A case for Urban Agriculture

Overpopulation, malnutrition, poverty; these are not just worldwide problems, but ones we face at home in the United States, and even in a metropolis such as Los Angeles. Though often exacerbated by the last one, population control and hunger are two social problems that are within our means to solve.

Gamification: Good for the Community?

Pam's attempt at the Gamification of chores

Gamification

is the use of game thinking and game mechanics in a non-game context in order to engage users and solve problems.

We begin with a narrative.

It's nearly midnight as Agent DJ Goddessa makes her fourth lap of the surrounding 6 square blocks.  It's a chilly night as she makes her way through the park, cell phone light dimly guiding the way.  Appearing to ramble aimlessly she meanders across various terrains.  Though to someone watching she would seem lost, she could never be more accurate in her location.  She reaches the spot she was looking for, and anxiously awaits the confirmation from her phone.  LEVEL UP! She gave a whispered hooray, just as her phone notified her of a low battery.  She looks up at the monument, basking in the moonlight, she never really realized how pretty this park was at night.

Places like this.

All of a sudden she hears a rustling behind her! Spinning around she peers into the darkness and can make out a figure across the street.  Who could it be?! The shadow approached, slowly at first. When it crossed the street she could see the person was also lit by their cell phone.  Agent DJ peered through to see if she recognized the person. Almost as if in response the person flashes their cell phone screen.  She knew it, he was the enemy!  Though not at all dangerous.  She didn't have enough battery to battle over the park tonight, so instead she flashed her own phone as a sign of the torch being passed, a shift being changed, and for a little while longer this park will be safe. Even if it isn't Enlightened.

Can Gamification really make our cities safer, cleaner, and more popular? Can it bring about positive change in our communities?

Career day at Jefferson Highschool

Yesterday the Sustainable Architecture club joined several colleges and universities at Jefferson High School to promote our college and give a little insight into what our class does and hopes to achieve. Our station provided High School students with "seed bombs" with the idea of making your environment a nicer place; while Isai's station provided knowledge about kinetic energy and it's different uses. Our two stations were recognized by Jefferson High, inviting us back for another event gathering approximately two months from now!

We seek to find more events like these and others to get the name of our Sustainability club out in the world. If you would like to be part of this our know of events, please let us know and your help will be greatly appreciated!

Written by Ernesto Aguilar
Edited by Ian Salamanca
Photos by Isabel Arroyo