1) LOCATE WHICH HURRICANE EVACUATION ZONE YOU LIVE IN:

My apartment is not in any of the zone but is close to zone 6. It is extremely useful to learn about hurricane evacuation zones because I would be more prepared when it really happens. My apartment is two blocks away from zone 6. Parsons is in zone 5.

Do you feel prepared for a hurricane in NYC?

I think that I will probably still be in panic when the actual hurricane comes, no matter how much I know about it and how “prepared” I am. Also, I live on 25th floor, so it will take more time to run to a safer place. However, I’m positive about the aftermath of the hurricane because there are several resiliency projects going on and the professionals are aware of the problem. So at the time when the disaster comes, there will be more mature solutions to deal with it.

What are your thoughts on this website’s design (is it functional, aesthetic, easy to use etc.)?

The website is clear and straightforward. I like how it uses graphics to show the evacuation zone. The graphics is concise and easy to follow. There is no excessive information.

2) TAKE A WALK to experience and observe different evacuation zones in NYC, using the

maps on your smart phone via: https://maps.nyc.gov/hurricane/ Visit at least three

zones during your walk.

Most of the buildings are made out of bricks. The buildings are very close to each other and are pretty tall. The windows are small, and the window frames stick out. The installation piece located in zone 3 is made out of plastic, which is pretty vulnerable in face of both wind and water. The thick brick walls look steady. Since the windows are small and “below” the surface, they are less likely to be shattered by strong winds. The street lamps are vulnerable because there is little protection around them. In low-light or driving rain, the road signs might be difficult to see because the fonts are fairly small.

3) Create a map of your route and upload to your LP post

4) Answer the following questions on your LP:

– Does an awareness of evacuation zones change the way you experience the city?

Definitely. I was shocked by the amount of space that is likely to be flooded due to the hurricane. I felt unsafe and a bit terrified at first, but then I realized it’s a very important thing to be at least aware of there is still problem that’s waited to be solved.

– What areas appear to be vulnerable to storm surge, if any?

The area that is close to the river appears to be the most vulnerable.

– Which zone do you live in? Do you feel prepared for a hurricane in NYC? What would

make you feel more prepared?

I don’t live in any of the zone. If there is enough facility that won’t let the hurricane flood the streets, I would feel much more prepared. Also, learning about the hurricane and the steps I should follow when it really comes will be helpful.

– Do any buildings/infrastructures look more prepared for the next storm — how?

The tall buildings look more vulnerable than the shorter ones because the they are much steadier. Also, any building with a “sharp point” at the top looks vulnerable because it’s easy to break or crashed by the wind. The Parsons university center looks vulnerable as well because there is lot’s of glasses.

– Are any effects of Hurricane Sandy visible?

There are flood walls built along the coastline.

5) Choose one zone (1-6) as your focus. What is a design idea you have that could

communicate to the public what zone they inhabit? What kind of tool, device or signage

would you make? Include a list of 3-5 challenges you would face in implementing this

project in NYC (think about resiliency of materials, language issues, access to

information, visibility during different times of day/during storms, diversity of publics etc.).

 

For zone 1, I would create a sign that is placed in different location to remind people of the zone they are in. I would make the sign very simple and straightforward by filling it with one single color that corresponds with the colors appeared in evacuation map and put the number in the middle. One challenge is to make sure that people can easily see the sign. Also, it requires a certain number of workers to put the sign around the city. More importantly, the sign needs to be clear and not mixed up with other signs, such as the traffic light.

 

2) What is a beautiful object/design that you admire from your home country that has been in production for longer than fifty years? Write a brief description (around a paragraph) about this object’s history on your Learning Portfolio and explain what you think makes it so resilient (able to still be in production for over 50 years). Which of the Long Life Design criteria does it meet? Include an image on your LP and please bring the object with you to class next week, if possible, for presentations.

 

Feiyue is a brand of sneakers that has been produced in Shanghai since the 1920s. The manufacturer company of Feiyue is called Da Fu. It was first designed for athletes and martial artists, so that they are comfortable and flexible. The shoes have been consistently popular for decades and are still popular nowadays. The design of the shoes is fairly simple. The most classic ones are in white and has two stripes in red and blue. The design itself is almost impossible to be outdated because it’s very basic. Also, the canvas is thin and flexible, so it’s absolutely comfortable to wear on daily basis. A lot of my friends own ones. And it’s considered a trendy item in China right now.

The shoes are very cheap, about 15 dollars. So it’s affordable to people with low budgets. In terms of the function, the shoes can be worn in different seasons and different occasions. As I mentioned, the design is great and suitable for different age groups. They are produced in planned volumes.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feiyue)

3) Conduct independent research about what scientists are predicting New York City will be like (weather, infrastructure, architecture, population etc.) in the year 2050 due to the effects of climate change? If you have trouble with your research, see the videos on this page (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., or the  “featured story” links posted on this page. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. How are these predictions different or similar to what you imagine the city will be like? What do you think can make a coastal city like New York more resilient? Include 2-3 citations of your research.

 

In 2050, New York City might be as warm as Alabama because the average temperature keeps rising each year. Also, there is an increasing possibility of flooding. One of the most serious consequence is sea level rising. About 30% of lower manhattan might be inundated by water due to sea level rising. Other than the impact on environment, the climate change also leads to changes in the the decision of how high the ground floor of a building should be and the sewage system.

The increase of average temperature is similar to what i have imagined because I can physically feel that the summer is getting hotter by years. However, it’s hard and even a bit terrifying to think about the amount of space that will be sunk in water because of sea level rising. Even though the sea level keeps rising every year, it’s not obvious enough for people to actually see the change.

In order to make New York more resilient, the materials used to build the buildings should be carefully considered in order to prepare for the floods in advance. Also, there should be a system that is able to evacuate water in a very short time. More importantly, people need to be more educated about the current environmental issues and what they should do when they encounter flooding.

 

Citation:

Garfield, Leanna. “A college student created this plan to save New York City from future floods.” Business Insider, July. 11, 2016. http://www.businessinsider.com/what-new-york-city-will-look-like-in-2050-2016-7 (accessed Apr. 4, 2018)

Schuerman, Matthew. “NYC 2050: Climate Change and the Future of New York.” WNYC, Dec. 30, 2014. https://www.wnyc.org/story/nyc-2050-climate-change-and-future-new-york/ (accessed Apr. 4, 2018)

DOCUMENTATION:

TITLE:

2)  What is the title of your completed artwork? Did you choose something literal or provocative, why?

I named the small one “Wave”. If looking at it closely, it’s actually a pretty abstract wave.

I named the big one “Growth” because there are tons of branches and leaves, which symbolize growth.

RESULTS/ INTERPRETATIONS  

3) Did the work come out as expected (or as you hypothesized)?

Not exactly. The “white to purple” one doesn’t show up that well. And color purple doesn’t show up at all. The outlines are a little bit blurry but is still fine.

4) Did your canvas mature over time? Did you manipulate different things over time?

Yes. The bacteria reacts and produces different colors that gradually show up over the last week. The color red is obviously the most dominant color. I didn’t do anything to the plate but merely put it under a certain temperature and let it grow.

 

REFLECTIONS:

5) What new questions do you have?

What will happen if I leave the dishes for longer time, about a month? Will the bacteria keep growing? Or stop at a certain point or be contaminated?

6) What would you do differently next time?

When I put the bacteria onto the fabric, I won’t press too hard because it would smudge the image.

7) What is unique about bacteria as an art material?

It is absolutely natural and nontoxic, which will cause less damage to the environment.

8) What messages/images do you think painting with bacteria best conveys?

Painting with bacteria best conveys simple designs because the outlines could be blurred and hard to see, if the image is too complicated. It also educates more people to infinite possibilities of exploring new natural materials.

9) How might using bacterial paint express the concept of Long Life Design as we have discussed it in class?

The material is safe and natural, so it won’t lead to any harm to the environment. Also, the paint can last for a pretty long time.

10) What connections can you make with bacterial paint and the Long Life Design criteria?

It doesn’t cost too much money. The process of making the dye is actually very interesting to do and see, even though it smells horrible. Bacteria paint is very useful for textile industries because it could be used to dye the fabrics. More importantly, the material is natural and eco friendly, allowing people to be more aware of environmental issues. It replaces synthetic dye that can lead to severe water and air pollutions.

 

1)  Please watch the following design talks video on Regeneration Design Links to an external site.and answer the following seven questions on your LP.

– At the start of the program Industrial Designer Fumikazu Masuda says, “we cannot continue like this, there is no future in mass production and consumption.” Do you agree?

I agree, because mass production and consumption are causing harm on the earth. People buy things and consume them, leaving a lot of trash that goes into the environment. The reason that causes mass production and consumption is basically because of people’s pursuit in trendy new products, which potentially leads to more production and more consumption. This harmful cycle needs to be stopped for the environment’s sake.

– What was the transformative experience that made Matsuda realize he had a responsibility for what he designed?

When Matsuda walked by a beautiful river that was polluted by trash, he realized that he has the responsibility to prevent this from happening as a designer. Design is not always about creating new, cooler products but reusing old things and making them into new ones.

– Do you think you would take better care of objects if you had to repair them?

Yes, I would definitely take better care of objects because I want to extend the life of it. Once I decide to repair an object, the object must have some special meaning to me. I would treasure it and actually care about it. Also, I would be more careful about my object because I don’t want to repair it again.

– What are examples of materials that you could design with today, that could later return to the “natural cycle” (such as the bamboo that Masuda mentions)?

I could use paper, cardboard, recycled wood for materials. Also, there is a lot of potentials in creating new materials, such as the Kombucha leather.

– Masuda says, “nobody wants to leave the next generation with nothing but trash.” Do you think designers should consider the ability for their designs to be repaired, as part of their initial design process? What else might help create less waste?

I think it depends on what kind of products designers are designing. If it’s a table, or a chair, the designer can think about breaking down the product into pieces that can be easily put together by the customers. When a single part of the product is broken, the customer can easily take it apart and fix it. In this case, the designer absolutely needs to consider the ability for their designs to be repaired. However, it is not a case for electronic devices because of their sophisticated structures. The best way to make less waste is to improve the after sale service. Other than making the products repairable, designers can also think about the materials they use. They can choose to use the materials that can be recycled or easily decomposed. Also, designers could produce less products by combining two products into one. The best example would be sofa bed, which can be a sofa when it’s collapsed and turn into a bed when being stretched out.

– What are the two things that Masuda says designers should be mindful of when designing (see timecode 20:00)? Why does he say this is important? Do you agree?

Designers should create something that doesn’t require a lot of resources. They also need to consider natural materials. It is important, especially in Japan, because there aren’t many resources in Japan. And the designers should always consider it while they are designing because every step they go and every material they use will influence the environment. I agree because I think one of the most important missions of designers is to make life better. So they have the responsibility and the ability to save the earth through their designs. And their designers will eventually motivate and educate more people to do the same thing.

– What are you overall thoughts on this video? Did you enjoy it?

I enjoyed hearing from Masuda talking about natural resources and the idea of regeneration. It is inspiring because I never thought about materials and how my designs could affect the earth. However, Masuda’s point of creating  “simple designs that require few resources” bothered me a little bit because a design doesn’t necessarily have to be simple in order to use less resources.

2) Reflect on your process in the science labs this week:

1. Which bacteria did you use and why?

I used Serratia marcescens, Variable, and Sarcina because of the colors they accord to.

1. How does the genotype of the bacteria constrain or expand your ability to “paint” with it?

It constrains my ability of paint because there is limited color.

1. Did you consider how temperature might influence how your paint would appear?

Each bacteria requires different temperature in order for the colors to show up. And some slight changes in temperature could vary the saturation of the color. I didn’t consider too much about the temperature because there is little thing I can do to adjust the temperature.

1. Which petri dishes did you use and why?

I used LB/ Amp for Serratia marcescens and Variable and LB for Sarcina because there is Ampicillin in LB/ Amp, and the color yellow of Sarcina won’t show up eventually.

1. Which components can be varied and which must remain stable?

The amount of “paint” can be varied, but the corresponding petri dishes and the temperature it requires to react and show colors remain stable.

1. Which applicator(s) did you use and why?

I used paint brush and toothpick because I would be able to draw fine lines and the shape I want easily.

1. What effect does the application have?

The application affects the overall shape of my design and the amount of paint going into the dishes.

1. How did you control the amount of paint distributed?

I used different tools to distribute the paint. For the detailed outline, I used toothpicks to draw the lines. And for a big surface area, I paint with a paintbrush. And I dipped a little “paint” every time.

1. Do you think your work can keep growing? What would make the paint “die”?

Yes, the bacteria will keep reacting and growing. The paint would die if I add antibiotics to the bacteria.

1. Hypothesize about the results of your choices in the lab. What do you expect to occur?

I expect the colors to shows up as they were supposed to be. And I also expect to see the drawing I did initially.

1. Are you enjoying the lab so far? What feedback do you have about the experience?

I enjoy the lab and think that it’s a meaningful and special experience. I wonder if we are able to work with bacteria paint in a larger scale and actually make a project out of the technique.

PRELAB RESEARCH: Review the following links and prompts:

5) RESEARCH REFLECTION: After viewing these sites do you think bacteria might offer alternative dyeing methods that are less toxic? Are you inspired by this potential? What questions or concerns do you have? Based on your major and personal interests, conduct independent research on either the effects of 1) the fashion industry or 2) synthetic inks and paints on environmental systems. Summarize your research.

I think that bacteria is definitely a wonderful alternative dyeing methods that are less poisonous and cause less harm to the earth. Bacterias are basically microorganisms. The process of making dye from bacterias is totally natural and safe. In contrast, the synthetic dyes are sometimes toxic and can lead to bad influences on the environment.

It is both an innovative and sustainable approach to create dye for clothing. The idea itself is brilliant because it’s not a hard process but it bring some positive changes to both the fashion industry and the earth. My question would be where are these bacterias from? Is there a specific bacteria that is capable with creating dyes?

Research shows that the process of making synthetic inks emits harmful gases, causing air pollution. Also, synthetic dyes lead to severe water pollution because there is tons of wastewater from the textile industries that floats into the river, lake, or ocean.. And these wastewater with dyes cannot be easily decomposed. More importantly, a layer of dye prevents the sunlight shining through the water and reaches the organisms underwater. As a result, the growth of different organisms and the whole ecosystem are disturbed.

(https://www.slideshare.net/NehaKumar09/impact-of-the-dye-industry-on-the-environment)

 

PRELAB DESIGN INSPIRATION:

7) REFLECTION: Did this video change your perception of bacteria? What did you learn? Were you inspired by her art? Do you think bacteria might be a useful medium for art and design (why/why not)?

This video did change my perception of bacteria. The speaker mentioned at the beginning of the video that people tend to think of bacteria as something obnoxious and disgusting. I used to think of it the same way, but it turns out that bacteria is not always harmful. It is my first time to think about bacteria from another perspective and actually appreciate its existence. Through her artwork, I see a lot of potentials in terms of medium and form. However, only using bacteria could also limit her because there is limited number of color and it requires a specific condition for bacteria art to happen. Bacteria is definitely useful medium for art and design, such as using bacteria to substitute synthetic dyes, because it is a more sustainable and eco friendly choice.

 

9) RESEARCH REFLECTION: After viewing these links, what do you think of bacteria as an artistic media? Are you excited to try it yourself? Do you sense a difference in color (more variation etc.) between what is found naturally in bacteria, as opposed to synthetic colors? Consider our class discussions on Long Life Design. How might painting with bacteria relate to this theme?

After viewing Jenifer Wightman’s work, I think that aesthetically, bacteria is a great media because it creates these amazing patterns that can’t be made easily by other mediums like paint. Also, the idea of using bacteria as an artistic media is innovative and combines science with art and design. I’m extremely excited to try painting with bacteria in person because it’s different from any painting and drawing experience that I had before. Compared to synthetic colors, colors found in bacteria are hardly primary colors. And the number of types of colors that could be found in bacteria is less than that of synthetic colors. Painting with bacteria can be considered a long life design because the material used in the process is safe to the environment.

PRELAB DESIGN:

 

10) Post a scan of your four design ideas and bring this sheet to class. The diameter of your designs should be 3.25 inches (see page 3 of the pigment lab brief distributed in class).

11) CREATE AN ARTIST STATEMENT:

– Why these designs? How does it relate to themes of our class and your work at Parsons?

I design a series of water splashes pattern because our class discusses a lot about water system. And using bacteria paint alleviates water pollution, so I want to incorporate the idea of water in the design.

– Are there particular artworks, methods, or artists that influenced your choice?

I was influenced by watercolor because it’s a bit similar to the bacteria paint in terms of the transparency in the final outcome.

– How does the medium influence your design choice?  What kind of image would you like to make with bacteria and why?

Since I will be painting in bacteria, I decided to design something that doesn’t have too many details. Also, it has that gradient and smudgy quality, I want to have an image that can be best shown through these qualities.

 

reflect on what it was like to grow your own material, what you learned in the process, if you are interested in trying it again etc. Include photo documentation of your process. 

“Growing my own material” itself is very intriguing and exciting at first. It is amazing how Kombucha tea can turn into a piece of material that can be used to make clothes. I put all the materials in the container as what I was told in the instructions. I wait for three and a half weeks and leave the container right next to the heater in my room. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been any reaction happened yet, except for there are a few bubbles on the surface.

Through the experience, I learned that it is hard to grow something like this, and it requires a lot of patience and care. Also, I learned more about Kombucha leather and how innovative and important eco friendly materials are. If I had the chance to try it again, or keep going forward, I would have done it in summer or put the container in a warmer place.

1) Research and read an introduction to the Sixth Extinction (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. then visit artist Maya Lin’s project: What’s Missing : whatismissing.net (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

– How would you describe the Sixth Extinction to a friend who has never heard of it?

Sixth Extinction refers to the mass extinction happening during the time when human activities are affecting the earth. Since the last Ice Age, humans have been disturbing the environment and biological chains by massive hunting, polluting the ocean, and etc. Even though there is also other causes of extinction, human activities have contributed the most to the change.

– After reviewing the “About page” on the what’s missing  site, what is one species that you learned about on this site that has gone extinct?  

I learned about Panamanian Golden Frog, which has gone extinct since 2007 because of chytridiomycosis.

– What did you learn on the “what you can do” page?

I learned that it is easy to do something to save the planet and the species, including changing our eating habits, recycling, conserving energy, and etc. I never knew that raising livestock can lead to the most amount of environmental problems. “Eating less meat” can efficiently alleviate this problem and, more importantly, improve humans’ health conditions.

– What do you think of this site as an artist’s project?

I think that it is a brilliant artist’s project in terms of the message it delivers and it’s overall design. The graphic on the main page gives the viewers a clear sense of where extinction happens and what species are endangered. The layout is simple but concise. The font and the icons are catchy but not too flowery. On the other hand, this site contains an extremely significant problem that needs to be aware of.

2) Complete your Systems Map/Model and come prepared to share your project in class next Thursday. To accompany your project, post a caption along with documentation of your project (photo or PDF) that analyzes your object/material based on the Okala EcoDesign Strategy Wheel (Eight Strategies).

• Which of the eight strategies does your object already meet?

My object meets Innovation because it compresses and dehydrates the noodle and the seasoning, so that its easy to cook and eat, especially for those people who are busy and have little time to eat. The packaging is plastic and contains some toxic chemicals, but they are in the safety range. My object also meets a little bit of Optimized End-of-Life because the waste water from the factory is used to cultivate Microalga, which removes some heavy metals. And the starch residue from the waste noodles can be transformed into biofuels.

• What are 2-3 ideas you have for how this object can re-designed as an EcoDesign?

The packaging can be recyclable or reusable.

The palm oil that’s used to fry the noodle could be substituted by other types of oil that can cause less harm to the environment.

  

Sketch and Ideas:

1) Reflect on our trip to the UN. What did you think of your visit? Which speaker did you find the most inspiring and/or interesting and why? What surprised you the most about the experience? What did it feel like to be inside the UN to hear these conversations?

I think it was a very meaningful and fresh experience. I was inspired by the speaker who talked about the art and design in a bigger context. He mentioned SDG, which stands for sustainable development goals, and the scientific research that has done regarding climate change. I found it very amazing to think about art and science at the same time. Designers actually work closely with scientists to solve environmental problems together. When I sat inside the UN, hearing all these professionals talking, I feel the responsibility, as a future designer, to help the world and create a better life.

2) Read the following four articles on repair and answer the following questions.

   – At Repair Cafes, ‘Beloved but Broken’ Possessions Find New Life (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Would you like to visit a repair cafe? Why do you think so many people are interested in repair?

I would definitely like to visit a repair cafe. People sometimes don’t want to spend more money to buy a new product when the older one is not completely out of use. Repair is the best and the cheapest way to give a new life to the object. Also, there is sometimes a story in an object that means a lot to the owner, such as the woman’s necklace that holds her grandson’s ashes. By repairing the object, someone is able to extend the life of the object. As more people start to repair things, it gradually becomes a trend in the community, where people are curious about it.

  – Waste not want not: Sweden to give tax breaks for repairs. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Would you like to see this kind of tax be possible in your home country? Do you think it is possible there or the United States? Why or why not?

I wish there is this kind of tax in my home country because it reduces consumption and eliminates unnecessary waste. However, I somehow disagree with the author, who claims that the tax breaks can provide more job opportunities. If there is less consumption, there will be less new products that people need. The workers who produce these products will eventually lose their jobs.

–  Spend the Money for the Good Boots and Wear the Forever (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Were you surprised by this article? Do you agree with the author? Do you think an object has to be expensive to be well made? What might make people want to take care of objects, even if they aren’t expensive?

I totally agree with the author’s argument that a product with higher quality is always worthy because it can last longer. However, I don’t think a well made product has to be expensive. In other words, expensive products don’t always have good qualities. For example, I bought this extremely expensive Prada wallet, which was worn after a year, but the leather wallet I got in a vintage store with half of the price has lasted much longer time. People might want to take care of their objects when these objects have some special meaning to them. Someone is more likely to take care of a cheap bracelet if it’s a gift from his mom. Also, people take care of objects that are very practical and useful in their life.

– Origami-inspired clothing line that grows with kids wins Dyson award (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. What do you think of this design? What is most innovative about it? Do you think it’s possible for adults to enjoy long life design clothing or objects that transform/change in other ways (than getting bigger)? What kind of designs might be possible?

I think the origami-inspired clothing is a very wise and well made design. It not only uses recyclable materials, which saves the environment, but also solves a common problem that every parent faces. I’m impressed by its overall design. The shape and the folds are very simple design elements, but they save the problem efficiently, and, at the same time, keep the aesthetic of it. It’s definitely possible to design a type of clothes for adults that are transformable and long lasting. There could be a dress, which its length can be adjustable. In this way, women can wear the same dress in different occasions and under different temperature.

3) Complete your Repair project (steps 4-10) and post documentation on your LP. Bring your repair project ready to present next week and to explain your process.

 

I repaired a distorted hanger and transformed it into a lamp that could be hung or sit on the desk.

Process:

Test with an Experiment

4. Attempt repair.

Does it work?

It didn’t work at first because it was hard to bend the plastic. However, after figuring out that I can heat up the plastic to make it more flexible, it works pretty well.

5. Was the repair successful?

Are you happy with the results?

Is the repair more beautiful/interesting in some way than the original? How is the object more resilient after the repair?

The repair is extremely successful, and I’m satisfied with the results. The repair is much more interesting aesthetically than the original. Also, it’s more useful and has multi functions because the lamp can either sit on the desk or be hung on the wall. The hanger turns into a lamp, which can last longer than just a hanger because I no longer need to worry about it being distorted.

Analyze and Draw Conclusions

6. What did you learn?

How long do you expect this repair to actually last now that it is complete? What surprises did you encounter?

What would you do differently next time?

Are there other ways you could have repaired this item, that you realize now? After completing this project, do you consider repair a more valuable skill?

I learned that an old and broken object that loses its original function can be redesigned and transformed into a brand new object. There is always potential in any object. I expect this lamp to last for at least three years. I was mostly surprised by the final result and how it works really well with the lights on. If possible, I would like to bend the hanger into different shape to see if it works well with other forms. I think the one I have now is the best I can get. It’s simple but elegant. After this project, I found it very valuable and meaningful to repair an object because I give a new life to it and actually really enjoy the process.

Communicate Results

7. Create an illustrated LP post showing your process and results. Be mindful of lighting, focus, background and final results.

Reflection:

8. What is the most important aspect of making a design easily repairable?

I think the most important aspect is to be open-minded and always think differently and unexpectedly. There is really no limit in how an object can be repaired.

9. After completing this project, what’s one object that you wish you could repair but don’t feel as though you currently have the skills to do so?

I wish to repair the closet in my apartment, which is kind of falling apart, but it’s too big and is hard to handle.

10: Did your repair require fewer materials and involve fewer systems than buying a new replacement? Which systems?

The only material, or system, I need to buy separately was the lighting kit. I bought it in hardware store and it’s very easy to assemble.

Ask A Question

1. What object will you repair and why?

Do you consider repair to be an important design skill?

I will repair a broken/ distorted hanger in my room because it was just the shape being distorted, but the hanger itself is still usable. I don’t want to throw it away, so I want to find a way to repair it, so that it still can be used. I think that repair can not only bring in new design elements, like kintsugi, but also change the whole identity of a design and give it a new function.

Do Research

2. What are 2-3 possible ways this object could be repaired?

What do you need in order to do the repair?

Do you have the materials and skills?

I can repair the broken hanger by using yarns/ wire/ string to tie the broken pieces back together. It is pretty easy to do. I can use plier to bend the wire over the hanger. I can also distort the shape totally to make it into another form and give it another function. I’m thinking of making it into a desk lamp. I can use the lighter to heat up the plastic and bend the plastic into a new shape. And I will buy the lighting kit and attach it to the “hanger”.

Construct a Hypothesis

3. What will your process of repair be?

How long do you expect the repair take?

How long do you want your repair to last?

I can use the lighter to heat up the plastic and bend the plastic into a new shape. And I will buy the lighting kit and attach it to the “hanger”. It will take around two hours. I want the repair to last at least for a couple years.

 

What is most inspiring to you about this program? Do you know of others like it? Would you be more likely to buy their clothes after learning about this service?

The most inspiring thing to me about this program is their idea of repair and reuse old clothes. Here comes the idea of “repair” again. An old, or even broken item can become a new one after repair. There is a lot of vintage stores that sell second hand clothing and accessories, such as the Beacon’s Closet that’s right next to parsons building. After learning about this service, I would be more likely to at least peep through all the clothes.

 

What do you think of the ten Long Life design criteria overall? Which criteria in particular might assist designers in meeting the challenges created by climate change (explain how)? What criteria would you add or how would you update the current list to account for specific design challenges presented by the Anthropocene?

I think that these criterias are the basics for a design to be long lasting and practically useful. I think that “Environment” will definitely assist designers in meeting the climate change issue because designers have to consider how their design avoid harming the environment or even solve a problem. I would add “Material” to the list because it is always important to think about the materials for a product. Some of the materials, such as polyester, are cheap but harmful to both the environment and people’s health. As a result, the choice of material is very crucial to a long life design.

 

Reflect on our class visit with Gen Saratani.

Which of the Long Life Design criteria does kintsugi fulfill?

Are you interested in this kind of repair? In what ways?

Do you think you have the patience to enjoy a process of slow repair?

Do you think a long and careful process of repair can make an object more meaningful?

Does this kind of repair seems like its own art form, rather than just repair?

Does it feel inventive and creative (in what ways?)

Do you think repaired kintsugi designs can become more interesting than the original?

Kintsugi fulfills “Repair”, “Safety”, and “Design” because the Gen was using “repair” as a way to give a new life to a broken piece. The cracks become the new design elements, and the “glue” is natural and safe. I’m very interested in this kind of repair because it transforms some kinds of “defect” into something more meaningful and aesthetically pleasing. It feels inventive and creative to actually show the cracks instead of hiding them. It’s almost like turning a piece of trash into art. I don’t think I have enough patience for the repair process because it takes a really long time to just wait for the glue to dry. However, I have the patience and interest in actually repairing it.

 

Read the following article, “Short Answers to Hard Questions About Climate Change (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.”and write a response describing which question surprised you the most. What other, new information did you learn? Do you feel encouraged by this article? How aware do you think your friends and family are of this information?

I was surprised by the fact that the technology breakthrough that we have so far is far from enough because I’m always amazed by all the amazing inventions and how quickly technology develops. I got a hint from the article that the problem the earth is facing is way more serious than I thought. I also learned how fast the sea level is rising, and how it is actually our fault by ignoring experts’ warning. I think that people around me are aware of the problems but unable to actually take actions to solve them. And I feel that I, as a designer, have the responsibility to help the professionals to alleviate the problems.