Bus Interviews

Other Group Members:

Megan Schwarz, Chelsea Jackson, and Alexandra Camacho

Tornadoes

Symbol group 6 decided that our natural disaster would be a Tornado. Our victim was a family, who survived a Tornado tearing their house apart. Both of the parents were thrown from the house itself, and they found their baby buried under feet of debris, kept safe because a mattress landed on his crib. Fortunately the whole family lived, but some people are not so lucky.

As we began to research structures suitable to withstand a tornado, we came to the conclusion that our mode l needed to be , either dome shaped, or underground. Our final design incorporated both .
The shelter would sit underground, and would only be sized to accommodate a family. Idealy, it would be placed in a backyard. Since Tornadoes don't last too long, the space is very simple; there is enough space to sit and wait out the weather.
Made of reinforced concrete, the structure would be built partially into the ground, as to prevent movement.


The top of the structure would be covered in landscape. If a tornado comes through, the landscape around the structure might be compromised, but the structure itself would not.

Post Card 2

Dear Ms. Paige,

First off, let me say that the steps taken by the university, for a more sustainable environment, are great. I’m sure tray less dining and portion control certainly aids in waste management, however I believe more can be done to progress this issue. I ate at the Caf all last year, and I must say that quantity really trumps quality. Students are given too much selection, and it seems that, subsequently, the food lacks in both nutrition and appeal. I feel that we could manage the waste by providing students with less variety, but higher quality food to choose from. Possibly there could be a poll regarding the least and most popular selections. The assortment of food could be extensively cut, and that would allow for higher quality and less waste. Not only would money be saved, but the Caf may just gain a better reputation!

Thank you,

Sara Easterling

IARC 2^nd Year

Public Transit: What an Experience

The Bus Lady had no intention of waiting for us




Nobody looked at the people next to them, instead they busied themselves in their electronics.

The Bus Station After the Ride
The City Bus; a popular means of transportation for all walks of life, including the observing students of the Iarc second years. With two weeks of schooling thus far, we were assigned the task of studying and documenting the bus environment, as well as the resulting emotions provoked. Additionally, we had to read the text, Civilities and Civil Rights; reading it before or after the bus ride was up to us. I opted for reading beforehand, to get it out of the way, and I am glad that I chose this order.
Sure I remember reading about desegregation, sit ins, and various other acts that pertained to the civil rights movements. What I didn’t recall was that such a large phenomenon hit so close to home, with the early Greensboro sit ins. By reading this first, I knew that my view and interpretations of the bus ride would be completely different than if I had read later.
As recommended, I went with a group of people, as to compare experiences and opinions. As the bus approached the stop, Ben turned towards us and explained how we should give the allusion of veteran bus riders. Now, I have been on public transportation before, but when the doors swung open, there might as well have been a large, neon sign that flashed, “inexperienced riders,” above our heads. Immediately, the bus driver barked at us to get on the bus, because she apparently had no time to actually stop. She then proceeded to mumble about our incompetence when it came to swiping our first cards. As we sat down, Heather, Ben, Leah, Anna, and myself included, I started observing the bus atmosphere fully.
Busses are never overly friendly environments, in my opinion. People keep to themselves or the others whom they know. Eye contact is scarce and conversation is hushed, so the stranger across the aisle can’t eavesdrop. People resort to looking in the window to scope out the refection of the individual sitting across from them. I found myself looking only at the people that I knew. Also, the strangers around me made sure not to look at any of us; it was exceedingly uncomfortable. When I did scan the bus in observation, I noticed that, in keeping with the secluded theme, each person sitting alone was tuned in to his or her own electronic world. A woman fumbled with her ipod as the man next to her texted on his cell phone. They had something to do to feel more relaxed about sitting next to a stranger. Since I wanted to avoid looking directly at people, I opted for looking at the bus itself.
Up at the front of the bus was a small plaque that said, “Rosa Parks, In Honor of Her Sitting.” Out of the group I was in, I was the only person who read before hand, and I was the only one to notice the tribute. Small enough to go unnoticed, the plaque instantly made me reflect on the reading, once I glanced over to it.
As we neared the station, the occupants started to stand and cluster close to the door, clearly aggravated that the bus ran behind schedule. When the bus stopped, our group started to make our way towards the exits, only to be lambasted by the bus driver to, “Exit In The Back!” I found myself thinking about a flow chart and way finding; perhaps there could have been more distinction of where one gets on and off the bus, something besides the scolding of a frustrated bus driver. Then again, it might be common knowledge, and we are too inexperienced in city transportation to understand.

Another Year: Week One

For me, the last days of summer fly by in a matter of seconds. I have never looked forward to the first day of school; it means that, once again, you must apply yourself, work hard, and do something other than sleep all day. So, it was strange when I found myself wanting school to start. Last year was amazing; it was unlike any other year of school, and I loved it.

    It seems that the first week back is always the most difficult. Getting acclimated to school again can be so demanding. Over the summer, I imagined that the first week would be over the top with the quantity of work given. In reality, it wasn’t that bad. Sure we got a good deal of work, but it was all controllable. Last year’s time management prepared us well for this year.

   The biggest thing I noticed about this past week was the concept of group work.  This year, working together will be so predominant in our studio. I think the card idea to determine our seating arrangement was a great one. The groups that we were assigned are so diverse in knowledge and skills. Though it proved to be a challenge to work with 15 people, we all came up with remarkable ideas; there was a good deal of effort.

  Towards the end of the week, we combined all of the suits to make a 60 person deck. Communication was difficult and tension was high, but we all managed to create a fluid idea. I’d say it was a good way to break through the ice of a new year and we are all excited to see where it takes us. 

Find Your Way

Destination: Greensboro Farmers' Curb Market

And So It Begins

Year 2,
Here We Come!!