Reading Summary Four

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“Recognizing Campus Landscapes as Learning Spaces”

In the article Recognizing Campus Landscapes as Learning Spaces, authors Kathleen Scholl and Gowri Gulwadi address a huge problem ailing our higher educational institutions in the United States. With an increase in need for spaces to further education, technological changes, and growth in enrollment; the traditional set up and structure of college campuses are called into question. Scholl and Gulwadi propose that in order to maintain the attention of students, a natural landscape within the university campus may be the best way. Due to the complexity of the college experience in today’s time, learning is not limited to a four year time segment, but rather it is lifelong. A strong influence on students’ ability to learn and maintaining a sense of belonging can be attributed to indoor and open spaces on campuses that are connected. This fact is typically overlooked, but Scholl and Gulwadi bring this to their audiences’ attention.

The article begins by providing readers with background information on the history of the American college campus. At first they were secluded and located in rural areas to promote complete and utter attention on academic and collegiate studies and activities. At one point in time there was a greater focus placed on creating open spaces of land and promoting student learning through farms, forests, greenhouses, and gardens. Landscape designer, Fredrick Law Olmstead is accredited with working alongside to create early college campuses. Physical landscapes were studied and believed to have a direct impact on shaping human behavior. With the devastating emergence of the Depression, an increase in enrollment created an increase in the need for facilities to educate students. The sudden need for facilities and also the popularity of the automobile (which occupied more spaces for parking lots) created environments that did not adhere to “campus open space”. Flashing forward to today’s college experience; campuses are now evolving in response to research suggesting that older campus plans were more effective learning spaces than newer ones.

As the article continues, authors clarify the meanings of the words “nature” and “landscape” utilized within the text. Defining nature is subjective, but authors choose to define nature in the realm of “physical features and processes of nonhuman origin that people ordinarily can perceive” (2015). Landscape is defined as the spatial, holistic, and mental dynamic entity associated in the emersion of campus environments. The relationship between landscape and nature and it’s ability to meet the overall cognitive benefits of students is being explained throughout the entirety of the article.

The authors also introduce the term “attention fatigue” to describe exactly why these holistic and nature centered campuses are so desperately needed. Several demanding and strenuous day to day activities and life responsibilities can be attributed to the “attentional fatigue” state of students. Also the increased availability of technology (phones, computers, and televisions) and the constant usage are reasons why students are so attentionally drained. A suggested cure or solution for the attentionally fatigue student is holistic learning environments.  Nature based learning environments capture the “direct attention” of students and connect them to the learning spaces in which they are within. Overall student-nature campuses and breaks/pauses in learning aid in creating productive learning spaces for students.

 

SCHOLL, Kathleen G; GULWADI, Gowri Betrabet. Recognizing Campus Landscapes as Learning Spaces. Journal of Learning Spaces, [S.l.], v. 4, n. 1, jul. 2015. ISSN 21586195. Available at: <http://libjournal.uncg.edu/jls/article/view/972/824>. Date accessed: 21 Mar. 2016.

Reading Summary Three

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Making Bathrooms more ‘Accommodating’ by Emily Bazelon

If you sat down and thought about the number of visual markers within society that draw our attention to sex difference you would be amazed. Signs that say MEN and WOMEN on bathroom doors are prominent examples of those visual markers. Bathrooms are supposed to be spaces of vulnerability and free for all to utilize in public places, but they require certain terms to enter. Something as simple as going to the bathroom may not be as simple for a person that identifies as transgender or disagrees with their assigned gender they were given at birth. In Emily Bazelon’s article Making Bathrooms More ‘Accommodating’, the author addresses the issue associated with men and woman designated bathrooms and proposes that society should create non-discriminatory bathroom or locker room spaces for everyone to use.

In Bazelon’s first paragraph she introduces the arguments of people that oppose the idea of “accommodating” men, women, and transgender people. For example in Houston voters rejected an ordinance that was nicknamed the “bathroom ordinance” that would have been used to protect against discrimination in employment, housing, public spaces, etc… Through the use of T-shirts that read “No men in Women’s Bathrooms” and TV commercials that portrayed a man threatening a woman in a bathroom, voter’s fears were invoked and they rejected the plan. Bazelon also gives examples of the progression towards accommodation that has recently been seen within the school system. Several school districts across the country have agreed to use the preferred gender pronouns and names of transgender students, but when it comes to bathrooms and locker room spaces they have a different arrangement. In the example given in the article, an Illinois, transgender high school student was given permission to shower and change in the locker room with female peers, but privacy curtains were provided as a solution.

Bazelon continues her informative article by defining exactly what the term “accommodate” means. According to the author the term “accommodation” is frequently mentioned in discussions about access to bathrooms and originates from the Latin meaning “to make fitting”. Bazelon defines accommodate as “to bring into argument or harmony, to furnish with something desired or needed, to favor or oblige” (2015). Examples of Congress granting accommodation for religious people that adorned turbans or hijabs at work were given. Also the Disabilities Act were examples utilized within the article.

Bazelon spends the remainder of her article discussing the environment of men and women bathrooms as a whole. The environment of the women’s room is “more refined and genteel than that of a man’s room” (2015). There is also a camaraderie associated with the ladies room.  A huge problem that ails the transgender community when pertaining to their use of public restrooms is the inability of the same sex to recognize them as equals. When men and women fail to accept transgender people as equals, they are looked at as the “others” and sometimes are denied access to the designated restrooms. Bazelon’s ultimate goal is to make individuals aware of this social injustice. She wants her readers to understand that transgender people are required to “accommodate” society every day and at the very least they can have restrooms that are inclusive.

Bazelon, Emily. “Making Bathrooms More ‘Accommodating’.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 21 Nov. 2015. Web. 15 Feb. 2016.

Built Environment Description- Exterior

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KROG STREET TUNNEL

For my first built environment description I chose to observe and document my trip to the historical Krog Street Tunnel. This location happens to be one of my favorite scenic places to visit in Atlanta. Krog Street Tunnel is an open creative space for artists to utilize. It links Inman park and Cabbagetown neighborhoods. It’s used as a canvas for those that are artistically inclined, a place for fitness, transportation, and a place of solitude for some. Below you will find a documented account of my visit with descriptions included.

ARRIVAL (mid- afternoon 2/12)

Two of my closest friends and I arrived at Krog Street Tunnel mid-afternoon in a Lyft. The driver was confused why 3 students wanted to be dropped off in a secluded graffiti tunnel, but was too distracted by the immense amounts of artwork that draped the walls of the tunnels to question us further. Luckily the weather was perfect (not too cold, a slight breeze, and the sun was out) so the 3 of us eagerly jumped out of the car.

ThSexism Isnt Sexiste first piece of artwork that I laid eyes on said “Sexism isn’t sexy”. This quote spoke to my inner feminism and set the tone for the entire visit. This quote was located on the outside of the tunnel when you first enter. It was very hard to miss, definitely an attention grabber. Feelings such as: bold, energetic, admiration, brave, and liberated describe how I felt upon seeing the artwork above.The quote set the tone of the tunnel and basically establishes the “carefree” and “uncensored”  nature of this space. Another piece of artwork that grabbed my attention was the “Dope” graffiti. This piece of artwork also spoke volumes and I believed described the tunnel perfectly. It was pretty dope.IMG_3662

Click here for Video: Krog Street Entrance

TRAFFIC NEAR THE TUNNEL

One thing that was hard to ignore while observing all of the artwork in the tunnel was how loud the tunnel made the cars, trucks, people, etc… passing by sound. As I sat in the tunnel and observed the joggers sprinting past, people engrossed in conversations, and dog lovers walking their pets; I couldn’t help but notice that the tunnel made everything sound bigger and louder than it actually was. The hollow space carved out in cement made for perfect acoustics. Even when I began to talk aloud I felt a sense of mysticism. The

I recorded a video for sound purpose below:

Click here : Traffic near Entrance

WALKING THROUGH THE TUNNEL

 The inside of Krog Street Tunnel was full of colors, graffiti designs, nicknames, portraits of celebrities, and random drawings. The tunnel had so many things on the walls that I found it overwhelming. My mind could nIMG_3666ot take in the immense amounts of artwork. One of my personal favorites was Oscar the Grouch work. I also found the puppy portrait very interesting. The types of pictures found on the walls varied so much. The themes varied from life changing quotes to jokes about love. You can find just about anything within this tunnel. The people who visit this site also vary just as much as the artwork on the walls.

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Click here for video: Inside the Tunnel Cancer is beatable

 

LEAVING THE TUNNEL

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While exiting the tunnel I was overjoyed to see a place to sit and rest my feet (picture to the left). I also was confused whether or not it was the exit or entrance, but then concluded that it probably did not matter. Within my last 15 minutes of observing I ran into an artist spray painting on the wall. His name was Rashad Usry and I had the pleasure of asking him a few questions. I began by asking if he came to Krog Street tunnel often to draw, he replied “Krog Street is really the only place down south that has a free wall, compared to like Miami and other places.” He continued to talk about his art and how he was visiting from Maryland. I found it very interesting that artists were allowed to come from all walks of life and leave their mark on the wall.   (Video of Rashad Ursy spray painting below)

IMG_3674           Video of Rasha Ursy: Grafitti Artist

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Annotated Bibliography One

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For my first group of annotated bibliographies I chose to focus on the relationship between homelessness and race/gender.

Gattis, Maurice N., and Andrea Larson. “Perceived Racial, Sexual Identity, And Homeless Status-Related Discrimination Among Black Adolescents And Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Relations With Depressive Symptoms And Suicidality.” American Journal Of Orthopsychiatry 86.1 (2016): 79-90. PsycARTICLES. Web. 6 Feb. 2016.

The researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison address the relationship between the mental health status of racial and sexual minorities and their status of homelessness. While other studies examine the impact of the marginalization on adolescents and young adults, there is still a lack of clarity when researchers try to understand the developmental outcomes associated with racial and sexual minority and their status of homelessness. This study examines associations between suicidality, discrimination, and depressive symptoms of 89 Black adolescents and young adults. Results indicate that among the community of the Black homeless youth, depressive symptoms and suicidality are highly prevalent. Results also indicate that those depressive symptoms are related to racial discrimination. Factors such as a lack of safe housing, policies, and programs are identified as problems ailing the community of Black adolescents experiencing homelessness and mental illness. The need for the careful consideration and implementation of programs and policies that include the needs of people of color with mental health issues and the homeless community are suggested solutions for this study.

 

 

Shelton, Jama. “Transgender Youth Homelessness: Understanding Programmatic Barriers Through The Lens Of Cisgenderism.” Children And Youth Services Review 59.(2015): 10-18. ScienceDirect. Web. 6 Feb. 2016.

The researchers and authors address the lack of service access and acquisition for transgender and gender expansive young people.  Due to institutional practices and sex segregated programs that do not allow the articulation of their gender, the authors recognize the need for services specifically designed to meet the needs of transgender adolescents experiencing homelessness. The study investigates the lives and experiences of a group of New York city based transgender and gender expansive youth that have experienced homelessness. Authors begin by defining transgender, gender expansive, and cisgender. The phrase transgender and gender expansive are utilized to encompass a wide variety and range of expressions noted by the participants. Cisgender is defined as a systemic ideology that denies gender identities that do not align with assigned gender at birth. The results of the study discovered that the program experiences of the participants were collectively associated with institutions that did not recognize their “self-designated” genders and confirms the need for programs that support transgender and gender expansive individuals.

 

 

Finfgeld-Connett, Deborah. “Becoming Homeless, Being Homeless, And Resolving Homelessness Among Women.” Issues In Mental Health Nursing 31.7 (2010): 461-469. MEDLINE with Full Text. Web. 6 Feb. 2016.

The researchers of the University of Missouri, Sinclair School of Nursing investigate the lived experiences of homeless women and make inferences that suggest optimal social services have positive influences on their future experiences. Authors address the causes for the recent rise in homelessness among women which include: a shortage in affordable housing, increase in poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.  Research indicates that homeless women are prone to perceptions of hopelessness, abandonment, and shame. Homelessness does not only affect women, but it also negatively impacts women and their children. Researchers discover that homeless women are ill-equipped to prevent and resolve homelessness. A resolution for this discovery is through the use of nurses to advocate and educate women. Nurses are encouraged to empower women through interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental factors. Moving from a place of homelessness to “stable housing” requires basic elements of a long-term multidimentional process that includes taking action and becoming empowered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading Summary One

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Tapestry of Space: Domestic Architecture and Underground Communities in Margaret Morton’s Photography of a Forgotten New York. By: NERSESSOVA, IRINA, disClosure, 10556133, 2014, Issue 23

 

In the article, Tapestry of Space: Domestic Architecture and Underground Communities in Margaret Morton’s Photography of a Forgotten New York, Irina Nersessova introduces the concepts and works of Margaret Morton. The Tunnel: The Underground Homeless of New York City and Fragile Dwellings are examples of the books of photographs created by Morton that forces viewers to reinterpret and question this idea of “home”. Nersessova interprets Morton’s photography of New York’s homeless in the article and utilizes Morton’s work to visually describe the actual “fragility” of home itself. Through the use of the Situationist International theory and the underlying goal of Morton’s photography, Nersessova aims to help eliminate the binary between “us” (those that have homes) and “them” (people who are homeless). She forces readers to ask themselves “Am I any different from a homeless person?”

Nersessova begins her article by establishing the similarities between aboveground and underground homes. Aboveground homes are defined as the living spaces that are socially acceptable and deemed appropriate. Underground homes are defined as the living spaces of the homeless that are not viewed as actual places of living. She states that both home spaces are “designed by taking material fragments and lining up the pieces in a cohesive manner” (2014). Even the actual constructions of these homes are similar. For example, homeless people gather scraps of discarded materials to build their homes. Aboveground homes are made with scraps of metal and materials. The author implies that although society views aboveground and underground homes as if they are on completely different spectrum’s, they are really not that different at all. The author also introduces this concept of the “fragility of home”. Both aboveground and underground homes are subject to a lack of stability. Natural disasters, financial problems, and floods are examples of circumstances that could occur and affect the stability of both above and underground homes. Nersessova attempts to blur the lines between homelessness and having a home.

The article continues and the reader begins to ask the question “why do we correlate homelessness with the lack of materials or personal belongings?” The author answers this question by discussing the images within society and how they dictate our desires. This theory on the consumption through image promotion was created by a group called the Situationist International (SI). Nersessova correlates their 20th century Marxists ideas to Morton’s photography. Margaret Morton’s photography defies the capitalist mentality of society by promoting the beauty in not having an abundance of materials. Capitalism maintains the society it has created through promotion that makes people feel they need materials. The author wants readers to understand that in a way homeless people have more than those that have homes.

In conclusion, Nersessova eliminates the binary between “us” (none homeless people) and “them” (the homeless) by utilizing Margaret Morton’s photography of the homeless in New York, establishing the similarities between aboveground and underground homes, and discussing how images dictate desires. Ultimately the author opens the eyes of her readers and helps them to realize that there is no difference between “us” or “them”.

Margaret Morton Photography

Margaret Morton Photography

Reading Summary Two

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SCHINDLER, SARAH. “Architectural Exclusion: Discrimination And Segregation Through Physical Design Of The Built Environment.” Yale Law Journal 124.6 (2015): 1934-2024. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Nov. 2015.

In Sarah Schindler’s article Architectural Exclusion: Discrimination And Segregation Through Physical Design Of The Built Environment, Schindler addresses the role in which built environment plays in our everyday lives and how it can be utilized as a tool to regulate people’s behavior, livelihood, and accessibility. The author also draws attention to the legal aspect of this architectural exclusion and states that “these less obvious exclusionary urban design tactics”(2015) do not receive the much needed attention and action that they deserve. Schindler’s overall goal within her writing is to raise awareness on the issue of architectural exclusion and help individuals understand architecture’s “regulatory power” and the harms that are associated with them.

Schindler begins the article by giving examples of architectural exclusion in action. In New York low hanging overpasses were purposefully built to prevent buses from traveling to Jones Beach.  Buses weren’t able to travel past low hanging overpasses and as a result people that utilized public transportation (poor and people of color) were not able to visit the beach. Another example of architectural exclusion given in the text was the subway system in Atlanta, Georgia (MARTA). Marta was built and intentionally doesn’t have any rail lines that lead to Northern Atlanta to prevent undesired individuals (poor and people of color) access. The inability to access this area of Atlanta affects job opportunities and the livelihood of the people that utilize public transportation at large.

After readers have a visual understanding of what architectural exclusion looks like, the author goes in depth and explains this form of segregation/ discrimination. In short, architecture is used to exclude.  Architectural exclusion is the physical barriers and varied methods to exclude undesirable individuals. People barely pay attention to their physical environments and something as simple as a bench with three seats in the park can be interpreted to something much more complex. When people begin to view their built environments through “regulatory lens[es]” (2015) then they will be able to understand that a park bench doesn’t just have three seats, but it’s a tool to regulate the homeless from sleeping on them.

The author continues the article by addressing the legal aspect associated with the issue of architectural exclusion. She implies that the fault in the United States’ legal system when it comes to the physical acts of exclusion prevalent within society is the inability of individuals to even recognize urban design, architecture, and buildings as a form of regulation. If more attention is given to the less obvious exclusion tactics more legal actions could be taken to prevent and eliminate them.

In conclusion, Sarah Schindler wants readers to view the built world around us through a “regulatory lens”. She also wants to raise awareness and start discussions about how architecture can be used to control behavior and implicitly exclude groups of people. The first step in eliminating this form of segregation and discrimination is to acknowledge it. Step two is to bring awareness to the issue and then the Courts, lawmakers, and legal system as a whole can take action to eliminate and control architectural exclusion.

MARTA system map