Anti-Static: Overcoming Suburbia through Kinetic spaces

<p>Problem: Anti-Static critiques economically driven development that is exclusive of the natural environment creating uninspiring places comparable to low density urban environments. It proposes a new system of building, using motion of traditionally static elements, that encourages flexibility of space, sharing, and achieves higher densities and better connections to the natural context. Location: A strong reliance on vehicular transport and the ‘Pavlova Paradise’, or quarter-acre dream mind-set has created a sprawling built environment and inflexible building stock that threatens to engulf the landscape. Queenstown is an extreme example of this condition; intense pressure to develop is resisted by a need to protect the beautiful environment that attracts nearly two million visitors annually. Current solutions look to satellite towns, but this poses many issues regarding increased infrastructure use and environmental degradation. Aims and Objectives: This thesis applies the system to propose new standards for upwards and inwards development that focuses on sequestering integrated public open space. The theoretical component of this thesis argues for the intertwining of an objective and subjective theory: ‘Biophilia’ and ‘Picturesque Beauty’. It is argued that ‘picturesque beauty’, a visual style that appreciates natural composition, is strengthened by the contemporary theory of Biophilia, which states that people are intrinsically drawn to natural processes. The aims of this thesis are to develop a way of improving density, desirability and environmental performance of the suburban environment. It also aims to encourage an effective engagement with, integration into and connection to the natural environment. These aims are achieved by firstly establishing a case for environmental reintegration, understanding the benefits, requirements and visual theory so that it may be integrated effectively, secondly by researching and interrogating current systems from dense environments that improve efficiency through motion within buildings, establishing their context, intention and effectiveness, thirdly by designing and implementing a system that improves the spatial variety, environmental connection and efficiency through an iterative process, finally by testing the design in a comparative masterplan to an existing development and commenting on the success based on the established criteria.</p>

Anti-Static: Overcoming Suburbia through Kinetic spaces

<p>Problem: Anti-Static critiques economically driven development that is exclusive of the natural environment creating uninspiring places comparable to low density urban environments. It proposes a new system of building, using motion of traditionally static elements, that encourages flexibility of space, sharing, and achieves higher densities and better connections to the natural context. Location: A strong reliance on vehicular transport and the ‘Pavlova Paradise’, or quarter-acre dream mind-set has created a sprawling built environment and inflexible building stock that threatens to engulf the landscape. Queenstown is an extreme example of this condition; intense pressure to develop is resisted by a need to protect the beautiful environment that attracts nearly two million visitors annually. Current solutions look to satellite towns, but this poses many issues regarding increased infrastructure use and environmental degradation. Aims and Objectives: This thesis applies the system to propose new standards for upwards and inwards development that focuses on sequestering integrated public open space. The theoretical component of this thesis argues for the intertwining of an objective and subjective theory: ‘Biophilia’ and ‘Picturesque Beauty’. It is argued that ‘picturesque beauty’, a visual style that appreciates natural composition, is strengthened by the contemporary theory of Biophilia, which states that people are intrinsically drawn to natural processes. The aims of this thesis are to develop a way of improving density, desirability and environmental performance of the suburban environment. It also aims to encourage an effective engagement with, integration into and connection to the natural environment. These aims are achieved by firstly establishing a case for environmental reintegration, understanding the benefits, requirements and visual theory so that it may be integrated effectively, secondly by researching and interrogating current systems from dense environments that improve efficiency through motion within buildings, establishing their context, intention and effectiveness, thirdly by designing and implementing a system that improves the spatial variety, environmental connection and efficiency through an iterative process, finally by testing the design in a comparative masterplan to an existing development and commenting on the success based on the established criteria.</p>

The Visual Power of Photography and Its Status as a Representation

I shall introduce a hermeneutic perspective and photography analyses from visual theory to the debate concerning the status of photographic representation (together with film, as it is based on the photographic method) which continues within Anglo-Saxon aesthetics and analytical aesthetics. I mostly confront Roger Scruton and Gregory Currie’s thoughts on the photograph and its object (source), representation-by-origin and representation-by-use with Gottfried Boehm’s concept of aesthetic nondifferentiation, and Georges Didi-Huberman’s analyses of photographs. This shall allow me to identify the two aspects of photography (independence of an individual object and visual dynamics of an image) which have a significant impact on the status of photography as a representation and on the potential of cinematographic creation as a story told through images.

Double exposures: Embodiment, vulnerability and agency in Letizia Battaglia’s photography

Letizia Battaglia is best known for her photojournalistic work during the 1970s and 1980s, when she assembled a vast archive of images of Mafia victims and perpetrators and of poor Sicilians. In recent years, she has created captivating new photographs named Re-elaborations. These works combine in a single frame her historic photographs of Mafia violence with new subjects – women, children and nature. This article investigates how Battaglia’s earlier and new photographs have succeeded in raising awareness about Mafia violence. Engaging with gender and visual theory, the article shows how these works offer compelling narratives of violence and poverty that capture the attention of viewers, involve them in the construction of meaning and prompt empathetic reactions. Despite having received many international awards, only recently has Battaglia’s work been recognized with significant retrospectives in Italy. No major studies on her work have been produced to date, and her recent photographs have received scarce critical attention. This article intends to fill that lacuna, enrich existing conversations on the artist and foster future investigations of her work.

Visual Theory

This chapter provides an overview and assessment of Dante’s use of medieval visual theories in his writings. It first surveys his use of the medieval Aristotelian tradition of visual theory in the Convivio, and discusses his reliance on other models of vision in the Vita nova and Rime, including those found both in medical writings and in the works of other poets. The chapter then discusses how, in the Commedia, Dante incorporates a variety of other late medieval discourses about vision into his narrative. Dante does this—it is argued—in carefully structured and stratified ways that often reveal his characteristic syncretism. The poet continues to use neo-Aristotelian theory but also draws upon a rich body of material on seeing found in medieval theology, contemplation, and Biblical exegesis. Particular attention is paid to how these multiple traditions inform the presentation of Dante-character’s own visual experiences throughout the poem.

Capturing Photo Narratives in Short-Term Study Abroad

In a qualitative study, photo narratives from eight students covering eighty total photos were collected and analyzed to understand the existing student experience across eight short-term study abroad programs from three different institutions in Texas. Photos and their connected narrative interviews were examined for compositional focus, statements connected to intercultural growth, and whether photos were related to planned program activities. Given the growing visual libraries of students, this research provides an initial look at ways digital media already exists in study abroad. Moving forward, photo narratives offer the potential for education abroad leaders to embrace digital media while enhancing intercultural learning through structured assessments rooted in visual theory and photoethnography to better prepare and reveal students’ stories, learning, and intent. Abstract in Vietnamese Trong một nghiên cứu định tính, những câu chuyện bằng hình ảnh của tám sinh viên bao gồm tám mươi bức ảnh được chọn, sau đó phân tích để hiểu được trải nghiệm của các sinh viên hiện có trong tám chương trình du học ngắn hạn từ ba cơ sở dại học khác nhau ở Texas. Các bức ảnh và các cuộc phỏng vấn về các câu chuyện được kết nối của họ đã được kiểm tra về trọng tâm thành phần, về các tuyên bố liên quan đến sự phát triển giữa các nền văn hóa, và về việc liệu các bức ảnh này có liên quan đến hoạt động của chương trình đã được lên kế hoạch hay không. Với các thư viện trực quan ngày càng tăng của các sinh viên, nghiên cứu đã cung cấp một cái nhìn ban đầu về các phương tiện truyền thông kỹ thuật số hiện có trong chương trình du học. Trong tương lai, việc tường thuật bằng hình ảnh sẽ mang lại tiềm năng cho các nhà lãnh đạo giáo dục ở nước ngoài tiếp nhận phương tiện truyền thông kỹ thuật số trong việc tăng cường học tập giữa các nền văn hóa thông qua các bài đánh giá có cấu trúc bắt nguồn từ lý thuyết trực quan và việc mô tả dân tộc học bằng ảnh để chuẩn bị và trình bày tiểu sử, quá trình học tập, và ý định của các sinh viên được tốt hơn.

Exploring the Impacts of Driving Environment on Crashes in Tunnel–Bridge–Tunnel Groups: An Eight-Zone Analytic Approach

Tunnel–bridge–tunnel groups (TBTGs) are emerging roads that often involve simple road alignments, but complex driving environments. Investigating crashes occurred in TBTGs is essential for revealing the driving environment–adaptability relationships for such roads. This study seeks to analyze the crash characteristics of component sections in TBTGs with different driving environments and compare the impact of differences in the key factor on the crashes. After TBTGs were defined through a proposed safety-critical distance metric determined via visual theory and actual crash analyses, an eight-zone analytical method considering road types and lighting was developed to probe into crashes in TBTGs. The results show that the proper safety-critical distances for bridge–tunnel and tunnel–tunnel groups are 150 and 500 m, respectively. In TBTGs, the crash rate in ordinary sections is higher than that in bridges and tunnels, particularly in the access zone. The first passed tunnel witnesses a higher proportion of crashes at the access zone and transition zone than the second tunnel. The influence of bridge and tunnel ratios on crashes is related to the ratio and type of bridges and tunnels. The findings presented herein can provide evidence-based guidance for the safety design and management of TBTGs.

Tinjauan Visual Promosi Pariwisata untuk Pengembangan Budaya Betawi di Jakarta

The purpose of this study is to analyze the Betawi Culture promotional media that has been carried out by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Tourism and Culture Office and to find out the visualization needed for the development of Betawi Culture promotion in the future. A review of the existing Betawi Culture promotional media was carried out to analyze tourism promotion media through a visual review that has been carried out by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Tourism and Culture Office in developing Betawi culture for tourism promotion. The problem is focused on the Betawi tribe, which is the original ethnic group of the people of Jakarta. In order to approach this problem, a visual theory reference is used to analyze the promotional media that has been carried out by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of DKI Jakarta. The data were collected by conducting a survey of respondents and interviews. Furthermore, descriptive qualitative analysis was carried out using visual media theory. Based on the results of the research, it shows that the Jakarta City Government Tourism and Culture Office has carried out tourism promotion activities by conducting promotions in print and digital media

The status quo of the visual turn in public relations practice

While most research in public relations and strategic communication concentrates on textual elements, this contribution shifts the focus to the growing importance of visual elements. The theoretical background is based on visual theory and the concept of strategic mediatization. By using a large-scale quantitative survey among 3,387 European communication professionals, this study is the first empirical evidence of communication professionals’ perspectives concerning visual communication. Therefore, the paper empirically demonstrates a visual turn in strategic communication. Although practitioners have been using visual elements since the very beginnings of their trade, only a minority guide these activities through a sound management process. This calls for a deeper consideration of visual communication management in practice and visual public relations research in academia.

Impaired social cognition in bipolar disorder: A meta-analysis of Theory of Mind in euthymic patients

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of Theory of Mind studies exclusively in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. Method: After the exclusion of studies evaluating symptomatic patients during acute episodes, we performed a meta-analysis including a total of 30 studies, comparing 1294 euthymic bipolar disorder patients and 1116 healthy controls. Results: Patients with bipolar disorder presented a significant impairment in Theory of Mind performance when compared to controls (Hedge’s g = −0.589, 95% confidence interval: −0.764 to −0.414, Z = −6.594, p < 0.001). When compared to controls, Theory of Mind was impaired in patients with both bipolar disorder I (Hedge’s g = −0.663, 95% confidence interval: −0.954 to −0.372, Z = −4.462, p < 0.001) and bipolar disorder II (Hedge’s g = −1.165, 95% confidence interval: −1.915 to −0.415, Z = −3.044, p = 0.002). Theory of Mind impairments were also significantly more severe in verbal tasks (Hedge’s g = −1.077, 95% confidence interval: −1.610 to −0.544, Z = −3.961 p < 0.001) than visual tasks (Hedge’s g =−0.614, 95% confidence interval: −0.844 to −0.384, Z = −5.231, p < 0.001) when compared to controls. Conclusion: The results obtained confirm that Theory of Mind is impaired in remitted bipolar disorder patients, being a potential endophenotype for bipolar disorder. Moreover, we found higher deficits in verbal Theory of Mind, compared with visual Theory of Mind. Since most studies were cross-sectional, there is a need for longitudinal studies to evaluate whether the deficits detected in Theory of Mind are progressive over the course of the illness.