Author Archives: kthompson78

Quotes from Mark Purcell’s “Possible Worlds: Henri Lefebvre And The Right To The City”

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“…Lefebvre argues that what is going on in the world today is that industrialization is stirring up a powerful force it cannot fully control.”

Industrialization is taking over the world and there is nothing people can do about it.

“Lefebvre does not see the right to the city as an incremental addition to existing liberal-democratic rights. He sees it as an essential element of a wider political struggle for revolution.

The more power you have the more influence you have.

“The first is easy for most: accept the inferno and become such a complete part of it that you no longer know it is there.”

Don’t dwell on things that you have no control over accept it and let it go.

Is That Ice “Tea”?: Commercials as Rhetoric

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At the beginning of this semester, I was introduced to the term “rhetoric”. I made an attempt to convey my perception through a bounty commercial. Now that my understanding of rhetoric has matured, I am going to give it another shot.

Commercials serve as good examples of rhetoric. First comes the hook, second the need is established, then a solution (usually the product being advertised) is introduced to satisfy the need, the viewers (audience) are compelled to to see him/herself using the product and then the viewers are called to action.

With all of this understood, I put Ice T’s “GEICO” commercial to the test. The hook: The famous rapper Ice T at a lemonade stand. The need is established when all of the potential customers are surprised when they find out that lemonade is being sold by Ice T. The solution is to buy GEICO-It’s not surprising. The viewers are called to action when Marion holds up a sign that shows how much money she saved using GEICO. I can’t quite pinpoint where in the commercial the audience is prompted to visualize the need for GEICO. Do all of the elements have to be presented in order for the commercial to be effective? What do you think?

Annotation of “The Innovation Campus” by Alexandra Lange

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stata-center-mit--building-20

Demolition of Building 20 and recreation of Stata Center Source: Wally Gobetz via flickr

Alexandra Lange’s “Innovation Campus” lends new meaning to the phrase, “Thinking outside of the box.” The author uses ethos to persuade the audience. She is a journalist who has built a reputation as an architecture and design critic. Lange’s work has been showcased in The Architect’s Newspaper, Design Observer, Metropolis, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. Universities stakeholders may find Lange subjective approach credible.

“If the Silicon Valley creation myth starts in Steve Job’s garage (now a designated historic site), the creation myth on campuses starts at M.I.T.’s Building 20.”  The Silicon Valley myth erupted from the presumption that Steve Jobs launched a start- up in the famous garage and built it into the world’s most valuable company. Steve Jobs did not create things wholly; however, he was gifted at organizing ideas that define the future. Like the Silicon Valley myth, brainstorming was birthed inside the walls of M.I.T.’s Building 20. 

“Though studies have shown that proximity and conversation can produce creative ideas, there’s little research on the designs needed to facilitate the process.” Collaboration can take place over distance. Communicating and networking via email, instant messaging, face-time, and conference calls are communication technologies. However, I believe face-to-face conversation is more effective. Close proximity does make communication easier because it encourages social interaction.

“There’s also much more to do with your hands than take notes in class:” This sounds like the structure appeals to the hands-on learner. I am wondering if the design takes into account the kinetic,auditory, and visual learner. I attended a fines arts magnet school that focused on learning through visual arts. The arts were not of interest to me; therefore, I soon transferred to an  academic magnet school. Lange suggests that the design will foster creativity . Can creatively be learned?

“Instead, there will be options so that people can choose how they like to work, from open-plan spaces by the windows, to a roof deck with a garden, to huddle rooms for groups of five or less.” This idea supports the thesis in the article,  “Recognizing Campus Landscapes as Learning Spaces” by Scholl and Gulwadi.

“As you begin to understand how people work together, there is an ideal size of collaboration.” In order to make an idea come to life, sometimes it takes many people. This is evidenced through Steve Jobs. Jobs had the idea, but he could not put the plan into action. It took other people to make Apple come to life.

“One thing about the building is it has no formal classrooms, and no faculty or staff offices,” If there are no offices, where do faculty and staff go to collaborate?

“But the pressure on administrators to change their campuses may soon come, not just from above and within, but from below.” Student turnover rates and graduates under performing in the workforce will force administrators to redesign their campuses.

Summary#2: Recognizing Campus Landscapes as Learning Spaces

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prinston

Prinston Campus in 1770

The article “Recognizing Campus Landscapes as Learning Spaces” by Kathleen G. Scholl and Gowri Betrabet Gulwadi discuss the importance of shaping a college campus that speaks holistically to the students’ learning experiences. The authors examines how college campuses should rectify the growing changes and challenges that have evolved in this twenty-first century. Scholl and Gulwadi assert that increasing the accessibility of technology has hindered students’ attentional resources, therefore, academics have been underachieved. To replenish cognitive ability, the authors suggest ways that college campuses must examine their natural open spaces. The claim is that incorporating green spaces into the landscape helps to electrify students’ ability to pay attention. To enhance students’ learning experiences, the authors address two concepts: 1) direct and indirect attention and restoration and 2) a holistic landscape.

History

To support the article’s central assertion, the authors begin by looking at the historical aspect of the college campus. Princeton University demonstrates the first use of the word “campus.” The ideal campus in the 1770’s was secluded and away from city interaction. However, being a part of the larger community was encouraged. Students were advised to spend unlimited time on classical learning. The Morrill Act of 1862 took a different perspective to classical designs. The Morrill Act of 1862 focused on student learning through, “its working farms, forests, arboretums, greenhouses, gardens.” Due to the increase of college enrollment after World War II and federal-grant opportunities, facilities were redeveloped. Colleges’ open spaces were being filled and parking lots were built. Campuses should be shaped by the evolving philosophy of education; therefore, “older campus plans emphasized disciplinary boundaries and newer campus designs are more amorphous and integrative”

Direct and Indirect Attention and Restoration

nature

Source:Gettyimages ( Nature requiring no concentration)

 The authors purposely define nature in the latter part of the article. According to Scholl and Gulwadi, nature is the “physical features and processes of nonhuman origin that people ordinarily can perceive, including the “living nature” of flora and fauna, together with still and running water, qualities of air and weather, and the landscapes that comprise these and show the influences of geological processes”. The Attention Restoration Theory (ART) contends that the human attentional system is restored when people interact with nature. Therefore, nature affects direct and indirect attention. Direct attention requires deep concentration, i.e., when college students are preparing to meet academic goals. Too much of direct attention can cause mental irritability and fatigue. However, the use of involuntary attention can restore attention efficiency.

Holistic Learning

Students can interact with nature in the following settings: indoor, urban, fringe, production landscape, wilderness, and specific species. When interacting, landscape engagement can come indirectly, incidentally, and intentionally. The authors use a table to illustrate how students can interact on college campuses. Scholl and Gulwadi suggest that viewing a roof garden from the windows of a student lounge can provide students with incidental interactions with nature. Students should also take breaks from academic structure to replenish direct attention. There are countless campus nature settings that will encourage the restoration of direct attention.

Conclusion

kell-hall

GSU’s Kell Hall will soon be demolished in order to make way for green space.

College campuses must provide avenues to holistically meet the needs of college students. This approach includes finding ways to ease students’ minds. Mental fatigue will exist if there is an absence of open space. Developing landscape that stimulate indirect attention is essential to academic success. This effort will take the collaboration of all stakeholders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scholl, Kathleen, & Gowri Betrabet Gulwadi. “Recognizing Campus Landscapes as Learning Spaces.” Journal of Learning Spaces [Online], 4.1 (2015): n. pag. Web. 08 Oct. 2016

Made in UGA: Underground Atlanta

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The 225,000 square feet of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment have been a development of Downtown Atlanta since the late 1960’s. There is no wonder that the shopping and entertainment district sees thousands of visitors each year. With every visitant there is a unique reason behind the visit. Some patrons come with a wish list and others are simply window shopping. Regardless of the reason, there are over 60 stores to choose from. Underground Atlanta is full of stores that sale the same materials. The small business vendors (mall cart vendors) are specialty stores. Unlike department stores, mall carts offer specific merchandise, i.e., one vendor may specialize in cell phone accessories. Because of the carts’ center isle location, the independent vendors have access to a constant flow of potential customers. The customers have direct access to the mall carts without going into a department store. 

When entering the lower level of the Underground, the first mall cart is, “Watch Me Inc.” This cart has served customers at the Underground for more than three years. Just as the name indicates, this small store specializes in male and female watches. The watches are an assortment of colors and sizes. The colors of the bands range from silver and gold to rainbow colors. The faces on the watches are about the size of a half-dollar. Most of the watches are analog; however, there are a few digital. Smart watches are also available at this cart. As a side item, there is a small selection of ladies’ purses for sale.

A cellphone accessory cart, “Media Mart” sales the latest cellphone cases, chargers, and ear plugs. The cases can fit Android and I-phone cell phones. There are all types of cases from Pokémon to Georgia Bulldogs. Some cases have bling-bling on them and others have a smooth texture. Some cases can fit into the pocket and some can be carried as a purse.  The cart has ear plugs for cell phones as well as I-pads. The phone chargers are limited to Android cell phones. The store also offers portable cell phone chargers that serve as cell phone cases as well. This vendor has been in business for about five years.  

“Instant Photos of Atlanta” is another mall cart. This vendor serves customers through photographing. Instant photographing is offered for visitants who want to capture the moment. There is a photographer on site with a selection of backgrounds to choose from. Each background is multicolored with an Atlanta theme. The photos are ready for pick up within minutes. This vendor has been in business at Underground Atlanta for about six years.

The eye wear vendor specializes in sun glasses for men, women, and kids. The frames are a variety of styles. The collection includes frames that are round shaped and others are retro-square shaped. Some of the frames are durable and sturdy and some are a little less sturdy. There are metal frames and plastic frames. The vendor offers sporty sunglasses as well as aviators. The aviators have a dark metal frame. The lens come in clear, dark, cooper, and amber tints. This mall cart has been in business for about five years.

Another small business cart is, “Art of Makeup.” This vendor offers makeup that ranges from foundation and eye makeup to lipstick. The vendor also installs eyelashes to enhance the eyes. The eyelashes are available for sale at the cart. Customers can also get their makeup applied at the cart. This vendor has been in operation for a short time but was once under another name.

Subjectively, the material sold at the mall carts are inexpensive. The sunglasses are made of good quality. Not only is the merchandise worth buying, but the customer service is genuine. I would defiantly recommend shopping  at Underground Atlanta.

 

Conquering the Fear of the Unknown: Atlanta Underground

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Atlanta Underground Sign

Atlanta Underground Sign

Statue at Underground Atlanta

Statue at Underground Atlanta

Atlanta’s Underground is one of the most distinguished shopping and entertainment districts in Georgia. It’s not the diverse shopping vendors or the fine dining that sets it apart from the rest. Its the unique architectural structure that fascinates the imagination of all tourist. As a child touring the facility, I wanted no part of the underground area. Therefore, I was limited to only touring the top level.

Top-Level of Underground

Top-Level of Underground

I wondered if it was dark down there or what would happen if the walls caved in. Now that I have a new residential address on the campus of GSU and I am within walking distance, I set out to search for the answers.

Stairway to Underground Atlanta

Stairway to Underground Atlanta

An accordion of stairs led me to the underground level. An  accordion of stairs led me to the underground level. Every step that I took made me realize how much I had grown from a child who was afraid to enter the “dark cave” to a college student ready to explore the “city beneath the streets.” I yanked out my camera to capture every surprising moment.

There it was, the other side of everything that I had missed. The lighting was not good but the dimness added a unique feel to the rustic-like look. It was almost like a moment in time. There were brief history lessons framed in glass cases. Though the underground structure seemed to be complicated, it was all explained in one display.

Brief History of Underground Atlanta

Brief History of Underground Atlanta

Train Display at Underground Atlanta

Train Display at Underground Atlanta

Understanding the history gave meaning to the animated train display. The underground was once a railroad freight depot. As I studied the displays, I admired the fearless child’s reaction as her parents eagerly explained the significance of the underground structure. I realized that everyone’s purpose for visiting Atlanta’s Underground was unique.

I stood back and attempted to figure out exactly what it was that drew each visitor to the underground. The visitants came from all walks of life. There were the young, the old, the shopper, the diner, and of course the curious. Most people refused to go on camera but they expressed an appreciation for the selection of shopping and entertainment that the district offered. Others openly talked about their experiences.

As I rode the escalator to the upper level, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had missed anything as a child. Was Underground Atlanta what it had cracked up to be? I was leaving with my anticipation unfulfilled.  Is it dark down there? Yes, however, there is a little natural light from the opening of the top floors. The vendors’ displays also provide lighting. Could the walls cave in? I don’t think that they could because the underground structure is framed and there are concrete insulated walls.  Although my enthusiasm was curbed, I was able to face my fears and satisfy my wonders. Each Atlanta Underground experience is in the eyes of the visitor.

 

 

Collaboration: A Masterpiece

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Mrs. A discussed collaboration in class today. During this time, the class modeled how collaboration takes place and each student contributed to a piece of art work. All of these ideas worked together. To collaborate, you must be humble and respectful of each person’s impression.

First Classroom Collaboration

First Classroom Collaboration

Collaboration Example: It takes innovative minds to make a movie. In order for a movie to come into theaters, the screenwriter finds a producer. The two of them collaborate and to choose a director.

Director's Seat

Director’s Seat

The collaboration amongst the three of them determines who will best play each role. Then the actors become part of the collaboration.  When we go into the theatre, we enjoy all of the things collaboratively put together.

A couple of weeks ago, I experienced the making of an episode from the television show Sleepy Hollow. This particular scene was filmed two blocks down from Georgia State University. The scene that I witnessed will be one of many scenes that will come together to complete the television show.

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Scene from Sleepy Hollow

Reading Summary #1: Discrimination and Segregation Through Physical Design of Built Enviroment

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robertmoses

Source: Robert Moses’ Overpass

 

An architect may spend countless hours developing a blueprint that depicts the purpose of the building. Intentions can vary from structure to structure. In the article “Architectural Exclusion: Discrimination and Segregation Through Physical Design of Built Environment,” Sarah Schindler illustrates a history of discriminatory motives behind architectural designs. Schindler argues that built environments form “walls” that separate poor and colored people from life’s advancements. Not only is discrimination evidenced, but there are laws and regulations that unconsciously support discriminatory acts through built environments.

The author’s first example of discrimination through built environments was Robert Moses’ architectural designs in New York. A man as renowned as Moses purposely designed most of New York’s low hanging overpasses to prevent minorities from obtaining access to Jones Beach by public transportation. Schindler confirms that public transportation is also used as an inhabitance in Atlanta. The Atlanta MARTA system was petitioned to make a detour to avoid prominent communities; thus, making “it physically difficult for certain individuals to reach the places from which he desired to exclude them” (Schindler). Occupants of the prominent communities believed that the exclusion would keep troublemakers out.

A fence was built in Hamdem, Connecticut with the intentions of prohibiting a black neighborhood from interacting with a development for a white community. The barrier inconvenienced black tenants when they needed to access shopping malls. The fence was later demolished because of threats to sue. With the same motive, the local housing authority replaced the fence with a smaller security fence. In addition to building fences, sidewalks and crosswalks are omitted. The purpose of this omission is to disconnect one neighborhood from the other or to eliminate the possibility of creating an avenue to white neighborhoods. The absence of a sidewalk makes it dangerous for travelers because sidewalks protect pedestrians from on-coming traffic.

 

Although these discriminatory acts exist, Schindler notes that legal scholars have given little acknowledgement to the schemes that are used to discriminate through built environment designs. Law scholars fail to view built environments as an approach to segregate because they view the regulations as harmless. Some of the tactics are less obvious which also makes it difficult to address. For example, a bench in a public park uses arm rests that separate its form to deter homeless people from using the bench as a resting place. This tactic is less obvious making it less likely to be addressed. A legal case in 1974 that involved the closing of a street that connected a white neighborhood to a black neighborhood was settled by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court ruled that this act was an inconvenience. However, Justice Marshall voiced his opinion stating that this was clearly discrimination. There are laws that address exclusionary zoning ordinances. Conversely, these laws “allow government to shape our actions without our perceiving that our experience has been deliberately shaped” (Schindler).

Though the reasons for segregation through built environments may seem legitimate, it is discrimination. Whether it is to protect a neighborhood or maintain property value, built environments that divide the fortunate from the less fortunate is “not only a remnant of the distant past, but also exists in more modern examples” (Schindler). Our lawmakers must understand that racism through architecture design must be addressed. If the conversation continues to be avoided, segregation will once again become blatant.

Schindler, Sarah.  “Architectural Exclusion: Discrimination and Segregation Through Physical Design of Built Environment.” Yale Law Journal . 124.6 (2015): 1836-2201.

Signs of Grady

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History of Grady

History of Grady

With over 1,000,000 visitors each year, Grady Hospital is never closed for business. People enter the doors for the first time and of course there are those who frequent. Some occupants are patients others are visitors or even employees. Regardless of the reason for entering the doors of Grady, each person has her unique experience. These experiences can be directed in some way by the signage displayed over the hospital. Each sign has its purpose and some signs are tailored for specific people. Some signs illustrate the history of the hospital paying homage to the hospital’s developments. There are the signs that give directions to a wing or area.

Wet Floor Sign

Wet Floor Sign

There are signs that warns of “wet floor” to prevent an injury. In addition, the hand washing signs promote healthy living. Posters on the walls solicit hospital volunteers. Posted procedures for patient care assist doctors and other medical professionals.

The signage accommodates multilingual visitors. Icons and pictograms are used in heavy traffic areas. The pictures are universal heath symbols; for example, the medicine bottle with the pharmacy symbol is used to indicate the pharmacy wing.

No Smoking Sign in Spanish and English

No Smoking Sign in Spanish and English

The signage is strategically placed over the building. Obviously, the “wet floor” sign is placed when the floor is wet.Hand washing signs are located in restrooms and throughout areas where the traffic floor is heavy. Hospital volunteer signs are visual at the main entrance of the hospital. Signs that aid employees and the doctors are placed in their specific work areas.

Hand Washing Sign

Hand Washing Sign

The signage is printed in different fonts.Some signs are displayed in bold letters. Some signs are colorful and accompany with pictures. A few of the signs are hand written. The signs vary in texture. There are durable vinyl banners and in other cases there are paper signs. The signs are also in all shapes and sizes. The largest sign of them all is a vinyl banner. This banner hangs above the balcony of the front entrance and gives thanks to the hospital’s 1,000,000 visitors, volunteers, patients, and staff.

Grady Mmeorial Hospital Banner

Giving Thanks to Grady Memorial’s Supporters

If it was not for the signage at the hospital, Grady Memorial would have lost, accident prone, and anger visitors wondering the halls.

Experiencing Grady Memorial

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Downtown Atlanta is the home of one of the nation’s best trauma centers: Grady Memorial Hospital. Grady is a place where life begins and often ends. It is a place where emotions run high and never die. There is the proud dad on the fourth floor and the grief stricken motherless child on the sixth floor. Grady’s workforce ranges from janitorial workers to medical practitioners. It is the one place that is dreaded by many but appreciated by many more. It is a hospital!

I had the opportunity to visit Grady not as a patient or concerned visitor but this time as an inquisitive spectator. I felt observably shaken and nervous because I look at the hospital as a gloomy place. Not familiar with the layout of the hospital, I made a grand entrance from the left wing. This entrance lead me directly to the emergency center. I was immediately met with the dreaded “hospital smell”. It was a smell of sickness. I took the first seat which happened to be next to my first project. Before I could gather my thoughts, an old lady in a wheelchair greeted me and advised, “Go check in. There is a long wait.” I nodded with a sigh and explained that I was visiting as a student. She went on to tell me about her illness and at times getting personal. As she talked, I noticed the severity of the other patients’ illnesses. One patient was wrapped head to toe in covers, shivering, and coughing uncontrollably. Another patient received care immediately for a bleeding head injury. The conversation continued for about ten more minutes then she instructed me to go to the check-in desk and inquire about her wait. Thinking of my grandmother back home, I did just as she said. The receptionist at the window requested my ID and explained that she did not have consent to speak with me about the patient.
The receptionist’s reply shifted my focus in another direction.

My focus was now on the security of the patients in the hospital. When we visit the hospital, we think about the medical care of the patients and often take for granted patient security. There was a security guard there for obvious reasons but do we understand the extent of her job in a hospital? Violence can take place anywhere and the hospital is no exception. Declining to go on camera because of hospital policies and protocols, the security guard explained that her job is to protect people, property, and information. Yes, even to protect patient’s information. In the emergency center, her job is to maintain order and respond quickly to any security setoff in the hospital. This explained the metal detectors and the security cameras that were strategically placed throughout the building.

At the main entrance, there is an additional desk where visitors are required to check-in. Some floors require additional forms of clearance. Tight security is enforced on the maternity wing. I discovered this when I attempted to visit the nursery. Even with a legitimate ID, I was denied access.
For the most part, I was not allowed anywhere in the hospital with the exception of the lobby, the emergency center, the cafeteria, and the gift shop. The gift shop is open to the public. It includes an array of congratulatory gifts and “sorry for your loss” souvenirs to welcome births and comfort grievers. These gifts accommodate the visitor’s diverse emotions that are encountered every day.