to end racism
as well as help the African American population
prosper. One of the biggest influences in this time was
Martin Luther King Jr., hence the name MLK memorial.
On both ends of the memorial are two quotes, giving
off the message of hope and prosperity. These quotes
celebrate the efforts of all races that have been
subject to racism. These quotes further support the
second belief of equityXdesign, racial inclusion.

17. 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 graphic shows a colored citizen being denied of work based on their skin
tone. This photo was taken around the 1950's probably in a southern state.
Seeing these signs and racist acts were not out of the ordinary during this
time. Almost throughout the whole 20th century, the African American
population was segregated against. If an African American teen were to see
this picture today, they would be affected differently that a white teen.
Caucasians in this time were not segregated against, so we do not know what
it is like. When looking at this photo, they would see the struggles and
hardships faced by their ancestors to become free and live a free life.
https://www.bing.com/imag
es/search?view=detailV2&cci
d=qQeR3tWa&id=1C091FD2
B2B4B9924D473D2D06E5D3
8485DA0D18&thid=OIP.qQe
R3tWajE-sC_tZq-
_YSwEsDI&q=rasicm+pitctres
&simid=60798809434194231
8&selectedIndex=6&ajaxhist
=0

18. Response to “Landscape Stories” Chapter:
• First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home
(indoors and/or outdoors) that you think of as representative of your
own ethnic background and discuss why you consider this place to be
‘ethnic’. –OR-- Describe an object in your home that you think of as
representative of your ethnic background and discuss why this object is
considered to be ‘ethnic’. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this object or place
something that you will keep or continue when you establish your own
home? Why or why not?
• Now let’s move into your community. In “Landscape Stories,” the
authors show how landscape architects develop a historical
narrative that sifts through and interprets the culture and
material of underrepresented groups. Think about the community
where you grew up. Describe and discuss any evidence of cultural
influences on the physical environment in your community. If
possible, describe evidence of the cultural influence of an
underrepresented group. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this cultural
influence being acknowledged or preserved from future
generations? Why or why not?
• One place in my house that is representative of my ethnicity is in my
basement. I feel that this is representative because it has pictures of
different places around Italy along with pictures from a family trip to Italy.
Our Italian ethnicity is shown in this area of my house.
• In my town, there is not a lot of cultural and ethnic diversity. The town was
created in the 1800's, when the Erie Canal was thriving, as a stop along the
way. The development of the town was not based off of ethnicity or
cultural influences. The town was created because it was a small rest stop
on the Erie Canal that happened to grow and end up being a home to a
group of people that settled in.
http://hauntedhistorytrail.com/wp-
content/uploads/2016/08/Chittenango_Landing_
Canal_Boat_MuseumAmityphotos.com-8.jpg

19. 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?
• In some instances, using a logo or creating a sports race that resembles an ethnicity is acceptable, while others it is not. For
example, the New England Patriots football team is located in one of the most patriotic states in the United States. On the
other hand, the Chicago Blackhawk hockey team has no connection to the surrounding area. This logo is derogatory to the
Native American culture. The issues with these logos are that someone will always find them offensive, but if you make the
names and logos not as racist or derogatory, not as many people will be displeased.
http://i2.wp.com/www.hellolos
er.com/wp-
content/uploads/2013/04/nativ
e-american-sports-
logos.jpg?resize=660%2C162

20. Response to Bathroom Bill:
• Last year, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed
into law a bill that repealed local LGBT anti-
discrimination laws, and required people to use the
bathroom that corresponded with the biological gender
written on their birth certificates. This prompted massive
backlash. McCrory stated, “You know, we all have to
make adjustments in life. And we’ve had the proper
etiquette situation for decades in our country, and all of
a sudden through political correctness we’re throwing
away basic etiquette.” Just this past Thursday, the North
Carolina General Assembly passed a bill to repeal the law
while placing a moratorium on nondiscrimination
measures.
• Should people be required to use the bathroom
that corresponds with the biological gender
written on their birth certificate? State why AND
state why not. In other words, to receive full credit
for this question, you need to present an argument
for both sides of the issue. As a designer, how
would you solve this gender dilemma? Use the
SEE-IT method to respond to this question.
• People should be able to use the bathroom without fear,
using which ever bathroom they feel more comfortable in.
When the United States of America was founded, they
had the idea of freedom of expression and other
individual freedoms. When people are restricted to use
only one bathroom, they are stripped of these freedoms.
This could easily be solved by letting people use
whichever bathroom make them feel most comfortable.
https://www.aa
rweb.org/sites/
default/files/pic
tures/Annual_M
eeting/2014/bra
ille-all-gender-
bathroom-sign-
se-5635_223.gif

21. 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 poster shows an individual walking in-
between blue and pink, representing the colors
of men and women. The person who is walking is
a representative figure for those who do not
know where they stand as a gender, hoping to
allow them to feel comfortable representing
their gender. This poster uses the approach “get
the idea”. This is an effective ad because it can
efficiently show its meaning without much
confusion or thinking. If I was going to improve
this ad I would show something representing the
rainbow, or the LGBT flag.

22. Reponses 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.
• The first space is considered to be crusty. This train station in the outskirts of Buffalo has blocked entry from people entering it. The structure of the train station
has not been up kept so it is now unsafe for people to go in and walk around.
Canal side was one of the first places I visited when coming to Buffalo. I thought the park was very cool, but when I ventured in farther, I noticed that there were navy
ships along the side that were blocked by trees. This gave this are a "stealthy" quality because the boats were hidden.
Alex Graziose, UB Photography Club
Alex Graziose, UB Photography Club

23. 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 was a designer working at this well-firm helping
Tammy and her family move out of poverty, I would
implement a program that allows her to make money as
well as have time to gain training for a better job. First off,
when working at a job where she does not have much
room for promotion, she can gain small income to keep
the family getting by. When she is working the job, she
can be taking night classes to get a 2 year degree in a
specific occupation that has room for promotions, which
will help generate more income for her and her family,
eventually pulling them out of poverty.
http://www.publicworks.org/wp-
content/uploads/2014/01/wealth-
and-poverty.jpg

24. 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?
• To ensure more social integration for the elderly in
Regent Park, you would need to shape to park to fit
their abilities. For example, the older you get, the less
mobile you are. You would need to create pathways,
ramps for steps, and mostly flat walkways to meet the
abilities of the older people living in this area. They will
be more likely to migrate around the area if it is easy to
walk and travel around. Next, grouping all of the elderly
people together would not help social integration
between them. If you were to mix older people with
younger people, they would interact on a regular basis.
You can see in examples in our lives as well as in the
movies that young people and old people can grow
bonds and visit each day. Along with this, social events
within their capabilities should be provided to push
them to do the events. Examples could be knitting
classes, offering board or card games to play, maybe
dancing classes with slow tempo, depending on their
abilities, etc.
http://media.ldscdn.org/images/medi
a-library/service/young-man-elderly-
woman-visiting-1080937-gallery.jpg

25. 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 what Juan Enriquez is saying turns out to be true, many
problems would arise in the world. With more elderly
people living longer, the population would increase more
than it is now. With this problem occurring, expansion
would be necessary to hold the whole population
comfortably. This would create a need for expansion, which
would reduce the size of the untouched forest areas we
have left. With less trees, global warming would increase. I
think that in the future, we will see more forms of
renewable energy in place because of this problem. Also,
the elderly would need more health attention than
younger people, forcing them closer to hospitals, which are
usually located in the city. With cities already full of the
younger working class with limited space to live, the
further development of cities would be necessary.
http://www.slate.com/content/dam/s
late/articles/technology/future_tense
/2013/08/130806_FUT_Mortality.jpg.
CROP.original-original.jpg

26. 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.
• One example of a design with equitable use is a handicapped bathroom stall. These are bathroom stalls made for people that are in wheel chairs that
can’t use the regular stalls. These stalls are designed with more space than regular stalls because they provide room for the person using them to be
able to maneuver their wheelchair. There are also handrails on the wall to give support to the person using it to be able to move from their chair to
the toilet with minimal effort. The regular stalls do not work well for handicapped people because they do not give enough space for the chairs to
move well, making the person using it have to put a lot more effort into the whole process. The negative side to this design is that the stalls are
located in the bathrooms that all people use, so people who are not handicapped can use the stalls as well, which can cause problems sometimes.
• One example of a design without equitable use are tables with chairs
attached to them. These tables do not provide a space for handicapped
people to sit in their chairs. This makes them have to move from their chair to
a regular chair, which requires a lot of unnecessary effort. These designs
could remove a chair, reducing the materials needed to make it, and provide a
space for the handicapped person to sit.
http://i.bnet.com/blogs/
toilet.png
http://lorimerworkshop.com/wp-
content/uploads/2012/12/square-restaurant-table.medium-
spice-brown-TRADE.jpg

27. Response to Survey, FIXED, Stelarc:
• Currently, we have the technology for you to choose many of
the survey characteristics in your future child, and this ability
to choose poses some ethical questions. Of course, we all
want the best for our own child. However, as we move into a
more collective situation, we need to consider how the
consequences of majority choices for children might change
who we are as a species. In the film trailer FIXED, you were
introduced to the dilemma of living in a culture in which the
“science-fiction of human enhancement” has become almost
a way of life, from prenatal genetic screening to bionic body
parts. In the video, “A Man with Three Ears” you are
introduced to an artist who is using current technology to
move humans beyond their current abilities. Last week, Juan
Enriquez asked us if it is ethical to evolve the human body. All
of these videos suggest that the concept of disability ‘as we
know it’ could cease to exist in the future. This leads us to this
week’s discussion question: What lessons do you think we
should learn from history when thinking about emerging
enhancement technologies and reproductive technologies?
What are some of the possible consequences (both positive
and negative) of being able to design our bodies and the
bodies of our children? What ethical quandaries do these
technologies pose?
• The abilities of technology nowadays is extremely powerful,
but dangerous as well. If we use it such a way that could be
damaging to society, we could leave everlasting damages.
When being able to genetically create the children we want, it
can be a dangerous thing to do. By doing this, you will remove
all of the diversity found in the world today. This can remove
the whole “survival of the fittest” theory. We must be careful
with what we do and where we go with cloning and genetics
because it can alter many things as we know it now to be very
different in the future.
http://www.peggyomara.com/wp-
content/uploads/2013/10/phpxuoOin
PM.jpg

28. 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?
• In the Documentary Titicut Follies, the harsh living
conditions of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional
Facility were shown to the public. The inmates who lived
here were rarely bathed, publicly humiliated by the staff,
and rarely and forcefully fed. Because these conditions
were shown, I feel that Frederick Wiseman did a good job
filming this and showing the truth. This film helped to
bring a voice to the people being treated badly. In the
film there were many flaws show in the structure and
design of the facility. By watching this video, designers
are able to pick out and alter the problems with the
problems in the facility and fix them to make the living
conditions more comfortable for the inmates on the
inside.
http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/
movie/movie_poster/titicut-follies-
1968/large_v9alKxaEGOYVtlVo0H6Z5c
LxJh8.jpg

29. 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”?
• 1) I think that it would be a good idea to have a group home somewhere, but not in a housing development. There are many other locations that would be better suited for this,
perhaps some place near a location with more activities than in a housing development.
• 2) My opinion towards this group home would definitely be against this location for the group home. If I was living with 4 kids near the future location of this home and there was
chance that they could see some of those activities, I would strongly recommend a change in location. If they were kids in a neighborhoods with kids their age, there is no doubt
that they would be outside playing almost every day. Seeing something like what was listed at a young age would not have a good outcome.
• 3) A better option for a location of a home like this would be a location that is somewhat distant from a largely populated area, but close to something with activates for them to
do. For example, if there was a location that was somewhat more isolated that in a neighborhood, but somewhat close to the town, that would be a great location. If they were in
a location like this, they could have a bigger space to go outside in the yard and not have to worry about noise level or worry about the chance of any bad events as much. This
would be the best location for everyone.
http://npsw.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/
0/0/25005141/6926525_orig.jpg

30. Response to the Connection between Religion and Urban Planning by David
Engwicht:
• In his article, David Engwicht discusses the fact that religions (of all
types) have played major roles in the development of our cities.
Today, places of worship are primary components of almost all
urban centers. Author Lorne Daniel writes “From their often active
role in supporting people who live in city centers to their iconic
influence on design and use of space, religious structures tell us a
lot about our history, our current needs, and where we might be
headed in the future. This is an aspect of our urban future that
planners and urbanists should attend to.”
• Identify a place of worship with which you are somewhat
familiar. (If you are not familiar with any places of
worship, do a bit of research on one in your own city or
town.) Show a photograph of this religious structure. (You
may use photographs from the web.) What roles has this
place served in the development of your city/town? How
has it influenced the design of the area around it? How
has its role changed over time? What roles could this
place of worship play in the future development of your
city/town?
• The place where I worship at home is St. Patrick’s church in
Chittenango, New York. This church is usually for Roman Catholics,
but anyone can go. This church is relatively new compare to my
town, being that there are much older churches in my town that
date back closer to the date of when my town was established. The
area around it has remained a lawn that has been untouched
because it is sometimes used for Sunday school with the younger
kids. There are many churches in my town that influence the area
around it, so one single church does not have a large influence on
the surrounding area. The future development of my town could be
altered by my church because it could attract a larger population of
Roman Catholics to my town, causing for an expansion of the town.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=st+p
atricks+church+chittenango+new+yor
k&FORM=HDRSC1

31. 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 civil engineering, one major problem of the many
problems they face is repairing and maintaining the infrastructure
we use today. For example, I have noticed that the main roadway
through Syracuse, a road I use almost every day, is rotting out and
is under repair almost as much as it is being used. There are large
potholes being exposed, some even bad enough where you can
see all the way through the bridge you are driving on. When I
become a civil engineer, I hope to work to find different ways to
preserve these roadways to minimize the amount of damage
seen, while keeping cost in mind. This is a large challenge because
the methods where this preservation can happen are very
expensive to use. My hopes are that this problem will be solved in
the next 10 years.
http://www.houstontomorrow.org/im
ages/uploads/story-
images/cache/Broken-Road-
325x294.jpg