UB Discussion Question Responses Spring 2017

1. University at Buffalo-State University of New York
ARC-211 American Diversity and
Design Discussion Questions
Spring 2017
By: Devin Barth
http://theconversation.com/thinking-critically-on-critical-thinking-why-scientists-skills-need-to-spread-15005

2. 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.
Introduce Yourself
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.
My name is Devin Barth and I am a freshman here at UB. I am majoring
in Architecture and have yet to decide whether or not I will pursue a
master’s degree in this field. An interesting fact about me is I am very
interested in lyrics of songs particularly rap music. I am also a Jets fan
through thick and thin. This course has opened me up too many things. I
enjoyed reading other people’s responses in my Discussion Group; I
found that reading others opinions on a controversial issue was
interesting to me. I learned to listen to arguments from different
perspectives more maturely.

3. On “What is design?” from Hello World: Where Design Meets Life by Alice Rawsthron
The author opened her chapter with the example of Ying Zheng, the ruler of the Qin empire, one of the most powerful and enduring
empires I the history of China. She explained how design innovation contributed to Ying Zheng’s success. For example, in the
development of weaponry, he resolved many problems by standardizing parts, and this single innovation gave his armies great
advantage over other armies.
For this discussion, let’s move away from 246 B.C. China, and into the U.S. Describe an innovation or invention (can be current or
historical) that gave advantage to a group of people in the U.S. or to the population as a whole. What were the social impacts of this
innovation? Were any groups negatively impacted by this innovation? For example, the telegraph, developed and patented in the
United States in 1837 by Samuel Morse, permitted people and commerce to transmit messages across both continents and oceans
almost instantly, with widespread social and economic impacts. This heightened communication speed allowed business persons to
make decisions with up-to-date information, often resulting in big profits. Those without access had to rely on out-dated
information, which put them at a disadvantage.
An invention that gave an advantage to a group of people in the United States is the smart phone. The smart phone allows
individuals to communicate across the world with ease. It also enables one to research anything in the palm of their hand. The
smart phone has made the population overall more socially awkward due to less face to face conversation. Those that do not own a
smart phone are not affected by this.
http://eblogfa.com/6578/top-10-best-android-smartphone-phones-of-2014
Invention

4. 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.)
Bathrooms are a design that was affected by a diversity group. Due to the LGBT Community movement many universities across the
country are implementing bigender bathrooms. This is completely new for our country. This change is currently being brought
about across the country because when one is "gender nonconforming" it is hard to decide where these individuals are supposed to
go to the bathroom. If all bathrooms were bigender these people wouldn't be uncomfortable and neither should those who are
gender conforming.
http://www.faithfamilyamerica.com/famous_lgbt_activist_reveals_the_scary
_real_goal_of_the_bathroom_battle_and_it_s_not_bathrooms_it_s_way_wo
rse
Impacted Design

5. 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 would place these images in The Print Medium. A mass media photo taken in my life that was an icon of an event is attached
below. Obama's inauguration will be remembered throughout history forever. He was the first black president of the United
States. This photo shows groups of people coming together and celebrating an accomplishment for a prominent community in
America. This photo also contains hope for the future of our country.
https://ublearns.buffalo.edu/courses/1/2171_14992_COMB/db/_3564657_1/4405_17676915.jpg
Influential

6. 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?
These hats may seem simple but they both represent something larger. They created a brand and spread a message across groups of
people. The red hat represents Donald Trump's political views and he represent this with his very popular slogan, "Make America Great
Again." The pink hat stands for feminism and equal rights for women. The hats both represent something larger than just the slogan or logo on
the hat.
https://www.reddit.com/r/The_Donald/comments/4d969y/a_cartoon_maga_hat_to_put_on_your_powerpuff_girls/
Advertisement

7. 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 introduces the first moving assembly line for the mass production of an entire automobile. His innovation reduced the
time it took to build an automobile from more than 12 hours to under 3 hours. In the next twenty years manufacturing will continue
to progress. In recent times the invention of the 3D printer has been introduced which has revolutionized 3D modeling. These
changes will continue to allow the United States to be a powerhouse of innovation in the world.
http://theoldmotor.com/?p=154610
Industrial Design

8. Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle concept developed by architect William
McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart? How does this product resist or disregard the concept? Provide an example of any
products that embrace Cradle-to-Cradle design, please describe and cite.
The Rolls Royce defies the Cradle-to-Cradle concept because of the limited nature of the product. It's a "luxury" vehicle, therefore, it
uses exotic materials and isn't assemble using recycled energy. The Brita water filter uses the Cradle-to-Cradle concept. Anyone
with a Brita will not be buying bottled water. Bottled water fills up landfills with plastic which takes an extremely long time to
decompose.
https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en-GB/dawn.html
Cradle-to-Cradle Concept

9. 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?
The Seagram Building has sensibilities about the past and challenges its cultural contexts. In the 1950's it was unusual for buildings
to use bronze as a primary material in a project, especially in such a massive structure. The Dulles International Airport has
sensibilities about the future and challenges its cultural contexts. This airport is a very modern structure with vast curvature which is
not often found in architecture from the 1960's.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/arts/design/building-seagram-phyllis-lamberts-new-
architecture-book.html
Cultural Context

10. Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor present ideas about architecture that seem to value the sensorial and material elements of
life. How are Ballantyne’s and Zumthor’s viewpoints on architecture alike? More importantly, how do they differ? (Use the SEE-IT
method to respond to this question.)
Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor both agree that the five senses are very prevalent in architecture. Zumthor believes that to
appreciate a building one must experience it in person. The key difference between these two architects is that Ballantyne puts a
major emphasis on aesthetics while Zumthor pays no mind to it at all. He focuses on materiality, context, and experience.
https://www.dezeen.com/2009/04/13/peter-zumthor-wins-pritzker-prize/
Difference in Design

11. John Levy’s article, “An Overview: The Need for Planning,” discussed ways in which planning can determine the characteristics of a
place. For example, some smaller towns restrict the heights of buildings to maintain a certain scale. How did planning define the
character of the place in which you grew up?
I grew up in Huntington, a town on Long Island. In Huntington Village, all of the buildings are nearly the same height and all have
glass windows at the front of stores which make for a premier shopping environment. It is very popular for people to just walk
around and window shop, and enjoy the atmosphere. There are many concert venues, restaurants, and stores which make this a
popular place to hang out. The village is always decorated beautifully which makes you want to spend more time there. The village
is designed to be easy to navigate using a grid system and optimizes your experience to influence shoppers to spend more money. A
consumer is more likely to spend money at a well decorated, clean location.
http://patricejobs.com/sanantoniotx_huntingtonny/
Back Home

12. 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?
Talen would attempt to design the complex with more diversity to avoid singling out a specific group. Larson would add more shops
and stores in the surrounding area. I would do both things and in addition add multiple forms of entertainment for the
people. Parks are a great place for free entertainment and a way to keep people out of trouble. The original planners of this did not
do any of this which lead to its failure. Doing these things would draw more money into the area which would create
opportunity for these individuals in poverty a chance to prosper.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruitt%E2%80%93Igoe
Pruitt Igoe

13. 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 Olmsted made this statement because Buffalo is essentially a city within a park. The parkways and parks create a green
infrastructure for the city of Buffalo. All of Buffalo's major cultural institutions are located near Olmstead's landscapes. These
landscapes contribute to the perception of nearly every neighborhood. Olmstead would not make this claim today. His design has
changed, the Humboldt Parkway that connected Delaware and Martin Luther King Jr. Parks has been altered to a sunken
parkway. This disconnected the East Side of Buffalo and broke the system of connectedness that had once existed with the original
design he had set into place.
http://library.buffalo.edu/maps/buffalo-wnymaps/location/olmsted.html
Fredrick Law Olmstead

14. 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).
The Walt Whitman Mall in my hometown of Huntington, New York is something in my opinion that should be memorialized. I would
integrate Hood’s ‘triad of investigations’ by finding the correct balance of tradition and commercialization.
http://www.simon.com/mall/walt-whitman-shops/about
Walter Hood

15. 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?
This graphic has to do with the heightened attention on police brutality especially towards African Americans. This graphic would be
interpreted in the same way by almost anyone who looked at it.
http://olywip.org/archive/page/image/2007/09/01/02.html
Abolition

16. Critique either the MLK Memorial or the National Museum of African American History and Culture using equityXdesign’s core
beliefs and/or design principles.
The MLK Memorial does not represent what I believe Martin Luther King Jr. wouldn't have wanted it to I imagine that he wouldn't
have even wanted a monument devoted to him due to his selfless nature. Rather MLK would've wanted his beliefs to be heard by
every person in the world.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-National-Memorial
MLK Memorial

17. 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?
Within the "man cave" in my home, my family always had the flags of their ethnic background. The flags of Italy, Ireland, and
Germany are nearly as important to me as the United States flag. These flags represent where the roots, ethnicity, of my family
which I hold very dearly. I will continue this tradition once I establish my own home because I think it's important to embrace where
you come from in nearly every scenario. In the community, I grew up there is a growing Hispanic population, because of this, there
are many Hispanic restaurants opening on Long Island. These establishments are being preserved for future generations. These
restaurants are exceptionally good and some of the busiest places on the island. Over this past summer, I nearly ate a burrito four
times a week, to put into perspective the amount of business these places are receiving.
http://www.diynetwork.com/shows/man-caves/man-caves-pool-tables-and-bars-pictures
Ethnic Background

18. 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?
I believe that teams should avoid using ethnic references. Many of these names cause controversy and can even lead to lawsuits. In
the process of naming a professional sports team, organizations should avoid the negative publicity and not use any name related to
ethnic terms especially negative terms such as a "redskin." A reason why the Washington Redskins haven't received as much
negatively publicity as one would expect could be because Native Americans are an extremely underrepresent group in the United
States making up less than 1% of the population.
http://www.iplawyeresq.com/2015/02/23/litigation-update-washington-redskins-sue-to-overturn-trademark-cancellation/
Name Controversy

19. 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?
1. This is a presentation of data.
2. This shows the significant difference in the quantity of male administration in architecture across the country versus females in
administration in architecture.
3. The designer doesn't necessarily express this data as an issue but there are significantly more males in these positions than
females.
4. The approach is effective; the data is easy to understand in a clear manner.
5. This graphic could be improved by providing more data from the past, I imagine that a few decades ago there were even less
females in these administration positions in architecture across the country.
Gender Issues

20. 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?
Why? One of the main reasons for bathrooms organized by gender is for safety. The bathroom has been a common location where
sexual assault takes place and to prevent this from happening as frequently bathrooms were separated.
Why Not? Using a bathroom that corresponds with a person’s sex is difficult for transgender people because many times, the
gender they choose to identify with is not that on their birtcertificates. Sex is biological, while gender is a social construct; one’s
gender is not decided at birth but is a conscious decision. When an individual’s gender and sex are not the same, transgenders are
faced with a difficult choice of where they are permitted to use the bathroom.
As a designer, a possible solution to this dilemma would be to have bathrooms that can only be occupied by one individual at a
time. Another possible solution is to design a bathroom with all completely enclosed stalls to provide maximum privacy for all users.
The design could help this problem but I believe this is more of a political issue that needs to be resolved.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/gay-south-florida/article4275198.html
Gender Identity

21. Author Steven Flusty categorized five types of disciplinary architecture that perpetuate what he calls urban spatial injustice: 1)
stealthy, 2) slippery, 3) crusty, 4) prickly, and 5) jittery. Go out into the city of Buffalo, and find/photograph two examples from the
list of five. Identify what type of space you’ve photographed and why it might discriminate against a specific population. Identify the
location where you took the photographs, and make certain that you are in at least one of the two photographs.
I have photographed Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Buffalo. This park was designed by renowned landscape architect Fredrick Law
Olmstead. This is a jittery space, it cannot be occupied unobserved. This park is in a bad neighborhood with high crime rate and in
my experience, it was not a park I'd spend any time at. My friends and I were stared at in the park and did not feel welcomed by the
locals whatsoever. Here is a picture of me by the entrance of the park. The second place I visited is where I currently live, Goodyear
Hall. Goodyear Hall is a crusty space, it cannot be accessed by everyone. Goodyear Hall is for UB Students and employees
only. There is swipe card access to the building, without a card you cannot enter. I feel as though at UB many international students
are placed on south campus, I am unaware if they request to be here but this could be some form of discrimination that may need to
be investigated further.
Photograph by Christopher Chudyhttps://campusliving.buffalo.edu/ApartmentSignUp/application/login.aspx
Disciplinary Architecture in Buffalo

22. After almost two decades of public assistance, Tammy Crabtree took herself and her family off the welfare rolls. But her job cleaning
bathrooms at a local Burger King barely paid the bills. Crabtree wanted to do better and hopes to go to college and become a
teacher.
Imagine this scenario. You are a designer who works at the well-known firm, iPD (Integrated Planning and Design). You work on a
team with planners, urban designers, policy designers, architects, and social designers. You have been tasked to develop/design a
way for Tammy Crabtree and her family (and others with situations similar to Tammy’s) to move themselves out of poverty. What
will your team do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What approach will your team take to address this difficult
problem?
Our company will assist Tammy Crabtree in any way we can. Tammy must continue working and save up money to go to her local
community college. If she focuses on her grades she can get her associate's degree there and then transfer to a university. Tammy
also needs to file for financial aid, it will assist her with the cost of schooling that is not covered. Our company has many
connections, once Tammy completes her schooling we can refer her to many schools for a teaching position. If no teaching jobs are
available in her area we can look for teaching assistant jobs or positions as a substitute teacher. Our planners and social designers at
iPD are very involved with the education system. They have strong relationships with the schools and universities in the area. This
process will take time but is a recipe for success.
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/231703
Tammy Crabtree

23. 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?
One possible plan to ensure more social integration for the older people living in the "new and improved" Regents Park is to install a
path from their living space into a central location in the park to optimizing interactions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regent%27s_Park#/media/File:Regent%27s_Park_bandstand.jpg
Regents Park

24. 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 that extended life spans will continue to improve the Real Estate industry. The more that population increases the more
living spaces that need to be available to suit all. Houses may be constructed using material to last longer and possibly design the
inside of the house to account for aliments at old age such as troubles climbing stairs.
https://www.entrepreneur.com/topic/real-estate
Real Estate

25. 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.
Elevators and escalators are a perfect example of equitable use. The escalator enables users to go up or down a floor with a
significantly less amount of energy than if they were to use the stairs. Disabled people also cannot use the stairs but can use
escalators.
http://keenerlaw.com/escalator-accident-at-georgia-dome-leaves-30-fans-injured/
Empowerment

26. Sounds like an all-around lovely person!
Currently, we have the technology for you to choose many of the survey characteristics in your future child, and this ability to
choose poses some ethical questions. Of course, we all want the best for our own child. However, as we move into a more
collective situation, we need to consider how the consequences of majority choices for children might change who we are as a
species.
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?
I personally believe that modifications should only be made in situations where the life is at stake or we live life with a disability or
deficiency. I do not think that we should start genetically modifying supper children to surpass all of society that has come before.
https://www.coursebuffet.com/tag/Genetic
s
Genetic Enhancement

27. 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 believe that Wiseman should be allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility. In order to
be put into a correctional facility you must have broken some sort of law, and for the safety of all inmates, filming should be
permitted, even in living spaces. This film can also be used to learn from in order to improve correctional facilities of the future.
Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional Facility
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/07/24/prison-chief-spencer-resigns-after-allegedly-
mishandling-another-bridgewater-state-hospital-investigation/WxxXAVFXyYkI6JCZniio9L/story.html

28. Prelude: Wolf Wolfensberger's seminal work "The Origin and Nature of Our Institutional Models" posited that society
characterizes people with intellectual disabilities as sub-human and burdens of charity, He argued that this dehumanization, and
the segregated institutions that result from it, ignored the potential productive contributions that all people can make to society.
He pushed for a shift in policy and practice that recognized the human needs of those with intellectual challenges and provided
the same basic human rights as for the rest of the population. The Scenario: Imagine that you and your four children live in
Amherst, New York in a $650,000 home at the end of a cul-de-sac on the edge of a ten acre woods. The town has purchased a one
acre lot three houses away from yours, and plans to build a group home for ten intellectually challenged adults. As a resident of
the neighborhood, would you support or oppose this proposal and why? You've learned additional information about the
residents of the proposed group home in your neighborhood. In 2013, three of the ten intended residents exhibited challenging
behaviors including screaming, public masturbation, repetitive rocking, and echolalia (elective incontinence). However, these
behaviors have not occurred since then. How would this change your opinion about the construction of the group home in your
neighborhood? The residents in your neighborhood voted (14-3) to reject the town of Amherst’s proposal to build a group home
in the neighborhood. Town officials agreed that the home would not be built in your neighborhood if you and your neighbors
could develop a workable alternative. What are some possible solutions that would allow the residents of the home to be
provided with “the same basic human rights as the rest of the population”?
As a resident, I would not support this strictly because of the chance that my kids will be exposed to screaming, public masturbation,
repetitive rocking, and echolalia. If I didn't learn this additional information I wouldn't be so opposed to the group home. I think a
possible solution is to put these individuals in a more populated area, therefore, they can increase their social skills and be provided
with the same basic human rights as the rest of the population.
www.culdesac.org
Cul de sac against Town of Amherst

29. 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?
Growing up I attended Christ Lutheran Church of East Northport, New York. This establishment has provided a place of worship for
those in the area seeking one. The church is very involved in cleaning up the community and raising money and food for those in
need. Over time I feel that its role is still the same except the church has become slightly more modern by staying relevant with
current times, Pastor Jim often relates his sermon to events that are occurring in the world around us today. This place of worship
can continue to provide a place of worship to the future residents of East Northport and the surrounding areas.
http://welcometoclc.org/about-clc/our-facilities/
Christ Lutheran Church

30. 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 Architecture the biggest challenge is to preserve the earth's materials. As an aspiring architect I want to explore
replenishable materials, power, and fuels; beyond architecture as a society, we should not be using materials at such a large scale
that are becoming more and more scarce. To live more conservatively we need to use power from the sun, wind, waves, and
gravity. Replenished materials such as woods from sustainability managed sources, or near inexhaustible materials such as mud,
clay, and sand that need to be utilized in every situation possible.
Preserving Materials
https://www.quora.com/How-does-sand-turn-into-glass