en route to verte

MDG Presentation Reviews

2008-05-08T04:41:37Z

Although public speaking is considered more fearful to most than dying, just about all of us will be faced with it at some point before our last breath. To ease the burden of this terrifying experience, and create a meaningful message for your audience, it is imperative to begin work on your presentation by first organizing your ideas. Last week in section and lecture we witnessed the best and worst examples of this simple tool.

]]> During discussion, the second group to speak on Goal #1 had absolutely no direction. Each group member took their time rambling on about a problem inflicting Beijing and its surrounding countryside with no end in sight. The purposeless presentation was then supplemented with a poster that, not surprisingly, had flip-flopped the captions and pictures. Although speech is not strength to everyone, understanding the fundamentals of organization and objective speaking would have made group 1A’s presentation purposeful and understandable.
On the other hand, during Thursday’s lecture Kelly and Broc’s presentation on technology in Somalia was easy to follow. They began by breaking down their solution into three, easy to follow, distinguishable areas: mobile phones, wireless internet, and energy to fuel information and communication technologies. In addition, they pushed their research further to propose specific solutions to each of the problems, and even attained a model of the $100 laptop that is currently being distributed to children all over third world counties. They weren’t extremely skilled speakers, however their message was clear made up for their lack of finesse.
When putting together a presentation you must learn to work with what you have, in the best way you know possible. Kelly and Broc weren’t polished speakers, but they did a great job making their information understandable to listeners. On the other hand, group 1A made no attempt to ease the listener’s responsibilities and made it difficult for anyone to understand what was going on. By feeling comfortable with what you do know, and working to explain it in a way that makes sense, you can wash away any fear of public speaking, and feel confident your message will be heard loud and clear.

Jackon Street Thoughts

2008-05-07T19:24:14Z

Throughout the entire year I've volunteered at Jackson Street Village tutoring kids after school. However, this semester I felt my time spent at the center was much more beneficial than last semester's. In the fall I was volunteering because I had to. Although I’ve always enjoyed helping people, I viewed it as more of a burden because I didn’t really see its connection to the architecture class I was taking. At this point it doesn’t seem completely relevant to 1701 The Designed Environment, but my time at the tutoring center has taken on a completely different meaning for me.

]]> Having decided to become a teacher over this semester, volunteering at Jackson Street gets me excited about the future. Because I go to the center with a better attitude now, it is more satisfying when I help someone, whether it’s with a math worksheet, English paper, or with a personal concern. Various activities at the center, such as the reading of “Freedom Writers�?, also have me eagerly anticipating my time as a teacher when I will be able to create moments in a child’s education that will serve as pivotal experiences in their life. Learning is a process, and the different age groups and levels of intelligence I’m exposed to at Jackson Street provide a true picture of what’s in store.

The diverse range of behaviors, learning styles, and personalities have certainly made volunteering at Jackson Street more difficult at times, but has ultimately prepared me well for the future. Coming from an affluent suburb of Milwaukee where everyone was the same made it challenging for me to slide right in at the center. However I feel I handled it well, and have done a great job with my time there. The most rewarding moments come at the end of the day when kids ask if I will be back tomorrow. I always reply, “Sorry, no, but I’ll be back in two weeks!�? Come the end of the semester I won’t be able to say several weeks, but I will say several months, because I defiantly will return in the fall.

you CAN judge a book by its cover

2008-04-03T04:10:04Z

We’ve all heard the old saying; you can’t judge a book by its cover. But everyone knows this isn’t true. In today’s world, appearance does matter. As humans we are attracted to clever, flashy, and bold covers that grab our attention and direct us anxiously to its pages. So when it comes to displaying our final research project, the cover page must serve as an attractive and accurate gateway to the information inside. Below is a selection of three separate cover pages, each with its own look that highlights different important aspects of our research

]]> 1. The first cover is very fundamental in its layout. It uses a large graphic and emotionally moving picture to grab the reader’s attention, while including bolded text to help important words pop.

2. The second cover is quite different from the first. While still easy to read and follow, this page is simpler in design. Taking the UN Millennium Development Goals graphic, I faded the 7 other goals we did not work on. This shows that although we feel the 1st goal is most important, all of them are interconnected and play an important role in our solution.

3. The third cover does not use any images. Instead the page is full of statistics in relation to our goal on hunger and poverty. The statistics are faded in the background help the important text stand out. In a sense they provide the reader with an opportunity to create their own mental image, and help foreshadow the contents of our research.

Laying It All Out There

2008-03-13T04:00:12Z

We’ve all experienced confusion when it comes to the instructions of an assemble-it-yourself product, trying to send a picture in your text message, or if you’re my mom – using Google. Products and procedures that are meant to simplify and make our lives easier often prove to be a bigger headache than anticipated; and the finger of blame can be directed at designers. So when it comes down to laying out our groups term project, some key decisions need to be made that not only enhance the visual appeal of our final product, but also assist the reader in understanding exactly what we mean.

]]> The first component is a complete look. Because our final project will take the form of a typed report, simplicity and efficiency is key. Everything from fonts, to boarder size, and picture placement should compliment each other and remain similar throughout the document. Not only should the text be large enough to read, but perhaps developed further beyond the standard Times New Roman. Boarders should leave enough room to keep the reader focused on the text, but not crowd the page too far that there becomes too much extra white space. Looking at pictures should flow well with reading, so their placement should be in the proximity of the text describing them (with a small caption if needed). The following layout does well exemplifying this idea:

In general magazines such as TIME and Newsweek do a nice job at this style of page layout. Although similar to newspapers, these magazines have a longer deadline that allows them to broaden the visual appeal of their printing while still maintaining the news/business quality the complete work provides.

Moving beyond the standard layout of a page, at times it is necessary for more than standard pictures and text. Perhaps a diagram or more interesting visual is needed to compliment the writing. In this instance, a clever method of text wrapping can enhance a presentation without compromising readability. In the following example we witness a creative layout that adds well to the article through an intriguing illustration, creative title placement, and blown up page number, while maintaining easy readability of the article:

Popular Science also does a nice job keeping clean lines while integrating larger visuals that are referenced in the reading:

Extremely stylized pages are most often noted in a design magazine such as CMYK, PRINT, or Metropolis, where the art and layout of the page is almost as important as the content of the writing. However, sometimes these “graphically enhanced�? articles become a point of slight confusion as is noted on Page 2 of the following CMYK selection.

http://67.15.86.114/CMYK_Documents/articles/BigPictureCMYKMAG36.pdf

Although the article wasn’t too terrible to follow, the jutting quotations, and extremely intricate and intertwining illustrations seemed to take away from the writing itself. The pages were very visually appealing, however for our project this layout would be too much. Our main goal is to come up with a solution for extreme hunger in Maputo, Mozambique. The design of our final product will be important to ensure that the material we’ve put together is comprehendible, intriguingly laid out, but never confusing.

With this in mind, the best graphic style for our presentation would be similar to Popular Science. Not only is the magazine easy to follow, but it’s also designed in a manner that feels very professional and important while also highlighting the important aspects of its visual components. Although it may be tempting, we need to ensure that we do not let the presentation of our final product out do the content, as it’s what’s on the inside that matters most.

Photo Credits:
-Popular Science
-CMYK Online

Form v. Function

2008-03-06T07:33:57Z

When I arrived at the University of Minnesota I aspired to be a green architect, one that designed aesthetically pleasing spaces that effectively balanced form and function. I felt our current environment was too excessive to be efficient. Although both architecture classes have pointed out the obvious housing problems resulting from extreme poverty and natural disasters, we have spent far too much time gawking over ridiculously expensive designer buildings whose function is none greater than a basic structure.

]]> That's the problem with our, "built environment." Our affinity for highly embellished structures, like a Ghery building, focuses on aesthetics rather than functionality and use. Thus, we have to ask why we build structures. To that end, at what point does a framework or structure become more art than architecture? The primary purpose of architecture should be to house or frame human activities (most obviously in our residences). But all frameworks: gardens, landscaping, businesses, markets,
etc. are manifestations of the need to have shelter.

Currently our built environment is detracting from making our lives efficient.

When push comes to shove, we need things to work. Blackberrys, cars, and even our apple peelers have a purpose and function that is much more important than how they look. The better they work, the easier it makes our lives and the more value we get from it. When things don't work, we try to make them better. But there are some things that don't work very well, and which for reasons beyond our power, we cannot make more efficient. For example, our built environment and 1701 lectures both come to mind. Both are embellished to unnecessary levels. Both opt for show and panache instead of useable content. Just as it's hard to translate a verbose lecture spanning two weeks, it's hard to traverse a complicated environment.

Since when should a city spend millions of dollars for a Caesar Pelli or Frank Gehry building while hundreds sleep homeless in freezing temperatures? That even ignores the thousands of people who can't use the literature within the walls of the library, because the building itself drained public funds.

The entirety of our education and upbringing focuses on the competition of two values. Content or appearances? Efficiency or ornament? Form or function? This trend has continued into 1701 lectures as well as the architecture in my surrounding environment. Sadly, appearance tends to win the battle, and when we experience the failure of appearance to be useful and functional, we can finally see that function was the right choice in the first place.

Don't get me wrong; I love decoration, intricacies and design. But I have priorities that put not only the functioning of a building, but its surrounding community of people before the lavish décor. Buildings that are adorned and embellished are usually full of wasted time, material and space.

In residential architecture, we are now witnessing million dollar houses with plastic siding. Magnificent at first glance, but mediocre upon further scrutiny. These buildings are merely an attempt to portray lavishness, an idea that has become sadly all too American. Why are we so obsessed with bedazzling everything, even down to our conversations and lectures? Maybe by making our thoughts inaccessible and our architecture abstract, those of us who can understand fancy words and afford the luxuries are somehow better than others. After all, what’s more American than being better than the next?

Focusing on function and use should be our largest priority when it comes to designing buildings. Our environments are so mixed-up by the need to decorate with unnecessary ornament that it pushes down our efficiency and reprioritizes important issues. And as I listen to my lectures, I am fed more than the important basics. I hear decorations that block the basics. And before we can build on our environments to make them pretty, or to make our language more flowery, we have to reexamine the importance of architecture and lecture.

photo credits:
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~sven/publctns/binopps1.html
http://www.memefirst.com/001325.html

Branding a Legacy

2008-02-28T04:54:44Z

Every couple years, for a few short weeks, we are given a break: a break that unites cities, countries, and the world. When the Olympic Flame is finally lit, the games begin as thousands of athletes embody the human spirit and captivate a global audience. Since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics I have been hooked, and it has been a life long dream of mine to not only witness the event, but also become part of the team that makes the Olympics happen.

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Given the choice I would love to work on the design committee. The team is responsible for the creations that help the public identify with the Olympiad such a logo, theme song, mascots, stadiums, and the opening/closing ceremonies. To me, it’s this branding that helps connect everything together; the slogan and song remind us of the game’s true importance, the logo teaches us something about the host city, and the stadiums stand as a tribute of ingenuity to the countries architects.

View image

Although the games only last two weeks, their legacy fills the host city forever. Going back to Atlanta, the Olympic Centennial Park still serves the city strong as host to a variety of festivals and celebrations. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum continues to light the Olympic Torch to symbolize important events taking place inside the venue. And who will ever forget the “Miracle On Ice,�? that was the 1980 US Men’s Hockey gold medal championship over the Soviet Union. The Olympics may have come and gone, but their sprit and remains still have a lasting impression upon their host.

Not only do the games continue to touch a city after they have left, but even before they arrive their presence is felt. In Beijing, new subway lines now better connect the rapidly growing city. In London a new Olympic Green will replace a once rundown wasteland. And in Chicago the people are banding together for a shot at the 2016 Olympics.

The impact of the Olympics can be felt physically and emotionally before, during, and long after the event. By giving the event a face through image, song, and construction we can insure the true message of the games is heard, and resonates for eternity.

Goals for a New Millennium

2008-02-21T05:49:02Z

In elementary school we learned the 3 basic needs in life were food, shelter, and clothing. The times may have changed, but these needs still remain; and in my opinion the order has too. For this reason I selected to work on 'eradicating extreme poverty and hunger' as my final project in 1701. Although everyone is aware of the people in poor nations struggling to receive what we take for granted, it can be difficult to understand the magnitude of the problem when you’re half way around the world. However, every so often we stumble upon reminders of how 854 million people are not as fortunate as us.

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“Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.�? _Mahatma Gandhi

…Our ship may be coming in
You're weak but not giving in
To the cries and the wails of the valley below
Your ship may be coming in
You're weak but not giving in
And you'll fight it you'll go out fighting all of them…

_A Better Son/Daughter . Rilo Kiley

KEEP LIBRARIES OPEN

2008-02-14T05:27:49Z

Last Monday I went downtown to the Central Public Library in Minneapolis to return an overdue book. I walked into the 4-story atrium, turned to my right in an attempt to enter the bookkeeping space, and found the doors locked. After a good tug and a sweeping look around me for an alternate route, I casually walked away pretending I knew the doors wouldn’t open and trying not to look like a complete moron. But before I walked back outside I realized a brochure filled table with a sign that read: KEEP LIBARIES OPEN. I took a pamphlet and began to read of budget cuts and reduced funding that forced the library to shut its doors on Mondays.

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The beautifully innovative new Central Public Library, just off Nicollet Ave, was designed by notorious architect Caésar Pelli in association with the Minneapolis firm Architectural Alliance. The 353,000 square foot facility, finished in 2006, cost $125 Million with most expenses ($110 Million) covered by the 2000 Library Referendum in addition to a few donations. The building features dramatic cantilevers, “combination of transparent and translucent glass with seasonal Minnesota imagery such as water, snow, trees and prairie grass�?, and is topped off by an 18,560 sq. foot green roof.

Although the building looks stunning and incorporates striking Minnesota trademarks into its design, as the solution to a referendum I feel it’s beginning to fail. If the doors don’t open to allow public usage of its 300 computers, Upper Midwest’s largest children’s collection, and 3 million item compilation of books, DVDs, music, government documents, etc (the country’s 3rd highest per capita), the library is simply put, ineffective.

In a monumental step towards better library access, on January 1, 2008 all 41 libraries located in Hennepin County combined forces to create one strong system containing 1,600 public computers and over 5 million items that serve a potential 1.1 Million customers. This is a positive act that shows the library network as a whole is moving in the right direction, but that doesn’t solve the problem in downtown Minneapolis where majority of the system’s information is housed.

To better understand the problem we’re encountering take a look at the Public Library System of Arlington, Texas (a geographical area with roughly the same population as Minneapolis). The George E. Hawkes Central Library is open 57 hours/week during the summer months and 61 hours/week from September to May, compared to our dismal 44 hours year round. In addition, the seven-library system of Arlington doesn’t contain a library that’s open less than 52 hours a week.

In my opinion our current system is broken. It doesn’t pay to keep 41 libraries open if they are scraping to get by. Instead, the Hennepin County Library system needs to consolidate their resources into at least half the number of buildings in an attempt to make their materials more readily available, and elongate their hours at every location.
Current attempts to solve the library budget woes are not focusing on consolidation, but rather generating enough funding from the government and donations in an attempt to sustain the crippled system.

Is the attempt wrongful? Absolutely not. Are there better ways to go about it? Yes! But at this point, the best we can do is help them in their fight. To get involved at your local library sign up for more information (http://www.friendsofmpl.org/support_advocate.html) and be sure to stop down at the Central Library, pick up a “KEEP LIBRARIES OPEN�? pin, and sport it on you book bag or jacket as I’ve done.

The Living City

2008-02-07T05:20:43Z

What makes a city a city? Is it the buildings? Is it the businesses? Is it the people? All three play an integral role but there’s still an element missing. Another piece to the puzzle that truly brings the city to life: transportation.

]]> As defined by Merriam-Webster, “transportation is a system, or means of transporting people or goods.�? In its most basic definition, this is true. But in the context of the metropolis, roads and rails are the veins of a city’s body, and the transportation along them its pulse. Carrying people and goods alike, a city’s transportation infrastructure brings the metropolitan area to life by connecting and adapting to the various needs of its surrounding population.

At the end of the day when the shops close, businessman head home, and the visitors check in to their hotels, the streets clear the city begins to sleep. But as the bright sun of dawn approaches, the city awakens; bringing in new energy and life to the city for another day are the cars, busses, boats, bikes, and trains. The blood begins to move and the heart of the city begins to race.

As chaotic as the city grows throughout the day the movement of people continues to flow. Trains depart, bus lines cross, the cab driver’s fare grows higher. The organized chaos of Metro Transit carries the pulse seamlessly in, out, and around the metropolis when and where it needs to go.

When the dog days pass, and the last leaf falls, the pulse does not stop. But instead slows with the freezing river, as the snow covered pavement hangs up it's bike. The white sidewalks grow empty while the busses and trains reach maximum capacity. A transportation transformation is underway but not for eternity. Eventually the ice thaws, the snow melts, the buses empty, and the pulse quickens.

The city was built by man, but it is also inspired by him. It embodies the characteristics and tendencies of a natural being in the way it moves, adapts, and radiates its passion for life. The veins that carry the city’s pulse sustain its existence, and as long as they persist the city will continue to thrive.