A Palimpsestic World

Reading 3
Concrete
Concrete phenomena were important to this article. These phenomena, such as houses, windows, trees, bridges, and anything else tangible, collectively create a certain image in a place. This atmosphere affects how people feel in the place, which is the character, my next keyword.
Character
The character is the feeling of a place, which stems not only from the combination of concrete phenomena, but from more abstract things, as well. Light in a place is ever changing, due to the time of day, and, on a more long-term basis, things like tree growth and changes in surrounding buildings. Whereas the concrete phenomena answer the question of “what?” character answers the question of “how?”
Do you think that light has a large impact on character? Why do some places change conversely as the light changes (i.e. North Minneapolis getting scarier vs. Downtown getting more exciting)?
What concrete phenomena would you attribute to a suburb? What about to a small town? How about a downtown area? Which things are the same, and which are different?
Reading 4
Responsibility
Taking responsibility for one’s designs is debated here. A question is posed about whether or not designers should take responsibility when something goes wrong. Also, the article talks about designers starting to design with the clients/users instead of for them.
Paradigm
People’s paradigms of design are brought to light in the article. Sometimes, designs create symbols for good, like a universally recognized hospital symbol or stop sign, but other times, it I for bad, like the Nazi symbol. Also, a point was made about the way that the junk food industry positions products through design to look more appealing, and how this may be affecting obesity.
The article mentioned re-designing prisons and schools. How do you think this should be done?
In instances like the 35W bridge collapse, who do you think should be responsible—the designer, builder, government agencies responsible for upkeep, or some combination of those?
Reading 5
Evolution
This article touched on the evolution of many aspects of society. These ranged from the evolution of the workplace to the evolution of the global market, to the evolution of education. Although evolution could be bad in some ways (brutal global market and school being seen more and more as simply vocational versus vocational and enriching), it can also be seen as good (new strategies of teaching and collaboration between fields).
Communication
Collaboration among fields is becoming increasingly important. As collaboration increases, so does communication. In addition to communication among disciplines, communication between designers and the public is increasing in importance. Since design relates to almost every field, this communication is key to creating better products in all fields.
What do you think is the best way for colleges to encourage interdisciplinary interaction?
What is a good way to avoid education as being seen solely for vocational purposes?
Reading 6
Application
The application of design thinking to practice was stressed here. Architects are earning less than they could be, and not applying the creative methods used in design to the office and to practice. Learning how to apply creative thinking to all aspects of work could be very helpful.
Education
Current architecture was called into question here, because it apparently has not been adequately preparing students for practice. Many ideas for changing it were brought to light, most of which compared architecture to medicine. All of the ideas involved more real life experience, and more contact with professionals.
How could creative thinking be applied to the way an office is run?
Which way do you think is best for bringing architecture students in contact with professionals?
Reading 7
Profession
The profession of architecture was brought to light here, along with the degree program for it. A doctorate was suggested, but it was acknowledged that this had to be in more than name only. The connection and difference between the discipline and practice where also debated, and it was noted that both must intersect.
Research
The importance of research was stressed, in order to enhance both the discipline and the practice. New things must be discovered, like Le Corbusier’s five points. Additionally, they must be brought into practice, like his were. That was just one example of how research can aid practice.
Which do you think is more important—discipline or practice? Why?
How are Le Corbusier’s five points used presently?
Reading 8
Experience
This piece basically said to get real world experience to enhance education. Also, group experience is important. Listening to gossip was mentioned as well, which first surprised me, but it makes sense to learn from others’ experiences as well as one’s own.
Diversity
Doing things outside of the major is important for staying well-rounded. Reading the paper and auditing non-design classes were suggested. That way, it is easier to draw inspiration from things, as well as relate to people outside of design fields (i.e. clients).
What is a good way to expand your horizons? Why?
What outside source has inspired you? Why?