Abstract: David Boeri reports on a demonstration by members of ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), outside of the offices of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston). Boeri notes that the demonstrators were advocating for more affordable housing in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. Boeri's report includes footage of Peggy Jackson (ACORN demonstrator) and Neil Sullivan (Director of housing policy for the Flynn administration) debating the administration's affordable housing policy. Boeri notes that the demonstrators demanded the deed to a vacant lot in order to develop affordable housing themselves.
Abstract: Hope Kelly reports on a dispute between the tenants and the landlords of a building in Allston. Kelly notes that the tenants have brought suit against the landlords for discriminatory practices. Kelly reports that a fire damaged the building in February. She notes that the landlords have aided white tenants with temporary relocation and have assured them an eventual return to their apartments. Kelly reports that African American tenants have been ignored. Kelly reports that the tenants have been barred from the building altogether. Kelly's report includes footage of a protest outside the apartment building by tenants and city officials. Brian McLoughlin (Boston City Council), Mel King (community activist), Domenic Bozzotto (Hotel Workers Union), and David Scondras (Boston City Council) are among those present. Tenants and city officials condemn the owners of the building and demand the return of tenants to the building. Kelly reviews the status of the lawsuit and gives the names of the owners of the building. She attempts to interview David Spada (owner) when he arrives at the building. Spada refuses to be interviewed.
Abstract: Seminar on the history of institutions and institutional change in urban America from roughly 1890 to the present. Among the institutions considered are political machines, police departments, schools, courts, hospitals, prisons, welfare departments, and universities. Focuses on readings and discussions.
Abstract: A la fin de cette leçon, tu sauras quels sont les risques liés au phénomène du bricolage. Tu pourras retirer l'information spécifique d'un article de journal. Tu comprends l'information et tu peux également la reformuler.Tu peux même donner un avis à un bricoleur.
Abstract: David Boeri reports on the Bank of Boston's new mortgage program for lowand moderate-income city residents. Boeri's report includes footage of Ira Stepanian (President, Bank of Boston) and Robert Mahoney (Bank of Boston) announcing the new program to the media at a press conference at a Roxbury branch of the Bank of Boston. Boeri reviews the terms of the program. He notes that many houses in the area are not eligible for the program because their sale prices are too high. Boeri interviews Diana Strother (Roxbury resident), who says that many residents do not make enough money to take advantage of the program. Boeri interviews Leon Wilson (Bank of Boston) about the terms of mortgages under the program. Boeri notes that the units in the Fort Hill condominium complex are too expensive to qualify for the Bank of Boston program. Boeri interviews Alvin Wilkins (Boston resident) and Eve Moss (realtor) about housing prices in the area. Boeri also interviews Bruce Marks (Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union). Marks calls the Bank of Boston program a 'public relations scam' because it does not truly help low-income residents. Boeri's report includes shots of the Fort Hill condominium complex.
Abstract: Introduction to urban form and design, focusing on the physical, historical, and social form of cities. Selected cities are analyzed, drawn, and compared, to develop a working understanding of urban and architectural form. The development of map making and urban representation is discussed, and use of the computer is required. Special focus on the historical development of the selected cities, especially mid-nineteenth and mid-twentieth century periods of expansion. Readings on urban design theory in the twentieth century and a weekly discussion/seminar on them. Methods class for S.M.Arch.S. students in Architecture and Urbanism.
Abstract: Footage of the building which houses the offices of the Boston Housing Authority in Charlestown. Footage of rundown buildings in the Bunker Hill Housing Project in Charlestown. Many of the buildings have boarded up windows or broken windows. Trash is visible along the sidewalks and walkways in front of the buildings. Shots of a series of photographs of a meeting between Joseph Timilty (State Senator) and Jimmy Carter (US President).John Vitagliano (Boston Housing Inspection Commissioner) is interviewed in his office by Marjorie Arons (WGBH reporter). Vitagliano says that the city of Boston must renovate its existing public housing instead of building new public housing. Vitagliano believes that a program of private-housing subsidies would be superior to the present public housing program. Vitagliano says that the disastrous environment in public housing developments contributes to a cycle of poverty; that public-housing tenants and private landlords would benefit from a private-housing subsidies program. Vitagliano suggests that public-housing projects be shut down and sold to private developers. Vitagliano admits that Boston's public housing projects are de facto segregated.
Abstract: Do you want to think about ways to help solve New Orleans’ problems? Cityscope is a project-based introduction to the contemporary city. "Problem solving in complex (urban) environments" is different than "solving complex problems." As a member of a team, you will learn to assess scenarios for the purpose of formulating social, economic and design strategies to provide humane and sustainable solutions. A visit to New Orleans is planned for spring break 2007.
Abstract: Students explore the many different ways that engineers provide natural lighting to interior spaces. They analyze various methods of daylighting by constructing model houses from foam core board and simulating the sun with a desk lamp. Teams design a daylighting system for their model houses based on their observations and calculations of the optimal use of available sunlight to their structure.
Abstract: Students investigate circuits and their components by building a basic thermostat. They learn why key parts are necessary for the circuit to function, and alter the circuit to optimize the thermostat temperature range. They also gain an awareness of how electrical engineers design circuits for the countless electronic products in our world.
Abstract: David Boeri reports on drug traffic in the Franklin Development Project. Boeri's report includes footage of William Sommers (Inspectional Services Commissioner, City of Boston) touring a condemned building on Homestead Street. Boeri interviews Sommers and Pat Farreta about the problems in the building. Ferrata talks about drug dealers who sell drugs from their apartments. Boeri talks to a tenant, who refuses to comment on the drug traffic in the building. Boeri reports on a plan for increased police presence in the community to combat drugs. He interviews Don Muhammad (Roxbury community leader) about how to solve the drug problem in the community. Boeri's report includes footage of police making a drug arrest. This tape includes additional footage of the area around the Franklin Development Project and footage of the condemned building on Homestead Street. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item:Ray Flynn proposes to increase the number of Boston residents working in Boston jobs. Boston jobs for Boston residents
Abstract: We all know that it takes energy to provide us with the basics of shelter: heating, cooling, lighting, electricity, sanitation and cooking. To create energy-efficient housing that is practical for people to use every day requires combining many smaller systems that each perform a function well, and making smart decisions about the sources of power we use. Through four lessons on the topics of heat transfer, circuits, daylighting and electricity from renewable energy sources, students learn about the science, math and engineering that go into designing energy-efficient components of smart housing that is environmentally friendly. Through numerous design/build/analyze activities, students create a solar water heater, swamp cooler, thermostat, model house, model greenhouse, and wind and water turbine prototypes. Students should concurrently be taking Algebra 1 in order to complete the worksheet calculations.
Abstract: This course explores the theory behind and evidence on regulatory, tax, and other government responses to problems of market failure. Special emphasis is given to developing and implementing tools to evaluate environmental policies. Other topics include cost-benefit analysis, measurement of the benefits of non-market goods and costs of regulations, and the evaluation of the impact of regulations in areas such as financial markets, workplace health and safety, consumer product safety, and other contexts.
Abstract: Studio-based subject in applied environmental planning. Instruction in client projects dealing with aspects of sustainability assessment. Workshops cover tools for planning (risk mapping, sustainability assessment, impact prediction) and professional aspects of dealing with multiple publics. Students participate in one of several groups that work on a four-month client project. Subject emphasizes both the use of environmental planning tools in real-time and learning how to interface with agencies and NGOs. Faculty and practicing planners speak on the professional side of planning practice and agency culture, and conduct project review.
Abstract: 'Blast from the Past' with FCC Commissioner Benjamin Hooks. Program is divided into two halves: the first consisting of five dance segments aired in previous programs, the second of newsmagazine-style segments. Dance performances are by the Dance Company of the National Center of Afro-American Artists (performing the piece 'Doogla'), the Dance Theatre of Boston (performing 'Black Light'), and Halim Adbur Rashid (Fred Johnson, performing a mime/modern dance piece). Additional segments include 'Information' (on preparing for unemployment), 'Community Access' (on the work of the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency and its role as a financier of mixed income developments), 'Blast from the Past' (with an excerpt from a 1972 interview with FCC Commissioner Benjamin Hooks on the need for increasing the numbers of African Americans in the television and radio professions), the 'Community Calendar,' and 'Commentary' by Producer Marita Rivero (consisting of film footage of an African American couple on a date). Produced by Marita Rivero. Directed by Conrad White.
Abstract: Urban governance comprises the various forces, institutions, and movements that guide economic and physical development, the distribution of resources, social interactions, and other aspects of daily life in urban areas. This course examines governance from legal, political, social, and economic perspectives. In addition, we will discuss how these structures constrain collective decision making about particular urban issues (immigration, education…). Assignments will be nightly readings and a short paper relating an urban issue to the frameworks outlined in the class.
Abstract: This course examines the economic, political, social, and spatial dynamics of urban growth and decline in cities and their key component areas (downtown, suburbs, etc.). Topics include impacts of industrialization, technology, politics, and social practices on cities. Students will examine the role of public and private sector activities, ranging from zoning and subsidies to infrastructure development and real estate investment, in affecting urban growth and decline. Readings are both theoretical and empirical, with considerable thought paid to comparative and historical differences.
Abstract: Students explore heat transfer and energy efficiency using the context of energy efficient houses. They gain a solid understanding of the three types of heat transfer: radiation, convection and conduction, which are explained in detail and related to the real world. They learn about the many ways solar energy is used as a renewable energy source to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses and operating costs. Students also explore ways in which a device can capitalize on the methods of heat transfer to produce a beneficial result. They are given the tools to calculate the heat transferred between a system and its surroundings.
Abstract: Focuses on how the housing and human service systems interact: how networks and social capital can build between elements of the two systems. Explores ways in which the differing world views, professional perspectives, and institutional needs of the two systems play out operationally. Part I establishes the nature of the action frames of these two systems. Part II applies these insights to particular vulnerable groups: "at risk" households in transitional housing, the chronically mentally ill, and the frail elderly.