Architecture for Longer Life

This piece of architecture by Arakawa and Madeline Gins is very interesting as it claims to help people live longer and healthier lives. Filled with bright, energetic colours, and playful undulating floors, this house provides an environment which constanly stimulates the body and mind. The purpose is that visitors and inhabitants will always be learning to adapt and will therefore maintain a certain youthfulness.

Flat Lighting

The idea for this design by Korea-based design group DMO was to create a lamp which appears as a simple graphic icon. light bulbs which are used in most lamps are not present here, nor is there the space for them. instead, LED lights are hidden into a two dimensional frame which looks like a standing lamp. the simple design leans against the wall on an angle the user chooses.

I really like this lamp as it is modern, quirky and incredibly practical. Especially in compact living as it barely takes up any floor space. However I don't think that it is particularly beautiful.

Climate change is real but it's still not easy being green

Our world and climate is changing whether we like it or not. Scientists and politicians are battling with the rest of world trying to persuade them to change their ways. We still don't seem to be paying enough attention to the fact that if we don't do something now, we will destroy our planet.

But the most pervasive problem is less tangible: our own behaviour. We get distracted before we can turn down the heating.We break our promise not to fly after hearing about a neighbour’s jaunt to India. Ultimately, we can’t be bothered to change our attitude. Fortunately for the planet, social science and behavioural economics may be able to do that for us. Despite mournful polar bears and charts showing carbon emissions soaring, most people find it hard to believe that global warming will affect them personally. Recent polls by the Pew Research Centre in Washington, DC, found that 75-80 per cent of participants regarded climate change as an important issue. But respondents ranked it last on a list of priorities.

We are constantly surrounded by reminders that we must change our ways, but still no-one seems to be bothered. It seems that people won't seem to react to global warming until it is literally sitting on there doorstep in which case it will be too late. I feel passionate about recycling because it is such a small thing but it has a massive effect. I hate seeing the adverts on the tv about the polar ice caps melting and all of the polar bears dying because it is simply unnecessary. Simple things such as turning the water off when your brushing your teeth or switching the light off when you leave a room, these are precautions that we could all do help. If people took a minute to think about there actions before they threw into the earth unneccsary rubbish then we myt be able to prolong the life and quality of our planet by a significant amount.

We as human beings all seem to be guilty of not caring enough about our planet because everyones attitude is that someone else will fix it.

Mindmaps From Assignment 2

Eventually! I have just worked out how to get my mindmaps from a previous assignment up off of mindmeister. I did give printouts of them to Hamid when I done them, it's just taken me ages working out how to upload them!

Assignment 4

Comparing a book and a journal showing how networking acts as a major connector to designers.


Social networking is something that many people are familiar with. These social networking "communities" provide different things for different people and are growing popular reasons for new social lives, happiness, sadness, depression, and addiction. To a designer, not only social networking but networking itself in a day to day basis with "real people" is very important as it links us with the rest of the world and can provide information on job interviews, other designers work, other people who specialise in different areas who could then link with other professionals and so on. The sources that I have chosen to analyse are Howard Rheingold's book "The Virtual World" and a journal called "The networking survival guide: get the success you want by tapping into the people you know" by Diane C. Darling. Both sources look into the subject of networking, the book discusses social networking in detail showing alot of evidence and experiences whereas the journal shows the reader how to make the most of networking in the "real world" without doing it through the use of a computer.



Howard Rheingold is a teacher, writer, and critic. He is very interested in the cultural, political and social implications of the internet and "virtual communities". He became a member of the "WELL"(Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link) in 1985 which is a computer conferencing system and is also a conscientiously experiment. After joining this site he then wrote "Tools for thought" and "The Virtual Community" in which he explores the implications of social networking. I chose this book to analyse because of the amount of evidence to back up Rheingold's argument, therefore I trust the information in it.



"The Virtual Community" is a book which tours the "virtual community" of online networking. Rheingold suggests that communication through computers has started a new type of social life. He tells moving stories about people who have received online support when going through major life crises and describes a community that is as real as our "real life" communities. In the book he also explores how people relate to each other online similarly to how they behave and interact with each other in physical communities. It is now as easy to talk to someone that's on the other side of the world as it is to talk to someone who is in the same building as you. People form relationships which affect their business life or personal life and this is where social networking is beneficial to designers. Keeping in touch and being involved in conversations with other people online who are from different backgrounds who have different opinions is a very important tool to be able to use in the actual world.

The main link of communication in cyber-space is e-mail. E-mail has made it possible for friendships and projects to be maintained over a long distance and has also enabled virtual communities to be able to be so strong and popular. It is far easier for someone to be able to jump onto their computer to send or retrieve a piece of information than it is to actually physically do it. From the very beginning of the book Rheingold gives evidence of this when he talks about his daughter picking up a tick and him and his wife not knowing what to do about it; "My wife, Judy, called the pediatrician. It was eleven o'clock in the evening. I logged onto the WELL. I got my answer online within minutes.I had removed the tick by the time Judy got the callback from the pediatrician's office." (pg 1) Showing that virtual worlds do relate to the actual world and social networking helps with everyday "real life" situations. After reading the book i became aware that many people use social networking as a form of escapism. One example is a man called Phil Catalfo who is opening a discussion about Leukemia after his young daughter being diagnosed with the disease. He used the forum to receive support and advice. "We are here and we are listening. We share your hope and a small part of your pain. Hang on." This proves that people do use these forums for support when going through major life crises and therefore this helps them in their "real life". Another reason that these sites are so popular is that there are constantly people there listening and ready to give advice at every hour on the clock, and these people are from different backgrounds and professions such as doctors, teachers, and authors.

Rheingold's book is mainly evidence based, helping to support his argument that "Virtual Communities" are not necessarily bad and help many real life situations. Rheingold talks about Larry Brilliant (pg 28) who became a doctor and an epidemiologist and ended up spearheading the World Health Organization's successful effort to eliminate smallpox. He was also involved in another health care effort the Seva Foundation. He found that Seva's volunteers, medical staff, and organizational directors could meet and solve problems through the use of computer conferencing. After realising this Brilliant became one of the principles of NETI, a business that created and licensed computer conferencing systems. Many people are under the illusion that modernisation and computers create a lazy society which is not properly educated but Rheingold shows that if used sensibly and properly, social network sites can build a stronger and more efficient community. Acting as a huge tool, social networking is essential to any designer.



I do not think that Rheingold has been biased in his argument that social networking sites do help society and physical communities as opposed to the idea that we should reject all technology theories as he backs up all his statements clearly with strong evidence. To conclude Rheingold successfully conveys his idea that social networking is not bad for society through his use of evidence-based sources.

Continuing on Rheingold's ideas of networking is Diane C. Darling who is an author, speaker, consultant and entrepreneur. She has conveyed her ideas of networking in her journal "The networking survival guide: get the success you want by tapping into the people you know". The journal explains how to make the most of everyday physical networking and gives tips on how to advance on one's own networking techniques. The journal is not evidence based and is "common knowledge". It is probably very useful to many people but in my opinion I don't think that I could trust the information because there is not enough evidence to support Darling's statements. The journal thoroughly takes the reader through each step of networking, showing how to network through work, flirting, telephone calls and email. Darling discusses "how to" do certain things, for example how to design a business card, how to talk properly when on the phone, how to host the perfect dinner party. She even talks about "what you should wear at a networking event". This might be helpful to some readers but without the facts and figures this is pretty much useless information. Obviously many people are going to take this information and advice on board but because it is "common knowledge I don't think that it should be trusted. "Today nearly 20 percent of Americans move each year". This is just a random fact and does not convey Darling's argument to the strength that it could if it was to be backed up with where these statements came from. Another random statement is "Networking is getting a job." In order to make this more powerful Darling could have stated where she got this information from. However the journal does argue that networking is important to everyone, and no matter where you are or who you are with you can network to benefit yourself and your knowledge. Although the journal does not discuss in detail social networking sites, it does mention that emailing is a good way of networking but does not go into the detail that Rheingold does to show that using your computer is a proved successful way of connecting with others to benefit your physical life.

Although this journal is not evidence based, it does make good research for anyone who is wanting to improve on their networking skills, therefore helping designers improve on their own networking skills which is beneficial for them.

Both "The Virtual World" and "The Networking Guide" have similar ideas about networking and how it helps designers in their careers. However Rheingold thoroughly explores the idea of a "virtual world" and gives primary source evidence to support this. Before I read the book I was rather cynical and I had a different opinion on social networking. I now understand the importance to be involved in social networking, and this is because of Rheingold's experience's and evidence that have been demonstrated throughout his book. In Interior Design, it is very important to be able to branch out and develop your networking skills because you never know when the day will come when you just happen to need that Architect or Surveyor that you met through social networking. Malcolm Gladwell's book "The Tipping Point" demonstrates how the act of one person can cause a word of mouth epidemic, and this relates to networking as you are passing on or retrieving which in no doubt will cause a world of mouth epidemic. Gladwell divides society into three groups, the Connectors, the Mavens and the Salesmen. Whether it is in actual life or "virtual communities" we all play a part in passing on information and helping to link ourselves up with the rest of the world.

To sum up, both sources agree that networking plays a very important role in society, however they agree in different ways, the first source's argument is that all networking can be done on-line whereas the second source's argument is that networking should be done physically, but however it is done, both agree that it is vital to any career.

In order to obtain further sources and information I would look at Diane C. Darlings journal "Networking for career success". This journal would further demonstrate the importance of networking, and help support her ideas in her journal that I looked at. I would also consider looking at "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell again as this book has quantities of information and evidence which would relate to and successfully support both author's arguments.

Bibliography

Darling, Diana C. (April 2003) The Networking Survival Guide:Get The Success You Want By Tapping Into The People You Know, The McGraw Hill Companies

Gladwell, Malcolm (2000) The Tipping Point, How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference, Little Brown

Rheingold, Howard (1994) The Virtual Community, Harper Collins

Christmas Time!

Its that time of year again where everyone is full of happiness and excitement, counting down the days till that big day, 25Th of December. Christmas has a different meaning for many people but for me it is all about spending time with my family and friends. I'm not going to lie, of course I love waking up to a pile of presents but to me being able to be with my whole family for the whole day is the best part of Christmas! Christmas is the most commercialised time of the year, and we are all victims of the clever advertising and marketing techniques that shops all over the world take on. Everyone is stressing at this time of year, perhaps worrying about what presents to buy their loved ones or maybe not being able to afford presents, and this makes me question has the true value of Christmas been lost amongst this commercialisation of this special day? It's a very controversial question, obvourse Christmas is maybe a little too commercialised but it's all in the name of fun and enjoyment. It's the only time of the year when the majority of the nation is genuinely happy and the atmosphere is full of excitement. I seen on the news this morning a department store in New York which has just spend thousands and thousands of pounds on their window display alone! Although the window was fantastic and completely magical, that money could be used for a far better cause than simply just a window display. Alot of people become selfish thinking about what they want for christmas or what presents they are buying but we need to remember that Christmas is not a happy time for everyone. The brave soldiers fighting through Christmas day for our freedom, the familys of the deceased soldiers, the homeless people out on the cold street or the poor dying people in the third world countries. I recently found an article on a special hotline set up especially for turkeys. Whatever your turkey query, eight staff are on call until Christmas Eve to answer your questions. Has society really stooped this low where one of it's biggest worries at this time of year is how to cook a dead bird?

SBID Meeting

A few weeks ago the Interior & Environmental Design department attended a meeting with Simon Cavelle, the vice chair of The Society of British Interior Design. Simon basically introduced us to the organisation encouraged us to become members of it, and answered any of our questions about it. It is a huge advantage for us interior design students to be part of this body as being a member involves networking with other Interior design students, and seeing what other people who are going down the same career path as ourselfs are doing. I think that it's so good that interior designer's finally have their own organisation because we don't feel that "interior design" as a whole gets the recognition it deserves. I will definately be joining this organisation because I think that I would be stupid not to and its going to be hugely beneficial to us. Our job is not all about scatter cushions and colours of wallpaper, and this is a huge misconception that people have about Interior designers. This is something that I feel very passionate about because it angers me so much when someone asks what i'm studying at university and I reply "Interior and Environmental Design" and the response I get is always the same. Everyone thinks that it is not a "real" subject and that all we do is arty doodles and pick out wallpaper and cushions when infact our course covers most aspects of design, and this is why I love our course and what I'm studying so much because once we have our degrees we will be capable of designing anything that we put our mind to, from lampshades to complicated architecture projects. After talking to one of the fourth years one day in the studio it made me reconsider our title as Interior Designers as he now prefers the title "An Interior and Exterior Designer" and this I think sums up exactly what our role is.

Frank Gehry

In every project that I have done so far, there is not one that Frank Gehrys work does not help to inspire me with. His designs are always extravagent, unique and very modern and these are reasons that I like his work so much. All his designs seem to have that unique Gehry look about them, however they are all still different from one another.

Although I do love Gehry's quirky and brave designs which stand out from the crowd, I don't think that he takes into consideration the aspect of materials, time, practibility, and sustainability. In my opinion these are all very important factors to consider when we are designing in today's world and our current economic climate.

I really liked this chair by Frank Gehry because it is so simple but is also very modern, different and practical.

Gehry is well known for his use of unusual materials. With his "Easy Edges" furniture he succeeded in giving a new aesthetic dimension to such an everyday material as cardboard. Despite their appearing bafflingly simple, the "Easy Edges” are nonetheless constructed with an architect's care and are extremely robust and sturdy. Having given them a makeover from the world of colour, Gehry has given the "Easy Edges" a new dimension - colourfulness.

Bibliography, Assignment 3

BARABASI, Albert-Laszlo.2003."Linked: how everything is connected to everything else and what it means for business, science, and everyday life"


Looks into the social aspects of the internet and social networking sites.



CARTER, Clint.August 2006. "Littles big move", Journal Article.


An interview with UK footwear designer Tim Little, who started his own label in 1996. Discusses challenges in setting trends.



CHIU, MM.2000."Group problem-solving processes: Social interactions and individual actions".


To help consider why some groups solve problems successfully but others do not, this article introduces a framework for analyzing sequences of group members actions.



HOWARD, Judith A.2000. "Social Psychology of Identities"


Review the social psychological underpinnings of identity, emphasizing social cognitive and symbolic interactionist perspectives and research, and I turn then to key themes of current work on identity-social psychological, sociological, and interdisciplinary.



KATZ, Rayna. 2006. "Call on the Mavens",


The article provides information on Mavens Network, a partnership established by planner industry leaders that aims to offer education to meeting planners.



KURTZ, PD.1998."A case study of a network as a learning organization".


Looks at how people are connected to others through networks composed of family, friends, colleagues, and organizations. No doubt everyone involved in the field of social work is a part of many networks.







RHEINGOLD, Howard. 2000. "The virtual community: homesteading on the electronic frontier",



Looks at the social aspect of the internet and how different people use to to communicate for different things such as people who talk, argue, seek information, fall in love, and organise politically. In this book he tells moving stories about people who have received online support during devastating illnesses, and he also acknowledges a darker side to people's behaviour in cyberspace.





SWEED, Phyllis. January 1997. "Who sets trends",


Focuses on the profiles of people who influence trends in the retail industry.



YANG, HH, LAI, YH, CHEN, SF WANG, MH, 2009. "Propensity to Connect with Others, Social Networks and Job Satisfaction of Nurses",


Looks at the relationship between social networks and job satisfaction. Social networks serve as a social resource which affects job satisfaction through the provision of supportiveness.





Some Useful Design Websites

www.architecturedigest.com

www.designboom.com

www.wired.com

www.wallpaper.com

www.sbid.org

www.interiordesign.net

www.designweek.co.uk



Other useful websites for keeping upto date in life

www.bbc.co.uk

www.timesonline.co.uk

www.newscientist.com

www.sciencemag.org

Latest Project...

We have recently started a new group project to design and build a piece of furniture primarily made from wood. I'm really enjoying this project because we have so much scope and there are so many things that we can do with a couple of planks of wood! I'm also enjoying researching for it because there are so many amazing and clever designs that I have came across for example the rag chair which i found on the Droog website which is basically a chair constructed from old recycled rags which have been tied tightly together. I'm really interested in the peices of furniture which have been made from recycled or simple infinite materials because I think that in our current economic climate it's so important to incorporate these different but everyday economically friendly materials.

The Law Of The Few and I.E.D

The Tipping Point

I have just finished reading a book called 'The Tipping Point' by Malcolm Gladwell. The book has had a huge effect on me as it goes into so much detail about the way society works and the interesting behaviour of humans. I found the book very interesting as it full of facts and figures that actually relate to everything that we do! The book definately changes the way you see things and makes you more aware of the surrounding world. I found that making a mind map definately helped my understanding of the book as I can look at the mind map and remember what Gladwell was talking about.

1st Post

I am a second year student at Duncan Of Jordanstone studying Interior and Environmental Design. We have just been assigned our first project of second year and the brief is to design an exhibition about the Jute industry and its effect on Dundee. The title of this project is Juteopolis and we are working with live clients Brian Kelly, who is the Education and Community Outreach Officer at Verdant Works and Louise Ritchie who is a member of the Society of Scottish Artists. I am currently reading "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell so I'm sure I will have plenty to say about that in my next post.