Dealing With Climate Change Through Interior Design Environmental Sciences Essay

Dealing With Climate Change Through Interior Design Environmental Sciences Essay Living in discomfort because of tropical climate is not desirable. Everydays challenge in Singapore is humidity, heat, and rainfall for its location that categorized in tropical climate zone. Hence, Singapore Government especially Minister for National Development stated about Singapores approach to sustainable development because it also has connection to global warming, that is why sustainable and nature are very important nowadays. For instance, the usage of garden within buildings might be the most effective way to reduce heat and humidity. The necessity to use nature is because it gives positives changes and result to the built environment and people. This essay will conduct a topic of tropical climate and natures effect in relation with various ways how to tackle the problem and response with design. It is possible to design a  comfortable living and working environment by creating  in-between spaces to  provide relief from the tropical climate through a combination of natural and vernacular architecture elements. In this essay, author will talk about Biophilic design theory as a background that explained about the inner human to be near with nature, as one of the design elements to help and achieve in reducing humidity, heat, and deal with rainfall; in which, those three factors that make people uncomfortable in their activities. Firstly, natural elements that are involved in warm wet zone and those are to be maximally used in terms of the effect of characteristic from nature which will bring positive result for the end users. Secondly, the variety ways of tackling humidity, heat, and rainfall in tropical climate, such as vernacular architecture is the most appropriate to handle this problem. Thirdly, in-between spaces which are lacking in Singapore; meaning that more intense activities in spaces or places e.g. offices do not have enough nature inside the building which actually can help reduce stress of people from work. Lastly, tropical climate case studies that link to the issue and how those spaces are workable in tropical climate. In facing tropical climate as a central issue, the design approach can be inspired from using nature elements within certain places or spaces. The reason to use nature as part of solution is because it has qualities of positive psychological effects for human being and to some extent providing visual and spatial relief. As to enhance a better way of living in tropical area, contemporary vernacular architecture nowadays exists to adapt with surroundings. All of these are guides that may lead us to develop and aim for the best design solution in the future living. II. INTERIORSCAPE, WITH NATURE: ENHANCING THE GREEN CITY Living in nature, people will get benefit from the essence of natures effect. Besides, nature shapes the built environmental to be the ideal space for peoples demand at present time. A. The Tropical Climate The tropical climate is positioned in the equatorial belt, between 230 and -230latitude which is also known as warm wet zone. Average annual temperatures can reach a maximum of 30o C during the day and 24o C at night while thermal comfort for people is between 26o C-27o C (Anon, p2). Most importantly, tropic area is distinguished by its region characteristics: high levels in humidity, heat or solar radiation in dry season and rainfall in rainy season. During rainy seasons, the level of humidity also increases. Due to high level of humidity, appropriate openings and ventilation are needed to utilize the airflow so the evaporation will increase. Another element is roof as a shelter plays an important role to be shading and keep the inside cool from the heat while it also becomes a protection during rainy periods. Tropical Climate in Singapore Context Singapore is one of the countries in South East Asia region that is located in tropical area. The most concern for Singapore is to deal with the unstable climate of heat, rainfall, and humidity since geographically it lies along the equator line. It has become everydays challenge for Singapore to deal with tropical climate. But, it is no longer new problem for people who live in tropical climate face this kind of weather every single day. Furthermore, this condition worsens most of the stressful working people and uncomfortable weather like heat may reduce their energy. Technology innovations such as air conditioners (AC) help people to achieve thermal comfort and they become reliance to AC but it is not the only solution. For over the years, Singapore has achieved itself to be a green city and currently Singapore government especially Minister for National Development, Mr. Tan in his speech (2010) stated about Singapores approach to develop more on sustainable environment. At the moment, Bedok Court HDB (Hosing Development and Board) is one of an example how Singapore deals with this tropical climate issue. B. Nature as Design Elements to Achieve the Aim in Reducing Discomfort in Tropical Climate Can we deal in a better way to response this issue? Nature is one of the solutions to help reduce heat in tropical climate. As written above, to reduce fatigue and stress which are caused by tropic weather, the importance to use nature is become fundamental, since contact with nature helps to heal and recover health, increases concentration and memory. Viewing nature can produce a rapid improvement in body restoration both psychologically and physiologically. The exposure of nature is purposed to influence the levels of activities and energy for it draws people to a positive changes. We feel and assume that the impact of heat always give disadvantages, while, the approach in tropical climate is to minimise the heat and also take advantage from it. The benefits from nature elements can be utilized as maximum as possible since they produce positive effects to peoples mind and body. This means, the essence of nature in this context is not only providing the built environment with aesthetic factor. 1. Biophilic Design Theory The reason to use nature is because it has positive effects psychologically and physiologically to the sense of human beings. It has a close relationship with a theory called Biophilia. The term of Biophilia is founded by E. O. Wilson and this theory is based on the inner of human being that essentially needs to be close with nature. Based on Biophilic Design, Kellert (2008, p3) stated that biophilia can be defined as an understanding of the inherent human affinity to affiliate with natural systems and processes, especially life and life-like features of the nonhuman environment. It is proved that people tends to depend on environmental features because it enhances human physically and mentally. Those environmental features can be described such as light, sound, odor, wind, weather, water, vegetation, animals, and landscapes. There are six biophilic design elements: environmental features, natural shapes and forms, natural patterns and processes, light and space, place-based relationship, and evolved human-nature relationship. (Kellert 2008, p6) 2. Natural Elements With that background of the importance of nature for people, this essay will discuss on the first element of biophilic which is the environmental features that consist of three key elements of nature: greeneries or plants, water, and natural light. The Essence of Greeneries, Water and Natural Light There are three main natural elements that are involved and become necessary for tropical climate in order to reduce humidity and heat as the aspects of the tropical climate. Firstly, greeneries; it has become popular and also important to have plants or gardens within buildings. Essentially, greeneries become necessary because they provide visual and spatial relief for human beings. In addition, there are some positive psychological effects of greeneries toward human beings. It effectively reduces stress, decreases mental fatigue, gives relaxations for it is good for eye relief, restores mental clarity, enhances comfort, and improves or increases sense of well being (Kellert 2008, p7). Secondly, water that produces positive physiological effect and always be the most basic human needs. Water is able to lower blood pressure, relax tension-filled muscles, ease headaches and also cure aches and pains. Water insertion to a built environment provides and enhances the quality of human life. Furthermore, water in motion such as waterfall, cascade, and a pond with circulation will add strong value to the biophilic design attraction. Other applications of water elements can be contributed in roof gardens, green roof, interior pools or basins (as a soft boundary to blur the distinction between inside and outside), exterior water gardens, and water cascade (Kellert 2008, p7). In a warm-hot climate, water is an absolute necessity. It remains cooler because water heats up slower than the land (Trocme 2006, p11). This means, the built environment which located alongside water will be cooler than one is surrounded by land. Water, you have no taste, no color, no odor, you cannot be defined, you are relished while ever mysterious. Not necessary to life, but rather life itself, you fill us with gratification that exceeds the delight of the senses. Of the riches that exist in the world, you are the rarest and also the most delicate: you, water, are the proud divinity. (Antoine De Sant Exupery, p43) Thirdly, sunlight or natural light which comes from solar radiation; the quality of its illumination and colours from light can affect mood and energy level while it also good for maintaining health. In Kellerts statement (2008, p11), natural light is preferred in contributing to improve health, productivity, and well being in a built environment. Besides, the effect of natural light also provides sense of openness. People prefer and depend on natural light for its ability in terms of giving visual acuity to satisfy human needs in physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects (Kellert 2008, p7). Direct sunlight in tropical area is not preferable, it might become our enemy. But of course it does help us in providing the advantages, so controlling the sunlight is necessary to make it desirable. Light draws people, as it does flowers, but our need for light must be balanced with keeping cool. (Trocme 2006, p11) Understanding these elements and factors may help the designers to create and built the controlled environment to adopt with the tropical climate. The prime aim is to minimise and prevent the discomfort that caused by the tropical climate in order to create a better living environment. C. Variety Ways of Tackling Tropical Climate (Heat, Humidity, and Rainfall) There are various ways in tackling tropical climate especially with vernacular architecture. Some requirements of treatments and techniques are needed in an appropriate way to tackle the tropical weather. 1. Vernacular Architecture In the book Contemporary Vernacular, according to Correa (1998, p10); the term of vernacular can be described as the notion of the building that has relation to the environmental contexts and involving society as a whole. The built forms in vernacular architecture are adapted to fulfil specifics needs regarding climate and culture, existing materials in order to accommodate the ways of life and values in producing them. In Singapore context, because of its multicultural circumstances, it may influence the local architecture. As Singapore was a British colony, historical buildings are mainly influenced by European styles. In the other hand, this small country was known as a free international port, other races such as Chinese, Malay, and Indian are also involved in influencing the local Singapore architecture. Not only cultures that shaped the vernacular architecture in Singapore but the tropical climate also determined the built environment. In other words, the local vernacular architecture is not originally come from one aspect but is combination with other aspects. These are some influences of vernacular architecture in Singapore which classified by Yeang (1987 ,p30-31) : Malay Rural Vernacular Fig.1 Typical Malay vernacular house based on Malaysian tradition, consists of atap roof, timber panels with floor raised above from the ground level. The raised floor is purposed to provide tranquillity because in the rural ancient times, they used to live in a village setting where animals might attack their houses. So, it is created in such a way for protection from ground moisture, flood and animals, ventilation, and shade. Moorish-influenced institutional building Fig. 2 Mostly the examples are the Istanas of Malay Sultanate which had larger scale and it is influenced by European and Middle Eastern countries. Dutch influences Fig. 3 Christ-Church and stadthuys are the most obvious examples of Dutch influences since most of Dutch are Christians. The straits eclectic Fig. 4 Chinese shophouses are best described this style. It emphasize in ornamentation in their facade treatment. Anglo-Indian influences Fig. 5 The local Anglo Indian style has motifs with Sino Malay influences in terms of unglazed half-around tiles and the serambi. In local context, the most appropriate of vernacular architecture in tropic area is the Malay Rural vernacular since it has the same environment and climate with Singapore. But, Malay rural vernacular cannot be called as a set style because it depends on the local circumstances, situation and environmental context that eventually created in a way to meet the specific needs of the built environment. Therefore, this built environment can be held as an approach in order to fulfil the requirement in local context. The existence of vernacular architecture in tropic area can be a guideline in developing the suitable built environment for people. Through fundamental guidelines of tropical vernacular architecture, influences from other cultures and weighing the environmental context in the same amount, that is where a critical approach means for vernacular architecture in Singapore. The responsive design to the climate, local context and environment are the key points to aim the built environment. Though Singapore does not have a fixed style, meaning of vernacular architecture in Singapore is may be more important to depend on the characteristic of a place and environment. In tropical climate, roofs are more important than walls. Roof shaped is one of the vernacular features for thermal control. There are few types that mostly used for tropical area: pitched roof shaped, high jack roof, ventilated roof, and deep roof overhangs. The main function of roof is to allow the breeze penetration in order to utilize the air flow, reduce humidity, and make the space inside cooler. First type is pitched roof shaped, usually with large overhanging eaves give protection from the direct sunlight and rain. High jack roof, usually used by typical shophouses that has gabled roof segment is mainly functioned as shelters and the small opening which separate from the main roof enhances cross-ventilation to reduce heat from solar radiation (Yeang 1987, p24). Ventilated roof is also effective for removing heat by cross ventilation. Besides ventilated, it usually combined with pitched roof shaped with wide overhang so it also able to shade walls. Deep roof overhangs with ventilation grilles above eye level protected the built environment in terms of sun shading and also allow air flows. Fig. 6 Types of Roofs Pitched Roof Jack Roof Ventilated Roof Deep Roof Overhangs Knowing these several basic types of roof shaped can lead designers to create the built environment in a contemporary context. Types of roof are invented in many ways to be the solution and improve the living environment in tropical area. Besides, in local context roofs shapes are mostly influenced from other countries either from the colony (British) or the countries which have the same climate condition as in Singapore. The applications can be seen in traditional Chinese shophouse design in Malaysia with a key feature of the continuous covered veranda-way in order to minimise the discomfort of tropical climate. Another principles are to use internal air-well that allows light, adequate amount of openness in the interior space with high ceilings and overlapping- roofs to reduce heat radiation.(Yeang 1987, p22-23) Types of roof are not the only way to tackle the discomfort from tropical climate. Openings are another aspect which is crucial for cross ventilation. Besides, air flow pattern is determined by openings because air has to circulate. Therefore the intensity of using openings is important to design a good controlled of built environment. Louvered or jalousie openings are mostly used because this system directs air to the living areas. Tight area without or less openings will give more humidity and heat. Separated and scattered layout or forms of space are purposely used for air flow. For example: house in Buzen, Japan that is formed in scattered and individual boxes. The design intention in separated layout of each functional room is to have maximum cross ventilation and enhanced with windows in each rooms. D. Lack of In-Between Space in Singapore Although Singapore already has adequate amount of greeneries around the city, it still lacks of in-between spaces in terms of inclusion of nature to the interior. However, there is an example which provides a good solution to make more comfortable living in tropical area. Good application of vernacular aspect and nature can be found in Bedok Court. Compared to other high rise residential, the difference of Bedok Court is the big supply of balconies and spaces that specially planned for plants which placed in-between living units; so called semi open forecourts. Cheng Jian Fenn was the designer of Bedok Court and the inspiration was from the rural village lifestyle whereby people live in a relaxed atmosphere and harmonious environment. But, due to the land scarcity, Cheng strategically planned each dwelling unit with garden as a whole to provide sense of landed house. (Lim 1998, p63-64) Creatively, his intention in the design is to maximise the land area with the system of high rise building yet each unit will own the garden. Fig.7 Bedok Court Fig. 8 The Balcony Through surveys, Bedok Court shows satisfying result. With high supply of garden in each unit, the semi open spaces is preferred as the most comfortable spaces among the other functions in units such as swimming pool, the balcony, the lobby, the lift, and the interior of the unit. (Bay 2006, p66) The usage of garden helps the spaces to improve the thermal comfort condition in terms of the weather become slightly cooler because of the plants. In other words, it is encouraged to increase the green areas to get a lower ambient temperature. In-between space has potential or possibility to be a break space (to be developed) In-between spaces can function as place where activity and free spaces joined (to be developed) E. Tropical Climate Case Studies 1. The Architects House in Sri Lanka by Geoffrey Bawa (need further research) a. emphasize on openings and light-well on each room b. use of greeneries or plants inside the house 2. House at Blair Road in Singapore by Richard Ho Architects (need further research) a. evokes comfort with air-well for light and ventilation III. CONCLUSION

Over all Impacts of Hobby Lobby Case Essay

As the Supreme Court has ruled against the ObamaCare mandate recently, commonly referred as the The Affordable Care Act (ACA), many of the religious communities are overwhelmed about the decision and take it as a victory whereas others are outraged about this situation as women community will be greatly affected by the rulings of the court. It is a setback for the women society that in the name of religious liberty they will be deprived of their medical concerned issues. The companies that consist of religious ideology will be able to legitimize something that may harm others. Certainly these events will have constant series of effects on the society and as well as some changes may also occur in the legislation relating to ObamaCare. Obamacare covers twenty types of birth control, upon four of them; the court has objected (Tom Cohen, 2014). Hobby lobby states that it is showing efforts to provide religious freedom but majority of the public don’t agree with this statement. Instead people are outraged that it is interfering in their personal lives. It will not let them exercise there constitutional rights. Moreover they would be forced to obey or practice something that they don’t agree upon. People will not tolerate that there liberty and freedom will be in risk. Soon the similar types of entities like Hobby Lobby will be legitimizing discrimination against gays and lesbians by businesses (Salon.com, 2014). Defintly it would be unethical of doing so because what kind of an individual is having relationships is their personal right. In the name of faith and religion they will be creating barriers in there jobs and at work places. On the stance of ethical issues, the question arises about the religious liberty. Will it really make us a good Christian or minimizing our choices and freedom? It will be unacceptable by the public that the Supreme Court has legalized something that creates discrimination and deprives women from their medical rights. Indeed it is a biased decision made by the Supreme Court. In the light of the decisions made, employees of any company will be obliged to practice the religious beliefs practiced by their owners. Common people have a religious perspective that, every individual is responsible for his or her own deeds and will be answerable to God. But the decision that has been taken in this case by the court will certainly snatch the liberty from the company’s employees. Upper management will be able to force their religious beliefs and customs down the throats  of their employees. On the other hand, the decision will have negative effects on the women employees as majority of them may have a chance of suffering from medical problems for example in case of ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, they won’t be able to get enough or no treatment because of the objection of contraceptives. Thousands of women employees of these companies would have to pay double or be out of their birth control plan (Tom Cohen, 2014). It would be unethical for the companies for interfering in their employee’s private personal medical matters. References Tom Cohen, C. (2014). Hobby Lobby ruling much more than abortion. CNN. Retrieved 4 October 2014, from http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/02/politics/scotus-hobby-lobby-impacts/ Salon.com,. (2014). Hobby Lobbyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s secret agenda: How ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s quietly funding a vast right-wing movement. Retrieved 4 October 2014, from http://www.salon.com/2014/03/27/hobby_lobbys_secret_agenda_how_its_secretly_funding_a_vast_right_wing_movement/

Law Sample of Essay Plan

Introduction * The 6 essential elements to form a contract is offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal bound, capacity to contract and legality of promise. * An acceptance of an offer will create an agreement. * However, not all agreements are recognized as contracts. * Agreements with no intention to create legal obligations will not create a contract. * In order to create blinding agreement acceptance must be final and unconditional. Body Paragraph 1 * Acceptance is a clear and undoubted assent to the offer and all of its terms. * The law regard as acceptance when the offeree accepted the offeror’s offer. Not acceptance is when one party disputes whether the other accepted the offer. * Acceptance is important because acceptance will lead to agreement to be formed and contract will comes into existence. Paragraph 2 * 4 rule in acceptance which are, acceptance must be clear and undoubted, offeror requirements must be met, acceptance in reliance upon the offe r and acceptance must be communicated. * Mirror image rule is the rule of contracts that prohibits an offeree from changing the terms of that offer * The alteration in terms of the offer by the acceptance voided the agreement and there will no contract exists. The rationale of the mirror image rule is to ensure the acceptance is final and absolutely unconditional so that blinding contract can be done. Paragraph 3 * Conditional or qualified acceptance is as long as the conditions are not satisfied, an acceptance give subject to a condition will not operate * A conditional acceptance is not a blinding agreement due to acceptance must be final and absolutely unconditional. * This type of acceptance operates as a counter offer, therefore this will destroy the first offer. The purpose of inserting â€Å"subject to contract† means parties does not want to be bound by the contract until it become the written contract. * This will affect enforceability due to the conditions were not been satisfied. Paragraph 4 * I) Masters v Cameron * II) Souter v Shyamba Pty Ltd * III) First Church of Christ, Scientist , Brisbane as trustee under instrument 7020202154 v Ormile Trading Pty Ltd * IV) Teviot Downs Estate Pty Ltd & Anor v MTAA Superannuation Fund (Flagstone Cheek and Spring Mountain Park) Property Pty Limited * V) Redowood Pty Ltd v Mongoose Pty Ltd VI) Australian Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth * VII) Godecke v Kirwan * VIII) Niesmann v Collingridge * The past case decisions have shown clear guidelines on what is conditional acceptance Conclusion * Acceptance can occur when there is exist of an offer and through acceptance, blinding agreement will be made. * I agree that blinding agreement can be create through final and absolutely acceptance. * This is to ensure that both parties will not make any loses and prevent injustice to occur. The past case decision can be used due to its accuracy that given out fair and justice to the both parties. (506 Words) Bibliography Book 1) David Parker and Gerald Box, Business Law For Business Student 2011 (Lawbook Co, 1st ed, 2011) 2) Stephen Graw, An Introduction to the law of Contract (LBC Information Services, 3rd ed,1998). Case Law 1) Australian Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth (1955) 93 CLR 546 (Privy Council) 2) Redowood Pty Ltd v Mongoose Pty Ltd [2005] NSWCA 32 (Spigelman CJ, Tobias JA and Bryson JA)

Yearning for Peace in Hemingways A Clean, Well-Lighted...

Yearning for Peace in Hemingways A Clean, Well-Lighted Place While Hemingways short story A Clean, Well-Lighted Place is usually interpreted as an intensely poetic description of despair, it can with equal validity be seen instead as mankinds never ending yearning to find spiritual peace. Hemingways short story displayed this emotional journey in many different ways. First, the title itself is a symbol for mans desire to find a state of tranquillity, safety, and comfort. Hemingway also showed this in the storys setting, which was used as a symbol for a sense of order, for it was late, the cafe was empty, and the men there were at ease. Finally, Hemingway showed this desire in the contrasting actions between the†¦show more content†¦Here he was showing that in ones lowest level of despair, mans one and only desire is to find a safe haven, and to acquire a sense of security. Finding a sense of security and meaning to life was very important to Hemingway who was known to feel that the individual quest for meaningful values was a universal one, probably because Hemingway himself struggled to find the true meaning of his life, or the true sense of his purpose. The despair that Hemingway himself felt is best shown in A Clean, Well-Lighted Place when the older waiter was intertwined in a conversation with himself. He said that: It was all a nothing and a man was nothing too. It was only that and light was all it needed and a certain cleanness and order. Some lived in it and never felt it but he knew it was nada y pues nada y nada y pues nada (383). Nothing and then nothing. When one is in a state of despair, the only thing that one is looking for is a way out of ones situation, or a road that will lead to a peaceful end to ones feelings of hopelessness. Hemingway, however, presented a remarkable example of mans search for an end to his state of hopelessness. When one waiter commented on the deaf mans attempt at taking his own life, he said Last week he tried to commit suicide. The other waiter replied Why? Then he said, He was in despair (379). This summed up mans desire, at his lowest level of depression, to find peace,