September 14, 2010

By: Bruce M. from Winsted, 00
Comments: 12

Posted By: Bruce Miller
On: 10/30/2008 12:35:51 PM

I think that often in the world of design we automatically focus on a tangible form of artifact. But what about the idea of purposeful psychological design? I was recently engaged in a conversation where one of our group stated that they had heard, read, seen on T.V. (I'm not sure) that actors are hired by the French government to walk hand in hand, and play the part of young lovers to help create an atmosphere of amore in Paris. I was shocked to hear that romance needed a jumpstart in the city of lights. Now, I do not know if this is true, however the notion had opened up an avenue of consideration when thinking about how promote change in a particular environment. This is not a new idea when you hear the familiar cliches - 'When in Rome...., or What happens in Vegas....." But to me it provides an avenue that I had not previously considered when contemplating design change to promote, and or improve positive perceptions of an particular area. I am interested in hearing your thoughts.

Posted By: susanne donahoe
On: 11/6/2008 11:46:31 AM

I am feeling this design concept prominent in our high school environment; in order to encourage a positive sense of community within the physical structure.

Posted By: LeQuyen Tran
On: 11/23/2008 5:08:12 PM

I was quite interested in the idea of promoting some type of behavior through modeling. It is somewhat similar to different behavior programs such as Responsive Classroom to teach and nurture positive actions. I sure hope the rumor about Paris is quite untrue. Paris brings such a magical tone to anyone's senses that it would be hard not to be romantic!

Posted By: Curt Uebelhor
On: 11/26/2009 4:31:35 PM

Buskers on the subways and streetcorners in all major city all add ambience and some are city specific(bushman in San Francisco). City ordinances probably forbid loitering but looks the other way when it comes to something that can be used as a tourism hook. I view the handholders as a variation on this.

Posted By: Mercedes Kuehner
On: 11/27/2009 12:40:53 PM

Very interesting. It definetly makes you think about how we are conditioned to look at certain things by manipulation. Even on television, the reality show craze has become staged and misleading so that we will watch these train-wrecks and feel better about ourselves by comparison. When will it end?

Posted By: Sarah Rooney
On: 11/29/2009 11:43:02 AM

Most educated individuals have learned at some point that we are conditioned by the media (every form of media). However, the idea that actors are being hired to create an ambiance seems a little far fetched. Mostly because we need to think about what the French government would be gaining from hiring actors. Paris has a reputation wether we see people being romantic their or not. It has nothing to do with seeing people making out on park benches. It has to do with the rich culture and history surrounding the city of lights. Would the French government truley be making their money back? Do they have an entire department promoting a certain image to the rest of the world? I highly doubt it, especially since the idea of romanticism is different in every culture.

Posted By: lv xiaok
On: 9/14/2010 10:08:04 PM

Even after 13 years in office, Phillips sometimes misreads the couples who come through his door.“There was this elderly lady in her 70s, who looked like a retired school teacher, and a guy in his 40s in flip-flops and a T-shirt,” he said.Rather prim, she wore a long-sleeved conservative Lace Wedding Dress buttoned up to her neck. Her hair was in a granny knot like the woman in cartoons whoLong Sleeve Wedding Dress bashed Sylvester the cat with a broomLong Sleeve Wedding Dresses to make him spit out Tweety Bird.As he must, Phillips asked if either had been married before.