The Importance Of Urban Design

Urban design is the process of planning and shaping buildings and public spaces. In North America, the ignorant urban design has resulted in a nation of places not worth caring about. From my point of view, contemporary urban designs should inspire centers of civic life and demonstrate democracy in action. Many urban designs attempt to become visual signs but failed to recognize a sense of neighborhood and communal culture. As James Kunstler mentions in the video “how bad architecture wrecked cities,” civic buildings like Boston city hall conveys authority and provokes spatial experience but fails to engage with the public. The giant plaza in front of the city hall does not attract citizens’ interest and often becomes an empty …show more content…
The government addressed the crisis publicly as a problem of individuals and the news reported that the disease as the result of homosexuality. Meanwhile, the government promotes individual behavior change and abstinence as solution. These public opinions resulted in a misconception that AIDS only affects gay men. Not only these opinions worsen the disease in the country, they also create a strong stigma towards HIV-infected individuals. Children were expelled from school and families that have HIV infected members were targeted by the neighborhood. As Lawrence Wallack mentions in the reading article, media advocacy has the power to reframe and shape public discussion by using media to place attention on social issues. The power of media can influence the control of AIDS epidemic in different …show more content…
As more companies try to sell products with social issues, such strategy has allowed companies to gain more profits. Meanwhile, these advertisements have the power to inform audiences about social problems like HIV through a consumer lens. Bad advertisements sell social issue to achieve personal gain. Example from the reading “Darth Vader PR: The Lure of the Dark Side” talks about the example of Edward Bernays uses feminism campaign to sell women cigarettes. More examples like “I have a dream” ads by NBA and Louise Vuitton “core value” ads use powerful public figures like Martin Luther king and Muhammad Ali to combine personal anecdotes with brand value. Not only the social meanings are lost in these ads, the companies convert the solution of social issues to consumerism. However, good public relation and advertisements put the interest of society above the interests of the personal gain. Advertising videos like “Yes I can” campaign shows a strong attack on the grocery chain Kroger for its refusal to change store policy and prohibit the open carry of firearms. Pro infirmis’ “Because who is perfect” ad uses figure with people that has bone disease modelling the fashion design raise awareness of people with disabilities. These ads serve public interests and bring real social problems to the