For this weeks Sustainable systems class, I have researched about NYC zones and the species that are going extinct in our world. Below are the responses to the questions.
1) Which zone do you live in (1-6)? How close is the next nearest zone?
I am staying at one of the schools dorms, which is on 65 th Avenue. The area that our school and its dorms are located aren’t considered as an evacuation zone. However, the closest zone to me is the 6th zone.
2) What does it feel like to learn what zone you inhabit?
It is quiet interesting to be aware of the possibility of drowning with water in the area you are living in. Seeing the unbelievable photos and scenes from Hurricane Sandy makes me feel like I need to have this evacuating knowledge at the back of my head incase mother nature wants to play a game again.
3) Do you feel prepared for the next hurricane in New York? What designs and information would be useful to you to be more prepared?
Since I come form a country where the climate changes and weather shifts are a lot milder from here, I really don’t know what to expect form a hurricane. But its always a good idea to be prepared before something happens and to have some kind of information and directory in case it happens. Since this years weather is all over the place with one day being so hot and the other day dropping down to negative degrees, I think panels and informative events about climate change and ways of coping with nature can be a good idea to inform and gather attention among the society.
4) How important do you think it is for designers to consider/encourage resiliency among people in their work? Why?
If some one will make a change and start a movement it has to designers and creative people. With the power and the strong encouragement of art and design, people will be more willing to take a step and be a part of the movement with the help of inspiration and innovative ideas from designers. Provoking resiliency in art and design will not only create a new platform for interesting discoveries but also broaden the opportunities and the solutions that could be considered in a case of emergency or need.
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5) What is an experience you have had, or an object/design that you have, that supports social resiliency in you? (i.e. makes you feel stronger, not alone, connected to the earth, other people, animals, the planet, prepared, capable and able to deal with changes etc.)
I have a pair of earring that my mom gave me when I was around 12-13 years old which her mother gave them to her around the same age too. The contrast between its detailing and the simplicity of its design makes a unique and special design. I the middle of the round earing, there is a natural stone called ‘firuze’ which is a very well known stone around Middle East and Turkey. It’s vibrant color and the deep sense of blue captures the eye and ties your whole outfit together with a very gentle touch. Whenever I wear them, I feel my mother’s energy and love beside me. That gives me comfort, love and courage to keep on doing the things I love.
6) What is one species that you learned about on this site that has gone extinct?
A type of goat called Scimitar Oryx in North Africa has gone extinct because of overhunting, drought and desertification.
7) What is one species that has recovered “from the brink”?
A popular and a well-loved animal the Giant Panda is slowly recovering from extinction. With the change of plans form the Chinese Government and WWF’s helps, the number of pandas are significantly rising.
8) What did you learn on the “what you can do” page?
This page didn’t have anything new and rocket science knowledge but stated the importance of being aware of our surroundings and thining critically about the choice we make in order to sustain or daily needs and wants.
9) What do you think of this site — as an artist’s project?
The overall interactive design and set up of the website the viewers attention is immediately captured. By simply mapping the endangered and extinct species around the world, creates a powerful and impactful message about how critical and serious things are happenings round us which we are not so aware of.
10) Post a sketch of a design idea that you think would help a person sense a systems connection between their life and that of the animal facing an environmental threat. How does your design idea not just raise awareness or make a person feel guilty/sad, but inspire them? What materials would you chose to use to make this design?
Sketch of my Animal Traces Poster
