Friday, January 25, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Statement of Purpose
“We are the designers of the quality of life,” they said: A professor here, a high-achieving senior there, a glossy pamphlet slid into my back pocket. As a recent high school graduate and a lifelong fan of the towering overpasses in Fort Worth and the glassy towers of Dallas, I believed the Civil Engineering department at Texas A&M University was where I would learn how to make the world a better place. Fast-forward to the present, where I am employed by an elite structural engineering firm, and I find myself still fascinated by the city but questioning the impacts of development, the lifestyles that fuel it, and, most importantly, whether or not it is proceeding in a manner that can be sustained. I now see that each structure is inextricably linked to the natural environment and society that encircle it, and, rather than designing discrete buildings, I would prefer to focus my energy on understanding the relationships between these elements.
Seeking to expand my understanding has led me to take action both within and outside my career: Within, and sponsored by my employer, I have taken and passed the LEED accreditation exam and attended the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild Conference; independently, I have completed a History of Consumerism course, taught by an environmental historian, as well as devoted time to reading scholarly articles, books, and other relevant articles in general interest publications. These interests have also spilled over into my enjoyment of art: I relish John Updike’s descriptions of a transforming town over decades and Colson Whitehead’s poetry about life in New York City. The desire to synthesize these interests into a path of study and a career that I can pursue with my heart and mind has led me to the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs at the University of Washington. I am applying to both programs because my interests range from the scientific to the abstract and each program seems to accommodate these types of interests differently.
Although I am undecided as to exactly the course of study I want to pursue, there are several viable research paths that interest me: the influence of consumerism on the built and natural environments; the revitalization of urban centers through retail development and the resulting displacement of venues for high and low culture; or, at the abstract end of the spectrum, the representation of the transforming built environment in popular art. Drawing on my study of consumerism last spring, it would be interesting to examine how suburban and urban development is perpetuated by the American propensity toward consumerism and consumption.
The United States has a long history of consumption and, in retrospect, the American penchant to consume is understandable. As the continent was settled, pioneers were confronted with a vast expanse of natural resources, land, and immigrants eager to work toward a better life. Over time, consumption and improving technology proved to be such a successful economic driving force that it is now the backbone of our economy. With economic growth as a continual objective, consumption will likely continue to increase; it is therefore important to examine the ancillary effects of this economic system.
In conducting this research, an important preliminary step would be to define the scale of the subject of the study; it could range anywhere from the household to the neighborhood, up to the national and international levels. Secondly, defining the spatial boundary of the subject’s influence would be critical. It would be then be possible to trace the path of a given quantity of a product, through space and time, and the effects of manufacture and transport, such as carbon emissions and requisite infrastructure, could be extrapolated. A qualitative dimension would be a valuable addition to the quantitative results. By interviewing a relevant sample of consumers about their purchasing habits and performing textual research on their responses, it would be possible to find trends relating their perception of consumptive behavior to the physical effects it causes. Results of this research could then be disseminated in parallel to both professionals involved in the design process and the general public. For the former group, introducing this human behavior could help sustainable development strategies evolve toward considering broader patterns of use rather than just the sustainability of a building, or neighborhood, itself; for the latter, if it is found that citizens are unaware of the collateral effects of their lifestyles, and are interested in alternatives, a public outreach program, through articles in local publications and town hall style meetings, could be proposed. Momentum from these two groups could possibly coalesce into the seeds of social and economic change, or perhaps legislation to help mitigate negative effects of consumption. This pattern of addressing issues through academic, public, professional, and ultimately governmental veins is a strategy I would want to utilize throughout a career as an academic and perhaps a consultant for firms and governmental agencies.
The interdisciplinary nature of each program is appealing because it is paramount to obtaining insight into these relationships that inherently defy traditional classification. After speaking with many faculty members, I believe that my interests and personality especially jibe with Dr. Dan Abramson, Dr. Branden Born, and Dr. Anne Vernez Moudon. The genesis of my proposed path of research came from a conversation with Dr. Abramson, where we discussed sustainable design at scales beyond the individual building; Dr. Born’s interest in food systems could be described as a more specific version of my interest in consumerism; Dr. Moudon’s focus on healthy built environments leads me to thinking about the mental health impact of consumer society on marginalized individuals and groups. However, I believe my analytical talents, which have been refined through engineering, coupled with my wide interests and willingness to learn independently would be beneficial to any research project.
So, it seems that I have not strayed far from my original goal of improving the quality of life through development but have merely shifted my focus from designing to encouraging that informed design decisions be made. With the popularity of the sustainable mentality, especially in the northwest, now would be a very exciting time to pursue studies such as these.
Seeking to expand my understanding has led me to take action both within and outside my career: Within, and sponsored by my employer, I have taken and passed the LEED accreditation exam and attended the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild Conference; independently, I have completed a History of Consumerism course, taught by an environmental historian, as well as devoted time to reading scholarly articles, books, and other relevant articles in general interest publications. These interests have also spilled over into my enjoyment of art: I relish John Updike’s descriptions of a transforming town over decades and Colson Whitehead’s poetry about life in New York City. The desire to synthesize these interests into a path of study and a career that I can pursue with my heart and mind has led me to the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs at the University of Washington. I am applying to both programs because my interests range from the scientific to the abstract and each program seems to accommodate these types of interests differently.
Although I am undecided as to exactly the course of study I want to pursue, there are several viable research paths that interest me: the influence of consumerism on the built and natural environments; the revitalization of urban centers through retail development and the resulting displacement of venues for high and low culture; or, at the abstract end of the spectrum, the representation of the transforming built environment in popular art. Drawing on my study of consumerism last spring, it would be interesting to examine how suburban and urban development is perpetuated by the American propensity toward consumerism and consumption.
The United States has a long history of consumption and, in retrospect, the American penchant to consume is understandable. As the continent was settled, pioneers were confronted with a vast expanse of natural resources, land, and immigrants eager to work toward a better life. Over time, consumption and improving technology proved to be such a successful economic driving force that it is now the backbone of our economy. With economic growth as a continual objective, consumption will likely continue to increase; it is therefore important to examine the ancillary effects of this economic system.
In conducting this research, an important preliminary step would be to define the scale of the subject of the study; it could range anywhere from the household to the neighborhood, up to the national and international levels. Secondly, defining the spatial boundary of the subject’s influence would be critical. It would be then be possible to trace the path of a given quantity of a product, through space and time, and the effects of manufacture and transport, such as carbon emissions and requisite infrastructure, could be extrapolated. A qualitative dimension would be a valuable addition to the quantitative results. By interviewing a relevant sample of consumers about their purchasing habits and performing textual research on their responses, it would be possible to find trends relating their perception of consumptive behavior to the physical effects it causes. Results of this research could then be disseminated in parallel to both professionals involved in the design process and the general public. For the former group, introducing this human behavior could help sustainable development strategies evolve toward considering broader patterns of use rather than just the sustainability of a building, or neighborhood, itself; for the latter, if it is found that citizens are unaware of the collateral effects of their lifestyles, and are interested in alternatives, a public outreach program, through articles in local publications and town hall style meetings, could be proposed. Momentum from these two groups could possibly coalesce into the seeds of social and economic change, or perhaps legislation to help mitigate negative effects of consumption. This pattern of addressing issues through academic, public, professional, and ultimately governmental veins is a strategy I would want to utilize throughout a career as an academic and perhaps a consultant for firms and governmental agencies.
The interdisciplinary nature of each program is appealing because it is paramount to obtaining insight into these relationships that inherently defy traditional classification. After speaking with many faculty members, I believe that my interests and personality especially jibe with Dr. Dan Abramson, Dr. Branden Born, and Dr. Anne Vernez Moudon. The genesis of my proposed path of research came from a conversation with Dr. Abramson, where we discussed sustainable design at scales beyond the individual building; Dr. Born’s interest in food systems could be described as a more specific version of my interest in consumerism; Dr. Moudon’s focus on healthy built environments leads me to thinking about the mental health impact of consumer society on marginalized individuals and groups. However, I believe my analytical talents, which have been refined through engineering, coupled with my wide interests and willingness to learn independently would be beneficial to any research project.
So, it seems that I have not strayed far from my original goal of improving the quality of life through development but have merely shifted my focus from designing to encouraging that informed design decisions be made. With the popularity of the sustainable mentality, especially in the northwest, now would be a very exciting time to pursue studies such as these.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Film Critic
I don't get it. Movie people get so excited about the Coen Bros. and I'm not that impressed. After seeing No Country For Old Men, Jeremy said that it was a movie for moviemakers. He pointed out things I didn't notice and now I can appreciate them after having them identified. But I just watched Barton Fink, which won the Palm d'Or, Best Director, and Best Actor awards at Cannes in '91 (according to wikipedia), and was, quite honestly, a little bored. It was interesting enough at times and I thought John Turturro was good, but I sure didn't find the movie spectacular. I wasn't moved emotionally, I didn't really laugh, it didn't make me think deeply, nor did it even really engage me. And yeah, I've seen Fargo, I've seen Lebowski, and they're fine but I just don't see what the big deal is.
On the other hand, I was deeply moved by The Diving Bell and The Butterfly by the "amateur" filmmaker, Julian Schnabel. It may be that he's not afraid to spend some time turning the camera upside down to watch the trees sway in the wind, that slow-motion ballet dancers glide through the halls of the hospital during a historical reference. Whatever it is, it's gripping and I'd say daring and original. I'd seen Basquiat a few year earlier but don't recall the beauty of it. I've since seen Before Night Falls and was impressed, though not to the same degree as "The Diving Bell..." I've read a few reviews that say things about the former like "it wasn't political enough" or "it was too arty to do his story justice," about the latter, and would respond by saying that the director is a painter. It doesn't seem to me that he's trying to make any statement beyond his impression on the subject and their life; he's sharing his own interpretation in his own way. If you want political, I'm sure there's a documentary out there about Arenas' and others' struggles with homophobia in Cuba; if you want Bauby's story, sans the artsy camerawork or flashbacks, his book is on sale everywhere, even at the Egyptian Theater here in Seattle. I see Schnabel's work as cinematic impressionism, or something to that effect, rather than old-fashioned realism, and I dig it.
On the other hand, I was deeply moved by The Diving Bell and The Butterfly by the "amateur" filmmaker, Julian Schnabel. It may be that he's not afraid to spend some time turning the camera upside down to watch the trees sway in the wind, that slow-motion ballet dancers glide through the halls of the hospital during a historical reference. Whatever it is, it's gripping and I'd say daring and original. I'd seen Basquiat a few year earlier but don't recall the beauty of it. I've since seen Before Night Falls and was impressed, though not to the same degree as "The Diving Bell..." I've read a few reviews that say things about the former like "it wasn't political enough" or "it was too arty to do his story justice," about the latter, and would respond by saying that the director is a painter. It doesn't seem to me that he's trying to make any statement beyond his impression on the subject and their life; he's sharing his own interpretation in his own way. If you want political, I'm sure there's a documentary out there about Arenas' and others' struggles with homophobia in Cuba; if you want Bauby's story, sans the artsy camerawork or flashbacks, his book is on sale everywhere, even at the Egyptian Theater here in Seattle. I see Schnabel's work as cinematic impressionism, or something to that effect, rather than old-fashioned realism, and I dig it.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
One down, forty-nine to go
Can I read fifty books this year? I'm not sure. I was going to shoot for a hundred but I think this should be more than plenty.
Let's set some ground rules:
1) They have to be started this year with the exception of the following three, which I've cracked but haven't made sufficient progress on: William James Biography, The World Without Us, and the collection of Mahfouz short stories. Other than those, I'm starting on chapter one.
2) Graphic novels do count but only as one book per month and they must be at least, say, 300 pages.
Some of my selections will be:
Anna Karenina (Tolstoy -- underway currently, I'm on about pg. 140)
East of Eden, The Grapes of Wrath (Steinbeck)
Ravelstein, Dangling Man, Humboldt's Gift (Bellow)
Underground (Murakami)
Fortress of Solitude (Lethem)
Yiddish Policemen's Union (Chabon)
What is the What? (Eggers)
The Black Lizard Big Book of Pulps
The New York Trilogy (Auster - I think this should count as three.)
All The King's Men (Warren)
I'll post pictures of the empties as I go. I'm proud to say the first of the year was the epic (for a comic book, anyhow: 500+ beautiful pages) Apollo's Song by Osamu Tezuka.
Let's set some ground rules:
1) They have to be started this year with the exception of the following three, which I've cracked but haven't made sufficient progress on: William James Biography, The World Without Us, and the collection of Mahfouz short stories. Other than those, I'm starting on chapter one.
2) Graphic novels do count but only as one book per month and they must be at least, say, 300 pages.
Some of my selections will be:
Anna Karenina (Tolstoy -- underway currently, I'm on about pg. 140)
East of Eden, The Grapes of Wrath (Steinbeck)
Ravelstein, Dangling Man, Humboldt's Gift (Bellow)
Underground (Murakami)
Fortress of Solitude (Lethem)
Yiddish Policemen's Union (Chabon)
What is the What? (Eggers)
The Black Lizard Big Book of Pulps
The New York Trilogy (Auster - I think this should count as three.)
All The King's Men (Warren)
I'll post pictures of the empties as I go. I'm proud to say the first of the year was the epic (for a comic book, anyhow: 500+ beautiful pages) Apollo's Song by Osamu Tezuka.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Au revoir, 2007
Taking a cue from Jeremy, who wrapped up '07 with a reflection on his favorite books, movies, and shows of the year (and who also called me a whiny baby for hating everyone), I offer you my wrap-up of the past 365 days of culture and consumption.
My favorite text-only book of the year is a tie between The Adventures of Augie March and Don Quixote. Sure, one could say that I'm just name dropping these because each is dense and I'm frontin', but that wouldn't be quite right. Each succeeded in transporting me to another place in another time. The imagery of depression-era Chicago and of 17th century Spain are forever imprinted on my brain; I envy the adventurous spirit of each protagonist.
In the graphic novel category, I'm backing Adrian Tomine's Shortcomings, even though I just read it New Year's Eve. I've been a fan of his artwork long before I knew his name, mainly due to a New Yorker cover he drew a few years ago (the one with the two subway riders reading the same book and catching each other's eyes through the windows of two stopped trains). The book was short but it was beautifully rendered and captured the intersection of personal and social problems. Plus, it was funny and endearing, a formula that I'm noticing more and more these days.
I saw a handful of movies and would like to give San Francisco the nod for being the setting for two of my favorites: Zodiac and The Times of Harvey Milk. SIFF also brought two Asian gems to my attention: the light-hearted, comic book inspired Dasepo Naughty Girls and the haunting documentary about the transformation of the landscape due to Chinese industry (i.e. making shit for Wal-Mart), Manufactured Landscapes.
In the recorded music category, Panda Bear's Person Pitch has been strangely delighful for months. Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew and Beirut's The Flying Club Cup have also been in heavy rotation since being released. All white boys, I know.
My live music attendance was down in '07 but I managed to catch both Explosions in the Sky and The Books at Neumos. Wilco made Redmond seem a little cooler and helped Austin remain hip this past fall. Broken Social Scene and My Morning Jacket were also outstanding. If I had only caught Mono at the Croc, before its demise, I would say that I was fufilled this year.
On stage I was wowed by the Tony-winning, Broadway production of Spring Awakening, on my first trip to NYC. Here at home, Young Frankenstein blew me away with the size and quality of the production (many people disliked this one but I'm new to the musical scene and I've never seen the movie). Gatz kept me in On the Boards for eight hours and was one of the most interesting productions I've ever seen.
In random staged events, Miranda July made my evening during Bumbershoot; the author and professor of environmental history, Matthew Klingle, inspired me in the basement of Elliott Bay. Michael Chabon was there too, earlier in the year, reading from his latest novel which I have yet to read.
I added my share of CO2 to atmosphere this past year with pretty extensive travel. Let's count the cities and countries I visited, in near-chronological order: Anaheim, CA, Spain, NYC, Honolulu, HI (twice), Texas (three times), Canada (by car), Chicago, IL, and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I'm sorry, earth. Spain as a whole, NYC, and Chicago are at the top of my list while Honolulu and Ft. Lauderdale are at the bottom. I guess I don't like beaches?
A consumptive year indeed but pretty eclectic and mostly devoid of tv watching. Let's get on with 2008 and, mother earth, I'm trying to spend less time on airplanes, I promise. We're driving to Colorado in July instead of flying and the Prius is easier on you than a 737.
My favorite text-only book of the year is a tie between The Adventures of Augie March and Don Quixote. Sure, one could say that I'm just name dropping these because each is dense and I'm frontin', but that wouldn't be quite right. Each succeeded in transporting me to another place in another time. The imagery of depression-era Chicago and of 17th century Spain are forever imprinted on my brain; I envy the adventurous spirit of each protagonist.
In the graphic novel category, I'm backing Adrian Tomine's Shortcomings, even though I just read it New Year's Eve. I've been a fan of his artwork long before I knew his name, mainly due to a New Yorker cover he drew a few years ago (the one with the two subway riders reading the same book and catching each other's eyes through the windows of two stopped trains). The book was short but it was beautifully rendered and captured the intersection of personal and social problems. Plus, it was funny and endearing, a formula that I'm noticing more and more these days.
I saw a handful of movies and would like to give San Francisco the nod for being the setting for two of my favorites: Zodiac and The Times of Harvey Milk. SIFF also brought two Asian gems to my attention: the light-hearted, comic book inspired Dasepo Naughty Girls and the haunting documentary about the transformation of the landscape due to Chinese industry (i.e. making shit for Wal-Mart), Manufactured Landscapes.
In the recorded music category, Panda Bear's Person Pitch has been strangely delighful for months. Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew and Beirut's The Flying Club Cup have also been in heavy rotation since being released. All white boys, I know.
My live music attendance was down in '07 but I managed to catch both Explosions in the Sky and The Books at Neumos. Wilco made Redmond seem a little cooler and helped Austin remain hip this past fall. Broken Social Scene and My Morning Jacket were also outstanding. If I had only caught Mono at the Croc, before its demise, I would say that I was fufilled this year.
On stage I was wowed by the Tony-winning, Broadway production of Spring Awakening, on my first trip to NYC. Here at home, Young Frankenstein blew me away with the size and quality of the production (many people disliked this one but I'm new to the musical scene and I've never seen the movie). Gatz kept me in On the Boards for eight hours and was one of the most interesting productions I've ever seen.
In random staged events, Miranda July made my evening during Bumbershoot; the author and professor of environmental history, Matthew Klingle, inspired me in the basement of Elliott Bay. Michael Chabon was there too, earlier in the year, reading from his latest novel which I have yet to read.
I added my share of CO2 to atmosphere this past year with pretty extensive travel. Let's count the cities and countries I visited, in near-chronological order: Anaheim, CA, Spain, NYC, Honolulu, HI (twice), Texas (three times), Canada (by car), Chicago, IL, and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I'm sorry, earth. Spain as a whole, NYC, and Chicago are at the top of my list while Honolulu and Ft. Lauderdale are at the bottom. I guess I don't like beaches?
A consumptive year indeed but pretty eclectic and mostly devoid of tv watching. Let's get on with 2008 and, mother earth, I'm trying to spend less time on airplanes, I promise. We're driving to Colorado in July instead of flying and the Prius is easier on you than a 737.
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