Archive for December, 2008

Curitba-ReDo

December 1, 2008

Curitba is described as one of the most innovative livable cities in the world due to excellent urban planning.  The population density is very high in Curitba but the urban planning that was created makes the city run much smoother.   Transportation in Curitba is unlike any other city is the world as it was created specifically to foster the mobility and sustainabilty of the community. 

In class we watched a speaker named Jamie Lerner whom gave intelligiable ideas on how to make large cities more livable.   Lerner suggested that creating more efficient communites was not a monetary issue but an issue of redesigning a city to maximize its full potential for efficiency.   During the sixties Lerner was the mayor of Curitba and he suggested a master plan to reduce traffic and make public transportation affordable by all.  Sophisticated bustops, rapid bus routes (with a lane dedicated only for the bus), allocating an amount of green space for every citizen , and zoning for more effcient land use all were successful in making Curitba the most livable city.  Personally I believe Phoenix, Arizona could learn a lot from Lerner and Curitba’s master plan.  Phoenix is large city that fails to properly deliver affordable accesible public transportation to all.   The Arizona Department of Transporation in my opinion has adopted the light rail or metro without careful thought and execution.  Unfortunately, the light rail only spans twenty miles, and is not easily accesible for all.  Phoenix needs to implement urban planing like Curitba if we plan on continuing to grow and live in this constantly expanding city.

Class Reflection

December 1, 2008

As I wrap up my senior year I am pleased to have chosen this course as it bolsters my experience at Arizona State.   The topics and discussions in the classroom were always very intersesting and involved a lot of class participation. My experience in small classes has previously been that maybe three or four brave students speak out and the rest sit there with a “dont call on me look.”  No one could really excercise their “don’t call on me” look in this class because I believe that atmosphere was very laid back and comfortable.  As a teacher I feel that you have a great attitude and give us the opportunity to voice our opinions no matter if they are your view or not.  It is great to be in a classroom where respect is given in the end I think showing respect pays off for all involved.  I find you( Merylna Lim) to be a very interesting and knowledgeable teacher because you have so much knowledge,stories and unique perspectives to share with us all. I learned a great deal from hearing of your travels and outlook on how technology affects all.  Prior to this class I probably would have never viewed technology as something that poses inequalities to individuals that are not as fortunate.  I feel like a more conscience and aware individual from this class. It is very easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of technology and forget about the effects it has on the world.  From now on I will be more educated and strive to educate others on the inequalities of technoloy.  P.S. I am really glad that you choose to bring your guitar to class!!! It was a lot of fun!!! I hope you get to taste all of the beers of the world like in your office one day!! lol