“Less is more VS Less is a bore”.

Mr. Zammit this week gave us the controversies titles that we are going to do our debates on. I choose “Less is more Vs Less is a bore.” I choose this title because I’m familiar with the subject. Ms. Mamo, in one of her task we had to read Robert Venturi’s manifesto. And he mentioned it a lot the “less is a more” and “less is a bore.”  But although I’m familiar with this subject there is more research to be done.

“Less is more”

To put modernist movement in one phrase, it would be Mies Van Der Rohe’s famous pronunciation “Less is more.” The phrase embodies the architectural language. “Less is more” was a famous phrase from all around the word. “Less is more” believed in Minimalism. It is associated with functional design that was reduced and kept the important elements only. This is to keep the design simple. Before Mies Van Der Rohe there was Aldof Loss and Le Corbusier who theorized something similar. L e Corbusier theory was about Purism.

“Less is a bore”

The phrase “Less is a bore” is not very popular as “Less is more” but it’s still very important. “Less is a bore” is said by Robert Venturi. This phrase is associated with the Post Modernism architecture. The Post Modernism was the return of ornate design and more energetic forms.  Robert Venturi with “less is a bore” he was criticizing “less is more”. He said that “less is more” was for the architects only not for the people.
Here I found some basic information about the topic but for the debates I must do more research to know the subject from inside out.

Reference:
Archi objects, 2016. Less is more vs Less is a bore – Which one?. [online] Available at: < http://archiobjects.org/less-is-more-less-is-a-bore/ > [Accessed 22 December 2016].
architizer, 2016. Architecture’s Eternal Debate: “Less Is More” vs. “Less Is a Bore”. [online] Available at: < http://architizer.com/blog/less-is-more-vs-less-is-a-bore/ > [Accessed 22 December 2016].
simplicable, 2016. Less Is More vs Less Is A Bore. [online] Available at: < http://simplicable.com/new/less-is-more-vs-less-is-a-bore > [Accessed 22 December 2016].

Proposal title

My proposal is to make a better living environment for the local orphanages.

Researching about orphans reveals that when children are detached from their parents, they can suffer from traumas. John Bowlby's attachment theory focuses on a child’s behavior and attitude toward their adulthood. How this affects their adult care giving due to their lack of parental attachment. Children who for some reason are not with their parents. Whether it be that their parents have died, abandoned them, abused them or could not afford to sustain their life.

I want to tackle their psychology issues using colours, textures, patterns and nature. I believe that bettering their environment, would lead to them adapting easier and faster to their new life, in an orphanage.

First I came up with the title "To improve the interior space of a local orphanages." Ms Abela thought that there was something wrong with this title. She didn't give me her reasons, but as I analysed the title I thought that maybe the title was too elaborate. Maybe I needed to emphasis exactly on what I was going to tackle.

I brainstorm some keywords on what I needed to tackle in this proposal. What was the problem I'm solving? Then I came up with my new title.

"The impact of interior design on the emotional well being of children as applied to local orphanages"

I prefer this title because I'm pointing out exactly what I'm focusing on. The emotional well being of orphans!

Continues with next week blog.

Last week I talked about inquires. This week I'm going discuss Secondary research.

Secondary research is information that others have gathered through primary research. I use secondary research by going online or reading books to see what other people have discovered, researched and written.

Obviously design is what I mostly search about because this is my subject and it's something that interest me.

Ms Mamo explained that when secondary researching, we must use words that are straight to the point meaning that we write the right words. She suggested that before doing secondary research, we brainstorm and think of the topics that we want to tackle. Think about the design problem, and highlight the main topics. By using keywords you can focus on the information you need and it will save time. 

Online sources offer a variety of information.   The question is, "Is it good information?"  

When reading through some online sources, you'll notice that the information its not up to standard and can't always be relied upon.  Sometimes they are not even written in proper English. So in that case Ms Mamo explained that we need to look at who wrote the information; look at his background; other types of information that could support his research; If it has been updated; and comments from other readers.

What I normally do is look at other relative information and if everything connects then it's a valid information. 

Then there are case studies. Case studies - when you look into other peoples work.
I look at how other designers have tackled the same design issues and most of the time case studies help me to be inspired.

Ma Mamo  said that don't just look at their design and say it's good but observe, see what they have done differently and how they planned their circulation according to the user. The case studied has to be viewed within the context. The social and physical setting. 

I use secondary research a lot. Although Ms Mamo taught me a lot on how to improve my secondary research. 

Reference:

BA Spatial Design - Yr2: Design Principles and Methods - 2016/2017,  Design Methods. [pdf] Antoinette Mamo . Available at: file:///C:/Users/racfal/Downloads/3._Design_Methods_STAGE_1_-_Discover.pdf> [Accessed 4 December 2016].

Research  methods.

This week, our unit is called “Design Principles & Methods”. Ms Mamo, our lecturer has outlined different types of design methods.

Ms Mamo explained that design methods consist of three particular points.

·        Inquiry

·        Observation

·        Secondary research

Inquiry consist of:

·        interviews

·        questionnaires

·        focus groups

·        Graffiti walls

An interview is a one on one discussion, which helps to analyse one’s thoughts ,motivation, ideas and behavior. Sometimes interviews are used to gain information from experts in the subject. Interviews help to enhance your knowledge of the subject and often give inspirational ideas for problem solving.

For me an interview is a great research method. I find that having that person sharing their experiences is much more rewarding then researching a book or the internet.

I had carried out some interviews before but am now more informed and I am going to prepare myself more with more relevant questions to ask to achieve my requirements.

Questionnaires are surveys designed for individuals usually to be answered anonymously. They respond according to their characters, thoughts, feelings and behaviors. These help to analyse the majorities thoughts.

I have previously carried out a questionnaire, however if I had to do it again, my questions would be more straight to the point. Sometimes people hate filling questionnaires because they think it's a waste of time.... so why not make it more interesting, like adding example images and short sentences that everyone can understand.

Focus Groups contain a particular group of people that are relevant to your subject. These groups have their own opinions, feelings and behaviors. So there could possibly be disagreements within the group, however these disagreements are what makes the discussion interesting and help in your research.

Personally I don't think that focus groups are helpful to me. When focus groups are arranged, one must control the participants and for this reason I would rather prefer interviews. But then again it depends on the situation.

As I said in the beginning, research methods have more points and this is just a small part. I will discuss the other factors in next week's blog post.

Reference:

BA Spatial Design - Yr2: Design Principles and Methods - 2016/2017,  Design Methods. [pdf] Antoinette Mamo . Available at: file:///C:/Users/racfal/Downloads/3._Design_Methods_STAGE_1_-_Discover.pdf> [Accessed 4 December 2016].

Orphanage.

Many Orphans are placed in an orphanage because they have either lost their parents, been abandoned, been abused or have a lack of proper care. When children radically change their living environment, they can suffer physical and psychological problems.  For example, they can experience such things as poverty for the first time. Some orphanages themselves don't help to make the child feel like home.  Beginning with the building itself which may not be appropriate due to hygienic issues or crowding.  A lack of natural light and ventilation can cause moisture and mould issues which in turn causes health issues for the children.  Planning of such buildings may not have always been thought well.

Sometimes the person opening the orphanage only want to benefit from it financially or to achieve some sort of "hero" status rather than actually wanting to help these children. These children should be allowed to grow up as healthy adults in a healthy environment.   Imagine losing your parents.  The shock of the situation, having to accept such a drastic change and then to continue this nightmare they put you in a place that makes you feel more miserable, insecure and unwelcome. 

The authorities invest so much money on tourist attractions.  They should be helping these children by having a better environment that helps them control their physical and psychological problems. It is our duty to make a donation and fight for their rights.  

Reference:

James Sengendo and Janet Nambi, 1997. The psychological effect of orphanhood: a study of orphans in Rakai district *. [pdf] Health Transition Review. Available at: <http://ceped.org/cdrom/orphelins_sida_2006/pdf/sengend1.pdf> [Accessed 26 November 2016].

Ali Ferzat visit. 

On 17th November 2016 Ali Ferzat visited our school, MCast Institute of Creative Arts, Mosta, Malta. I lightly researched Mr Ferzat in an earlier blog. Although I read that he made many sacrifices for his country, as I heard him speak I could feel his pain for the country he loved so much, Syria, for which all he wishes is peace. He spoke about some other country, protesting for issues that aren't as important as the Syrians fight for liberty. His wish was for Syria to be free. He could not handle the pain of seeing the slavery that Syria is going through. His mission is to make politicians lives miserable, just as they are doing to Syrians.

Why Farzat choose Art to fight with?

Art is a very powerful thing in the world. Farzat explained that he doesn't carry guns or any other machinery that kills, he only carries a pencil to draw that maybe will send his message to politicians. The duty of his art is to change from dictatorship to democracy, Farzat explained.

Demonstrators in Syria protested holding his drawings. This shows that his drawings carry power along with the aspirations of the people. He chose art to fight because he didn't want to be like the politicians, fight to kill, he wants to use art as a weapon to give his message. An artist must practice what he teaches otherwise he has no credibility.

He explained that in Syria there are two different issues going on, the real non political revolution, in another word, the general revolution which people are fighting for freedom. On the other hand there is the international fight in Syria, outsiders  try to create war inside Syria to benefit from it. Right now people are misleading by saying that there is a civil war going on in Syria. He questions how can it be civil war when there are so many different religions and sects?

I felt that the main reason he came to our school, wasn't just to talk about his drawings, but to express the misery that Syria is going through and maybe as a whole world we could all fight together and make a difference. In fact he ended the talk by saying "Syria will forever remain for the Syrians."(Ali farzat. 17th november,2016)  

Ali Farzat 17th november 2016.

Reference:

James Sengendo and Janet Nambi, 1997. The psychological effect of orphanhood: a study of orphans in Rakai district *. [pdf] Health Transition Review. Available at: <http://ceped.org/cdrom/orphelins_sida_2006/pdf/sengend1.pdf> [Accessed 26 November 2016].

Ali Ferzat. 

Ali Ferzat is a sixty two years old political cartoonist. He is one of the most important artists of our time, especially in the Middle East. From the 1960's he drew cartoons of political figures in fact, because of some of these drawings, he was banned in several countries.  Through his drawings he was criticising country leaders which they didn't accept these drawings.  

The Syrian government forced Ferzat to work with them with one condition that he didn't mark any one individual. This ended in 2011. 

            "I wanted to Show people that they did not need to be scared any more" Said by Ali Ferzat in a 2013 interview with The Guardian.

The drawing symbolises Bashar that as shown in the drawing, could not sit comfortably in the chair. Apparently situations were

            "giving him a pain in the arse" said Ali Ferzat.

Ali Ferzat., 2011. “chair of power". Drawn  in: Syrian

This drawing brought consequences to Ferzat.  In August 2011 Ferzat was beaten on the street of Damascus by some militia group that were ordered by Assad. In 2011 Ferzat   "the Sakharov prize" for unity and in 2012 he was one of the most influential person that helped people.  

            "If there is no mission or message to my work I might as well be a painter and decorator." Ali Ferzat said two years after he was injured.

I admire this artist because it's rare that you find people that are willing to sacrifice their jobs and even their live's to help those less fortunate.  Although he was part of the "power from below" because he was even a slave of the government.  

Reference:

the guardian, 2013. Ali Ferzat, cartoonist in exile. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/19/ali-ferzat-cartoonist-exile-syria> [Accessed 9 November 2016 ].

the guardian, 2013. Ali Ferzat's cartoons – in pictures. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/aug/19/ali-ferzat-cartoons-in-pictures> [Accessed 9 November 2016 ].

Power From Below.

At first I thought that  "Power from below"  was the power of nature, such as earthquakes etc and how they affect people.   However, there was no relevance at all. .

Frances Fox Piven came up with the power from below theory.  Frances Fox Piven explained using peoples power can solve actions on society rights. There was a debate sharing Frances Fox Piven theory to provide solutions for societies actions. They talked about people working together to fight against those above them.

So if people cooperate and fight for what they believe in they could have power over the government.

For example in Malta a thousand of Maltese protested, towards the proposed construction of a private university on vacant public land in Zonqor at Marsacala.
They all fought together to stop the government from developing this project and ruin the green space that is located in the south of Malta.

After the protest the government  found suitable solution and reduce the area from the original concept. Although the investors wanted the project on one site they found a solution agreement divided the project in two separate sites.

In my opinion, this is an evidence through this example, that if people work together on a common cause, they can succeed. 

Reading about the power from below reminded me of a phrase that we used to study at school in Maltese literature.

​​​"U l-Kotra qamet f’daqqa – u għajtet: “Jien Maltija!
​​​Miskin min ikasbarni, - miskin min jidħak bija!”"

By the poet Ruzar Briffa named "Jum ir-rebh."

Reference:

PUBLIC SOCIOLOGY, LIVE!, 2012. Frances Fox Piven. [online] Available at: < https://isapublicsociology.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/frances-fox-piven/ > [Accessed May 1, 2012].

independent, 2016. Updated: PA approves Phase 1 of American University of Malta campus in Cospicua. [online] Available at: < http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2016-08-25/local-news/Planning-Authority-to-discuss-Phase-1-Cospicua-AUM-campus-today-6736162884 > [Accessed 25 August 2016,].

independent, 2015. Updated: Government will take heed of other people’s opinions, PM says on environment protest. [online] Available at: <http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-06-21/local-news/Government-turned-the-tables-as-pledged-PM-says-on-Malta-s-excessive-deficit-procedure-exit-6736137654 > [Accessed  21 June 2015].

Criticizing the school 

I'm attending school at M'Cast Creative Arts which is located in Mosta, Targa Gab. I'm studying spacial design and am in my second year of level 6. The school gives you a positive vibe.  However when you go there every day and you face the same problems every day, your thoughts about the school change.
Let's start with the ladies bathrooms,  they are always dirty and some of the toilets flushings don't work. Although a part of this problem belongs to the students because they don't keep it clean. Another fact about these toilets is that they are designed too small.
I don't agree at all with the system of the library. On Saturdays, when students are free and have time to study, the library is closed. Another day of the week it closes the whole day and when its open of course it's crowded with students. This is because the library is too small for the amount of students that are in the school. Not only is the library too small, but in fact the whole school is too small for the amount of students that attend. On rainy days when everyone is inside, it is  impossible to get to your lecture because the interior is crowded with students.
Another point that really irritates me, is that some class rooms don't even have fans or ventilation, such as windows.  Also when there are windows, they are locked. So you can imagine that on hot days, the students can't concentrate because of the heat.  
Although I mentioned some criticisms about the school, I can't imagine going to any other school or location because the site of the building is inspiring to designers and artists because of the surrounding environment.

Controversial Buildings 

The first place that I'm going to write about controversial building is “Sagrada Familia." “Sagrada Familia" is a Roman Catholic basilica built in Barcelona, Spain by the famous designer Antoni Gaudi. This is the world's most continually construction building. The construction began in 1882 and continued even after Gaudi's death. They say that the date that this basilica is going to be complete in 2026.

In the beginning of the 1960s some architects like Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto, started fail campaigns about Gaudi's old fashioned and pointless design. They wanted to create something more modern.  

Another building that it's called the “Antilla Residential Tower” which is placed in the center of Mumbai, India, consists of a 27 storey tower.  This tower is homes for single families. This building in known as the world's most expensive private residences.  It purchase by fifty wealthy men is what  excited the world. American firms, Perkins + Will and Hirsch Bedner Associates were the designers of the tower.

This building has faced much disapproval from the residents of Mumbai. They said that the tower was without emotion and just too much.  Looking at it, I said the same thing.  Next to the other towers it looks odd and overdone.

The Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia designed by Jørn Utzon. The story behind this building was one of anger, refusal, public embarrassment, expense and firing situation.  He said that the project is going to take 18 months to be completed, but the building process was quite slow and  the costs were growing higher then promised. It was nearly ten years into the build when the new Director of Public Works, Davis Hughes replaced him with another Australian architect Peter Hall.  After Davis Hughes’ supervision it took 16 years to complete.

These where a few controversial buildings during their structure process.  

Reference:

archdaily,2014, The 9 Most Controversial Buildings of All Time, online] Available at: http://www.archdaily.com/573271/the-9-most-controversial-buildings-of-all-time [Accessed 29 November, 2014].

Shannon's model

When I was younger I attended dance classes. At the end of each year we had a final dance show. Every dance had its own costume.   I took part in two classes and every class had three dance performances.  I performed six dances in total. So you can imagine the rush and pandemonium from one dance to another.

I have attended this dance school for over five years, so these shows went on year after year. Before each show I would have nightmares that  I had forgotten to wear my shoes or I wore the wrong costume for the wrong dance or I messed up the dance. But luckily, year after year none of this happened, until one day!

As usual I finished the first dance and rushed down to dress for the next dance. There were people helping me get dress. I dressed and waited till it was my turn again. The dance started, there I was on stage dancing along.   For that particular dance I wore leggings and a top.  The top had four ribbons in total, two that tied up behind my back and the other two tied behind my neck. So there I was jumping and dancing.  Little did I know the ribbons around my neck had loosened. I felt the costume sliding further and further down with every movement I made. I had to continue smiling and dancing. But when I felt it was going down too far, I discretely snuck behind the curtains (as though it was part of my dance routine) double looped my ribbons and ran back to my place.

When I went back stage, I was telling my friends what had happened. Next time definitely double knots.  Lesson learned!

First day at school.

This week was my first day at school. Monday morning wasn't a great day for me. I didn't want school to start. This summer I had a reset, so for me this summer wasn't the normal going out and enjoying myself every day.  As a matter of fact, It was exactly the opposite. I stayed home and worked every day. I thought it was better to ruin one summer instead  ruining the whole year by having to repeat the subject.  So it doesn't take much to figure out that I didn't have such a lovely, relaxing summer. 

So as I said, Monday morning was hard for me to wake up with the thought of going back to school.   Don't get me wrong, it's not that I hate school, as a matter of fact I love what I do at school, but I wanted a longer break.

However, as soon as I started my first lesson, I was surprised that it wasn't so bad after all. I was going to start doing what I like the most.

Today in class we talked about the meaning of critical thinking.  For me Critical thinking means making a judgment that you are well informed about. It's a way of not accepting arguments that you think lack information. Critical Thinking involves questions such as -

1. How do you know?

2. do you have reference proof on what you're saying?

3. Are there other possibilities to make?

Sometimes critical thinking stops when a person admits that his information is wrong because there is clear evidence of what he/she was saying.

This is my opinion of what critical thinking means.

Reference:

Tara DeLecce, 2003- 2016 . Study.com. [video] Available at: http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-critical-thinking-definition-skills-meaning.html#transcriptHeader [N.D].