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CTS B- Compulsory Question 2

Artistic Vision Statement

1. question before you create

2. Theory shapes practice

3. Be aware of your surroundings

4. learn from the past

5. Honor tradition & evolve

6. Analyst & Reflect

7. Critique yourself

8. Define & express your vision

The whole creative process begins with a question. Attitudes of asking "Why?" and "How?" are linked to creative answers. These questions add depth to my work and play an important role in finding direction. Theory is not just background knowledge, but a compass for practice. Theory can broaden your understanding of creation and produce deeper results.

I react sensitively to the surrounding environment, social context, and cultural trends, and these factors bring the work to life. It is important to gain wisdom from past successes and failures and to design the present and the future based on them. My goal is to reinterpret traditions and develop them into a modern and new form while respecting them.

I want to constantly analyze my work and process, reflect on its meaning and influence, and find room for growth. My ultimate goal is to move in a better direction through an attitude of self-criticism, to establish a clear vision, and to convey it to the world through creation.

The Work: Epic Poem of Malaya by Chua Mia Tee

The work I chose is Chua Mia Tee's Epic Poem of Malaya, an important pillar of contemporary art in Singapore. This work chronicles the moment of change from colony to independence in the political and social context of the 1950s. The work, which contains social messages with realist paintings, embodies the dynamic and turbulent spirit of the times.

Epic Poem of Malaya values tradition and genealogy, demonstrating the role of design and art in recording history and shaping national identity. While using a realist style, the artistic reinterpretation of the political context of the time is deeply linked to the values I seek.

Chua Mia Tee's work is deeply related to my artistic vision in many ways. This work feels like it started with the question, "What can an artist say under the shadow of colonialism?" Chua Mia Tee created his work based on social and political theories of the time, and he faithfully reflected the political atmosphere, nationalism fever, and social changes in Singapore in his work.

His work adds a modern interpretation based on Singapore's traditional identity and historical context. In addition, Chua has created a new style that can connect with the international art world while respecting local art traditions.

This work inspires me to convey social and cultural messages through art and design and to explore ways in which individual work can connect with community. Epic Poem of Malaya is an important example for me in creating meaningful design, finding a balance between tradition and modernity.

(466 words)

CTS B- Compulsory Question 1

We understand design in the group's manifesto as not just a visual task, but a process that is sensitive to social and cultural contexts and develops through serious self-reflection and analysis. Question Before You Create: The beginning of creation should always start with the question 'why' and 'how'. Theory Shapes Practice: A theory is not just background knowledge, it is a compass that directs practice. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Work should be sensitive to social and cultural contexts and reflect the trend of the times. Learn from the Past: Use wisdom from success and failure to design the present and the future. Honor Tradition & Evolve: Recognizing tradition, we must reconstruct and develop it in a modern way. Analyze & Reflect: constantly analyze your work and reflect on its meaning and impact. Critique Yourself: You must constantly develop yourself by moving in a better direction with a self-deprecating attitude. Define & Express Your Vision: Set a clear vision and communicate it to the world through creation.

I agree with most of the group's declaration, but I think there is a need to emphasize more about "authenticity in design." If I make my personal declaration, I will respect tradition and history, reorganize it into a modern context, make cultural awareness, question all design decisions with critical thinking, and make sure that it is in line with its intended purpose. Emotional connection will make sure that design is emotionally connected with the audience. If you make changes to group outcomes, I will emphasize how authenticity helps strengthen empathy and adaptability. If design is rooted in cultural and emotional truth, I think that more serious and influential works can be made.

For me, the most important part of CTSB was critical thinking as the foundation of creative practice. It taught me how to ask assumptions and assumptions, and to consider how my work influences social, environmental, and cultural aspects. The connection between theory and practice stood out, which helped lead abstract ideas to practical results.

Critical thinking learned from CTSB also had a big impact on other modules: At Studio, the BayBeats brand project uses critical thinking to match the concept of the campaign with the festival's identity, and allows visual elements that fit the theme of "Pulse of the City" to empathize with the audience. Design Skills designed user interfaces (UI) and experiences (UXs), thinking about how each feature could have a social impact and whether it could actually be useful to users. At Materiality, techniques such as amboshing, weaving, and notting were important techniques when dealing with physical design. From the critical thinking I learned at CTSB, I thought about how these techniques could be applied to physical media. Through its connection with various disciplines, CTSB has been a great inspiration for creating works that are not only visually attractive but also convey deep meaning.

(475words)

CTSB - Week 3

In today's class, we conducted a group activity to make a short documentary based on social issues in Singapore. We produced a documentary on the subject of high housing prices, especially among high prices. The documentary sheds light on the impact of high housing costs in Singapore on individuals and families, and our work was screened along with videos of other groups in the class.

An important finding in this activity is that when delivering social issues in a documentary format, the delivery power of the message can vary greatly depending on the visual elements and how the story is organized. The house price problem can be easily explained by numbers and statistics, but we tried to express it emotionally and deeply with the voices and examples of real people. Through this, I felt that the audience could relate to the problem more.

Looking back on this activity, I wondered what it would have been like to use a wider variety of visual materials. For example, the message could have been conveyed in more detail by utilizing graphics and statistics that show the historical background of the rise in housing costs. In addition, interviews with more people could have reflected the voices of various classes in Singapore more vividly.

The lesson learned in this activity is that a human approach is more important than just information delivery when dealing with social issues. In the future, based on the experiences gained in these classes, we plan to try to convey social problems through more diverse visual tools and personal storytelling when working on documentaries or videos.

(265 words)

CTSB - Week 2

In today's class, we selected five keywords that represent me to make collages and draw portraits with our team members. I chose Music, Webton, Spy food, Nike, and Birds as my keywords to make a collage.

In the following activities, we took turns drawing portraits of each other based on the keywords of the team members.

An important personal discovery in this class was that the way I visually express my interests and identity required both critical and creative thinking. When I made a collage, I thought about the symbolism of each keyword and how it could represent me, and I expressed myself in a creative way by combining various images. In the process of drawing portraits, I thought about how to visualize each other's symbolic keywords to capture the individuality of the team members, and I was able to produce richer results through collaboration with the team members.

Through this process, I thought I might be able to approach it in a different way. For example, when using more diverse media or techniques for collage or drawing portraits, I would have been able to explore the interactions between team members in more depth. Reference materials provide a deeper study of various artistic portrait techniques or visual symbols. In future activities, I plan to develop my own creative expression method by applying the lessons learned in this class.

(228 words)

CTSB - Week 1

In today's class, we had time to write on social issues and discuss the connection between critical thinking and creativity. I chose the story of a girl who lives in a low-income family. This girl is responsible for supporting her family on behalf of her sick parents and takes care of her two younger siblings. She works every day to earn money, but she cannot afford to save the money because the money she earned goes to both her family's livelihood and school expenses. In this reality, the girl feels the pressure to work harder.

While writing this article, I was reminded of the deep connection between critical thinking and creativity. When we discover a problem, critical thinking can suggest a variety of solutions. The ideas presented at this time can be creative, and these creative ideas are materialised and have feasibility through critical thinking again. In class, we discussed how these interactions work.

The important thing I discovered through this process is that critical thinking and creativity complement each other, and one can promote the other. For example, critical thinking provides the basis for analysing problems from various angles and deriving creative solutions in the process. Conversely, creativity can contribute to solving real problems by presenting new ideas and embodying them through critical thinking.

The lessons learned in this class will play an important role in future life. In everyday problem-solving or decision-making processes, I realised that it is important to consider various perspectives and derive creative solutions through critical thinking. This way of thinking will lead to better results. In the future, based on these lessons, we will continue to practise using critical thinking and creativity in various situations.

(281 words)

WOII: The World of Ideas and Imaginations

During the WOII module, I explored captivating topics like Phenomenology, Aesthetics, Semiotics, and Postmodernism. These subjects broadened my understanding of art and culture, prompting me to think deeply about perception, expression, and communication.

Phenomenology taught me to appreciate individual experiences and interpretations, while Aesthetics delved into the emotional aspects of art. Semiotics provided insight into the language of signs and symbols, enriching my understanding of communication. Embracing Postmodernism challenged me to break free from traditional norms in creativity.

Reflecting on the module, it felt like WOII provided a comprehensive foundation in design, covering everything from history to profound subjects. From learning about graphics history in Studio to mastering lighting techniques in Photography, each aspect contributed to my growth as a designer. Exploring various subjects like illustration, typography, publishing, and collage in Craft further enhanced my understanding of the creative process.

Overall, WOII was transformative, broadening my horizons and deepening my understanding of art and culture. It instilled in me the importance of laying a solid foundation in design philosophy, making it an engaging and relevant course for my growth as a designer.

(182words)

#WOII

Week11 Postmodernism

During the class learning about Postmodernism, I learned about the theory behind breaking away from traditional norms and creating innovative works by challenging the grid system and rules. My understanding was that Postmodernism encourages pushing boundaries and embracing unconventional approaches to art and design. During the class, we also applied the principles of Postmodernism to create posters.

Reflecting on the activity, I gained insights into the importance of thinking outside the box and questioning established norms in art and design. Postmodernism encourages experimentation and embracing diversity, which was a valuable lesson for me. Creating the posters allowed me to explore new ideas and techniques, pushing me to be more creative and innovative in my approach.

However, there were challenges encountered during the activity. Breaking away from traditional design principles and embracing a more avant-garde approach required stepping out of my comfort zone. It was difficult at times to let go of preconceived notions of what constitutes good design and to embrace the idea of embracing chaos and randomness in the creative process.

Despite the challenges, the activity was enjoyable and rewarding. It provided an opportunity to express my creativity freely and to explore new possibilities in design. Collaborating with classmates and sharing ideas was particularly enjoyable, as it allowed for diverse perspectives and sparked new insights.

Overall, the activity was a valuable learning experience that broadened my understanding of Postmodernism and its implications for art and design. It challenged me to think critically about established norms and inspired me to approach my work with greater creativity and openness to experimentation.

“Postmodernism Explained.” Owl Cation, 20 Oct. 2023, https://owlcation.com/humanities/Postmodernism-Explained.

#WOII

Week 4 -How to Analyse a Work of Design Week 5 -National Museum

During the class, I was introduced us to five major frameworks for analyzing designs: Process, materials, meanings, form, and context. These concepts sparked thoughts about different approaches to design and how they might apply to my own projects.

In class, we had a hands-on activity where we brought items from home and explored connections between them. It was fascinating to see the diverse range of objects and how they could be linked based on various criteria.

We sorted the items according to factors like price, necessity, aesthetics versus functionality, and more. This exercise revealed the complexity of design decisions, even in everyday objects, highlighting the importance of practicality and meaning alongside aesthetics.

Then, during field trip to the National Museum of Singapore, I delved into the country's rich history. As a lover of Korean history, discovering Singapore's past was captivating. I noticed parallels between Singaporean and Korean history, especially in early human development.

For example, broken ceramics reminiscent of Korea's 'Silla's Smile' relic were present, conveying artistic value despite their damaged state. The presence of wagons also hinted at the influence of Western culture, echoing my experiences in Korea.

Overall, the field trip was a profound experience that expanded my understanding of history and cultural diversity. It reinforced the importance of exploring and appreciating the unique histories of different countries, connecting lessons learned in class to real-world experiences.

(228words)

Kang Gahui and Kim Min-Jeung. “The Smile of Silla Roof-End Tile Designated as Treasure.” Korea.Net, 2 Oct. 2018, https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=163943.

#WOII

Week3 Semiotics

During the class learning Semiotics, I had the opportunity to delve into how semiotics is utilized in design through group activities. We researched and analyzed movie posters related to semiotics, then presented our findings to the class. Reflecting on these activities, I gained valuable insights into the significance of semiotics in visual communication.

One of the most significant lessons I learned was understanding how signs and symbols convey meaning in design. By dissecting movie posters and examining the subtle cues and symbols embedded within them, I developed a deeper appreciation for the power of visual language in conveying messages and evoking emotions.

However, these activities also presented challenges. Analyzing movie posters required a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of semiotic principles, which was sometimes daunting. It was challenging to decode the various layers of meaning and cultural references present in the posters, but it was also a rewarding exercise that expanded my analytical skills.

Despite the challenges, there were enjoyable aspects to the activities. Collaborating with my peers to research and analyze movie posters fostered teamwork and allowed us to exchange ideas and perspectives. Additionally, presenting our findings to the class provided an opportunity to showcase our understanding of semiotics and receive feedback from our peers and instructor.

Overall, the activities were enlightening and engaging, providing me with a deeper understanding of semiotics and its applications in design. While challenging at times, they were ultimately rewarding experiences that enhanced my analytical abilities and appreciation for the intricacies of visual communication.

(253words)

Chase Dyess, MBA. “Semiotics: The Unspoken Language of Graphic Design.” Dyessdesign, 25 July 2023, https://dyessdesign.medium.com/semiotics-the-unspoken-language-of-graphic-design-592db4f6c226.

#WOII

Week2 Aesthetics

During the class about Aesthetics, I had a cool activity where I went around in groups to find aesthetic signs in our surroundings and took pictures of them. Then, I had to present our findings to the class. Reflecting on the activity, I learned a lot about what makes something visually appealing and how aesthetics play a role in our everyday lives.

Finding aesthetic signs seemed easy at first, but it was actually quite challenging. I had to look at things from different angles and think about what made them stand out. Sometimes, it was hard to capture the beauty of a sign in a photo, especially if the lighting wasn't right or if there were distractions in the background. However, it was also a great opportunity to develop my photography skills and learn how to frame shots creatively.

Despite the challenges, there were definitely some fun parts of the activity. Exploring the neighborhood with my classmates was enjoyable, and it was interesting to see how different groups interpreted the concept of aesthetics. Plus, presenting our findings to the class allowed me to showcase my creativity and share my perspective with others.

Overall, the activity was a great learning experience. It helped me appreciate the importance of aesthetics in design and everyday life. Plus, it was a fun way to bond with my classmates and explore our creative sides together.

(230words)

“Review of Computational Neuroaesthetics: Bridging the Gap between Neuroaesthetics and Computer Science.” Springeropen, 2020, https://braininformatics.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40708-020-00118-w.

#WOII

Week1 Phenomenology

During the class on phenomenology, I had a cool activity where I took pictures of shadows and moments in time in our everyday lives. Then, I had to talk about how these photos related to phenomenology. Reflecting on the activity, I learned a lot about how I perceive the world around me.

Taking pictures of shadows and moments in time sounded easy at first, but it was actually pretty tricky. I had to pay attention to small details and think about how to capture the essence of these abstract concepts in a photo. It was a bit challenging trying to translate something like shadow into a visual image, but it also made me think outside the box and get creative with my photography skills.

Despite the challenges, there were definitely some fun parts of the activity. Exploring my surroundings with a camera in hand was exciting, and it made me appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. I also enjoyed seeing how my classmates interpreted the same concepts differently in their photos during the presentation.

Overall, the activity was a great learning experience. It helped me understand phenomenology better and showed me how my perceptions shape my understanding of the world. Plus, it was a fun way to explore photography and get creative with capturing moments in time.

(217words)

“Taking Subjectivity Seriously: Towards a Unification of Phenomenology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience.” Molecular Psychiatry, 2 Dec. 2022, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01891-2.

#WOII

Summative Assessment Prep — Session 3

Connect CTS A to your learning and professional journey.

Critical thinking skill modules act as interconnected intellectual d bridges in your expansive design journey. It is not just a structured set of technologies, but a dynamic force that easily passes through each area of specialization, such as design.

In communication design, critical thinking serves as a discriminatory guide that shapes decisions so that visual and text elements are not simply aesthetically satisfactory, but are deliberately consistent with the intended message. These guidelines seamlessly extend to graphic design, branding for live experiences, and social media content creation, where they support the ability to make informed choices that are deeply relatable to the audience.

Critical thinking plays a role in linking when switching to roles such as art direction, UI/UX design, and interactive design, thereby providing a strategic perspective that matches visual elements and comprehensive creative visions.

The impact of critical thinking extends to the dynamic realm of digital media. Whether you're immersed in illustration and storytelling, exploring the complexity of digital marketing, creating engaging narratives in brand advertising, adapting to evolving trends, analyzing users' behavior, and strategically optimizing campaigns to maximize effectiveness.

Critical thinking ventures into the visual domain of editorial photography and videography to become a silent coordinator, ensuring that all visual elements contribute meaningfully to a comprehensive narrative. This analytical approach is seamlessly integrated into areas such as tangible design, 3D design, and book/jin design, where considerations of aesthetics, readability, and spatial factors are approached as strategic thinking.

In essence, critical thinking is a common language that integrates my various skills and improves the consistency and efficiency of my work. Across the multifaceted landscape of design, CTSA serves as a constant companion to enrich each creative effort with a thoughtful and influential perspective.

"The Power of Critical Thinking in Design: Unleashing the Designer's Mindset." UX Design Bootcamp, bootcamp.uxdesign.cc/the-power-of-critical-thinking-in-design-unleashing-the-designers-mindset-233b1bbeaa74.

"Developing Design Thinking Skills: A Guide for Success." Harvard Business School Online Blog, online.hbs.edu/blog/post/design-thinking-skills.

(285 words)

Summative Assessment Prep — Session 2

Connect CTS A to all your other modules (and components)

Studio1

Visual thinking and visual grammar: Critical thinking techniques are applied to analyze visual elements and design principles to help students clarify the basis for their design choices. Create a rational decision-making culture in the context of visual communication.

Research frameworks, types and languages: Promote critical evaluation of sources, citations and library materials and emphasize discretion in selecting and integrating relevant content. In the poster typographic decision-making process, students are encouraged to use critical thinking to ensure clarity and purpose of communication.

Hollywood Bling and Data Space: By integrating critical analysis into narratives of data space classification, students are encouraged to apply these insights to Hollywood Bling's rotoscoping process. It emphasizes the impact of critical classification on creative narrative composition.

Craft workshop

Ask students to critically evaluate the impact of various markmaking techniques on overall design aesthetics. Develop a mindset of critical exploration of positive-negative spaces so that students can justify spatial decisions in the context of visual communication.

Color and abstraction: Inspired by renowned designers such as Foreign Policy, we inject critical approaches to color palette selection. It conveys subtle meanings through collages and fosters discussions on the important role of abstraction in inducing students to justify their artistic choices.

Photography

It cultivates critical thinking through subtle considerations on the history and nature of photography. Encourage students to critically analyze compositional principles and technical aspects and foster an informed approach to photo creation.

Digital skills & Applications

It integrates critical thinking into the digital domain by encouraging students to justify their choice of tools within Adobe product line and rotation range technology. It encourages critical evaluation of the effects of digital applications in achieving desired creative results.

By rigorously applying critical thinking techniques to each module and component, we will not only refine their creative decision-making processes, but also have an improved ability to analyze and justify our artistic choices in a professional context.

"Why Design Thinking Matters in Education: Nurturing Creative Confidence and Divergent Thinking." Creativeans, n.d., https://www.creativeans.com/resources/why-design-thinking-matters-in-education-nurturing-creative-confidence-and-divergent-thinking/.

"Why Critical Thinking is Important as a Designer." Pixel Productions Inc., n.d., https://www.pixelproductionsinc.com/why-critical-thinking-is-important-as-a-designer/.

(315 Words)

Summative Assessment Prep — Session 1

How do you understand the Critical Thinking Skills module? Explain your choice of visual metaphor. Do you have an alternative visual metaphor Include image/s in your response.

The Critical Thinking Skills module is a transformative journey in design, and my chosen visual metaphor, the octopus, encapsulates its essence. Much like the octopus's versatile arms, critical thinking in design reaches into various aspects with flexibility and dexterity. It adapts to the dynamic challenges, embodying the multifaceted nature required in navigating the complexities of the design process. Moreover, the unicorn symbolizes the rare and innovative aspects of critical thinking, adding a touch of magic to the pursuit of unique solutions.

"Octopuses Keep Surprising Us: Here Are Eight Examples How." Natural History Museum, www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/octopuses-keep-surprising-us-here-are-eight-examples-how.html.

"Unicorn." Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unicorn.

Which was your favorite activity or session? Why? Which aspects of it were memorable for you?

My favorite session involved collaborative design thinking teamwork. The dynamic exchange of ideas within the group not only exposed me to diverse perspectives but also made the creative process incredibly enriching. The iterative refinement of concepts underscored the power of collaborative critical thinking. The memorable synergy within the group elevated the quality of our collective output, showcasing the strength of a collaborative approach.

What is the value of working in a group?

The value of working in a group in design is akin to having a vibrant palette of varied skills and viewpoints. The collaborative environment acts as a catalyst for creativity, exposing me to different approaches and providing a more comprehensive understanding of design challenges. This simulated real-world scenario reflects the industry's collaborative nature, where diverse skills contribute to innovative and effective solutions.

What do you wish you did more of, or better?

I aspire to refine my ability to incorporate feedback collaboratively, ensuring that a spectrum of perspectives is considered in the design process. Additionally, strengthening my communication skills within the group and articulating design decisions more clearly are focal points for improvement. Striving for more clarity will contribute to a more cohesive and effective collaborative experience, enhancing the overall impact of critical thinking in design.

"Effective Design Teamwork: 9 Key Principles for Success." UXPin, www.uxpin.com/studio/blog/effective-design-teamwork/.

"Collaboration and the Designer's Mindset." O'Reilly, www.oreilly.com/content/collaboration-and-the-designers-mindset/.

"Design Cooperation In and On the Process to Meet People's Needs." New Process Lab, newprocesslab.com/design-cooperation-in-and-on-the-process-to-meet-peoples-needs/.

(253 words)

Week3 Emotional Intelligence

Q1. We talked about “Self-management”, “Self-awareness”, “Empathy” and “Relationship management”. Which aspect do you think you are strongest at, and which is something you should try to improve? Discuss with reference to today’s activities, and even your Studio collaborations.

I continue to show exemplary proficiency in self-management by embodying strong self-control, adaptability, and resilience through various situations. My activities and studio collaboration approach are systematic and organized methodologies that ensure efficient time management as well as timely completion of tasks.

In recognizing the importance of sustainable growth, we are consciously aware of the need for improvement in the area of "sympathy" or empathy. There is a real will to understand that empathy is a link in forming positive relationships and promoting effective cooperation, and to improve the ability to understand and sympathize with other people's perspectives and emotions.

Recent studio cooperation has intentionally paid attention to various opinions on the creative direction of our project. I didn't rush to compromise, took time to truly appreciate the contribution of my team members and actively participated in empathizing with their opinions. This measured approach played an important role in creating an environment of harmony and productivity in our cooperative efforts.

Looking ahead, the most important goal is to raise awareness of the emotional aspects inherent in cooperation. This includes not only actively listening to colleagues, but also pursuing a deeper understanding of their perspectives. Active integration of empathy into our interactions is considered a transitional step towards planned improvement. These improvements not only strengthen relationships within the studio, but also contribute to the development of a more inclusive, creative and vibrant team culture.

"Importance & Benefits of Effective Listening in Professional Life." Institute of Professional Business Conduct, n.d., https://ipbindia.com/importance-benefits-of-effective-listening-in-professional-life/.

"What Is Empathy and Why Is It Good for Us?" Wellbeing People, 16 Mar. 2021, https://www.wellbeingpeople.com/2021/03/16/what-is-empathy-and-why-is-it-good-for-us/#:~:text=Having%20empathy%20enables%20us%20to,good%20for%20our%20mental%20wellbeing.

(232 words)

Week2 Collaborative Skills

Q1. Describe your strengths and weaknesses as a collaborator. What did you do well, and what are some areas to improve? Discuss with reference to today’s activities.

In a collaborative environment, my ideas and ability to execute are my strengths. I'm good at generating quick and innovative ideas, drawing inspiration from the foundations created in the preparation process and switching to actionable plans. As can be seen in today's activities, this ability to smoothly transition from conceptualization to execution contributes to increasing the efficiency and efficiency of the collaboration process.

However, there are notable improvements centered on communication, which is an important factor for successful teamwork. Recognizing the importance of effective communication in presenting and coordinating various opinions, I acknowledge that I may not have spent enough time gathering opinions from other team members and making my arguments. Today's experience highlighted the importance of building strong communication channels within the team.

From now on, the goal is to improve communication skills by seeking active input from team members, creating an environment in which various perspectives are valued, and delivering their thoughts clearly and persuasively. By preparing this aspect, it can further contribute to a collaborative environment that maximizes creativity and inclusion.

Q2. If you had more time and an unlimited budget, how would you design the monument differently? Include pictures of the group work, and your personal re-dign.

I initially recognized sustainability as nature-friendly, so I decided to redesign the monument using wood. I made this choice because I thought that characterizing existing trees without harming nature would best express the concept of sustainability. The use of wood not only emphasizes eco-friendly practices but also symbolizes the will to protect the integrity of the surrounding trees. Through this redesign, I tried to harmonize the monument with the environment and draw a vision that is holistic and environmentally conscious to convey sustainability.

"Reforms in Environmental Planning Ensure Sustainable Development." Technology Times, 2 Oct. 2020, https://www.technologytimes.pk/2020/10/02/reforms-in-environmental-planning-ensure-sustainable-development/.

"Sustainability at UCLA." Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA, n.d., https://www.sustain.ucla.edu/what-is-sustainability/.

(257 words)

#Sustatinability

Week1 What is Critical thinking?

Q1. Describe your understanding of critical thinking that you had before the class. and reflect on what you may have learned.

My understanding of critical thinking before class was somewhat limited in basic problem-solving skills and logical reasoning. I perceived it as a cognitive ability to analyze information and make sound decisions. But I came to realize that critical thinking is a much broader concept. It involves actively and objectively evaluating information, considering different perspectives, and recognizing personal bias. I have come to realize that critical thinking is more accurate and rational because it excludes emotions and only deals with information objectively.

Q2. What have you learned about Mindfulness? How might you integrate this into your learning environment?

I have gained insight into "mindfulness" as a practice that involves being fully present and aware of the current situation. This includes not just focusing on the task, but also improving awareness of thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. I see the possibility of integrating mindfulness into a learning environment by simply practicing minfulness at the beginning of class. These practices can focus on self-improvement by reducing stress and improving concentration. In addition, the emphasis on "mindfulness" in discussions on difficult topics can create a more reflective and empathetic learning atmosphere.

Q3. Describe an eventful moment you have experienced in class.

In our collaboration with the group, we have constructed a comprehensive mind map that summarizes diverse opinions on specific topics. While previous conceptions of mind maps were limited to linear representation, it was insightful and impressive to see peers using vast canvases illuminated in various colors to clarify and decorate their perspectives. This tactile and visually dynamic approach not only enhanced the aesthetic dimension of mind maps, but also served as a powerful means of bringing nuanced thinking to life beyond the conventional boundaries of textual representation.

"Mind Mapping." Mind Mapping, n.d., https://www.mindmapping.com/mind-map

"Critical Thinking in User Design Research." Think Design, n.d., https://think.design/user-design-research/critical-thinking/.

"Mindfulness Definition." Greater Good Magazine, n.d., https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition.

(257 words)

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