Summary & Reader Response Draft #2

In the article, "This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design”, Peters (2016), linked us with a project titled “Motown Movement”, whereby three students purchased a house and converted it into a sustainable cost-efficient living model in Detroit. Their aim was to achieve sustainability through cost-efficient approach by transforming run-down houses into affordable and sustainable buildings. In their house, the lower level will be a “training centre” while the upper level houses a family in need. In-house systems includes solar panels, a “greywater system” and a “septic tank” as sources of renewable energy. Lukkes, one of the three students, stated that through collaboration with their university, they can ensure that their project can become universal and reach other countries. In my opinion, the students have a practical idea in implementing these changes to the Detroit community, yet these changes may be too ambitious due to the social impact and capital needed. 

The ideas the students came up with for the project are practical since it utilizes various sources of such as sunlight and rain. Both are natural sources which could be further tapped into and used. Sunlight can be converted into solar energy and rainwater could be collected. Thus, it is practical and easy to sustain. The septic tank and connection of the house to waste heat from nearby industry are also practical since it reuses waste into productive materials. 

Although the implementation of the solar panels may seem practical, the cost for each panel does not come cheap. The initial capital needed for the solar panels would cost an enormous amount. For example, a 5-kilowatt rooftop solar installation from “Srinergy”, a program formed by the partnership between MI Solar Works and Novi Solar, costs $14,800(CBS Detroit, 2013). The installation cost is definitely not cheap, but in the long run, it reduces the monthly electric bill by $75. It has a life span of 25 to 30 years. However, the beauty of the roofs are affected since the solar panels spoil the outlook of the roofs. An average septic tank installation cost around $5,170(Sortfix,2016). The septic tanks have to be placed at suitable locations. Environmental impacts such as odour and gas emissions as well as groundwater pollution may occur if placed at unsuitable conditions. Therefore, the students will really have to research and place the septic tank at proper locations. If not, they would cause more damage than benefits to the environment (Wikipedia, 2016). 

Although this project aims to benefit the community in Detroit, it might pose a few social problems. For example, once the house is already built and given to the needy, those who did not get the house may want to take it away for self-interest purposes. Due to the high crime rate and poverty in Detroit, I would suggest more police presence around the area to make the area safer.

On the other hand, the Detroit residents’ mindsets are positive. They could accomplish a lot of things by having a positive and optimistic mind. With the never give up attitude and being handy in their skills, they can assist in the project by coaching and teaching other people. Ultimately, the most important factor in ensuring this project becomes successful is to help out in terms of financial issues. This project could come a long way in increasing awareness to other countries about sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.

References

CBS Detroit.(2013, 23 September) New Low-Cost Residential Solar Power Available .

Retrieved from http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/new-low-cost-residential-solar-power-available/

Environmental Concerns of Septic Tanks (2016, 07 September). 

Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septic_tank 

Low Cost Septic Tank Installation in Detroit, MI (2016).
Retrieved from http://www.sortfix.com/septic-tank-installation/mi/detroit.php

Michael D. Shaw. (2006, 18 September) What A Waste: Septic Tanks And Their Environmental Problems.
Retrieved from https://www.gasdetection.com/interscan-in-the-news/magazine-articles/waste-septic-tanks-environmental-problems/

Peters, A. (2016, July 7). This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design. World Changing Ideas. 

Retrieved from https://www.fastcoexist.com/3061563/world-changing-ideas/this-detroit-house-is-being-turned-into-a-living-model-of-cost-saving-s

Summary & Reader Response Draft #1

In the article, “This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design”, Peters (2016), 3 architecture students through their project, “Motown Movement” purchased a house in Detroit. Their aim was to achieve sustainability through cost-efficient approach by transforming run-down houses into affordable and sustainable buildings. In their house, the lower level will be a “training centre” while the upper level houses a family in need. In-house systems includes solar panels, a “greywater system” and a “septic tank” as sources of renewable energy. Lukkes, one of the 3 students, hoped that through collaboration with their university, they can ensure that their project can become universal and reach other countries. In my opinion, the students have a practical idea in implementing these changes to the Detroit community, yet these changes may be too ambitious due to the social impact and capital needed. 

The ideas the students came up with for the project are practical. This project is practical since it utilizes solar energy and collects rain for multiple functions. Sunlight and rain are natural sources which could be further tapped into and used. Collecting rainwater is still practical and easy to sustain. The septic tank converts waste into bio-gas and fertilizers. They also plan to connect the house to waste heat from nearby industry.

Although the implementation of the solar panels may seem practical, the cost for each panel does not come cheap. The initial capital needed for the solar panels would cost an enormous amount. For example, a 5-kilowatt rooftop solar installation from “Srinergy”, a program formed by the partnership between MI Solar Works and Novi Solar, costs $14,800. The installation cost is definitely not cheap, but in the long run, it reduces the monthly electric bill by $75. It has a life span of 25 to 30 years. However, the beauty of the roofs are affected since the solar panels spoil the outlook of the roofs. An average septic tank installation cost around $5,170. The septic tanks have to be place at suitable locations. Environmental impacts such as odor and gas emissions as well as groundwater pollution may occur if placed at unsuitable conditions. Therefore, the students will really have to research and place the septic tank at proper locations. If not, they would cause more damage than benefits to the environment.  

Although this project aims to benefit the community in Detroit, it might pose a few social problems. For example, once the house is already built and given to the needy, those who did not get the house may want to take it away for self-interest purposes. Due to the high crime rate and poverty in Detroit, I would suggest more police presence around the area to make the area safer.

On the other hand, the Detroit residents’ mindsets are positive. They could accomplish a lot of things by having a positive and optimistic mind. With the never give up attitude and being handy in their skills, they can assist in the project by coaching and teaching other people.

Ultimately, the most important factor in ensuring this project becomes successful is to help out in terms of financial issues. This project could come a long way in increasing awareness to other countries about sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.

References

1.    Peters, A. (2016, July 7). This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design. World Changing Ideas. Retrieved from https://www.fastcoexist.com/3061563/world-changing-ideas/this-detroit-house-is-being-turned-into-a-living-model-of-cost-saving-s

2.    New Low-Cost Residential Solar Power Available (2013, 23 September).
Retrieved from http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/new-low-cost-residential-solar-power-available/

3.    Low Cost Septic Tank Installation in Detroit, MI (2016).

      Retrieved from http://www.sortfix.com/septic-tank-installation/mi/detroit.php

4.    Environmental Concerns of Septic Tanks (2016, 07 September).
Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septic_tank 

5.    Michael D. Shaw. (2006, 18 September) What A Waste: Septic Tanks And Their Environmental Problems.
Retrieved from https://www.gasdetection.com/interscan-in-the-news/magazine-articles/waste-septic-tanks-environmental-problems/

Areas For Improvement In This Trimester

The key 3 areas I need improvement in this trimester are as follows:

1) Concise and Clear sentences
2) Verb Tense Usage
3) Sentence Structure

Summary & Thesis Draft

In the article, “This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design”, Peters (2016), 3 architecture students through their project, “Motown Movement” purchased a house in Detroit. Their aim was to achieve sustainability through cost-efficient approach by transforming broken-down houses into affordable and sustainable buildings. In their house, the lower level will be a “training centre” while the upper level houses a family in need. In-house systems includes solar panels, a “greywater system” and a “septic tank” as sources of renewable energy. Lukkes, one of the 3 students, hoped that through collaboration with their university, they can ensure that their project can become universal and reach other countries. In my opinion, the students have a practical idea in implementing these changes to the Detroit community, yet these changes are too ambitious.

References

Peters, A. (2016, July 7). This Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design. World Changing Ideas. Retrieved from https://www.fastcoexist.com/3061563/world-changing-ideas/this-detroit-house-is-being-turned-into-a-living-model-of-cost-saving-s

Formal Letter

To: Mr. Brad Blackstone

From: Mohamed Akmal

Date: September 10, 2016

Subject: Self-introduction of Akmal

Dear Brad,

I am Mohamed Akmal Akashah studying Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building Services). Previously, I was from Clean Energy Diploma Course in Singapore Polytechnic. I have an interest in sports, music and martial arts. My goal during my stint here in SIT is learn to build environmentally friendly buildings. In the future, I aim to be an all rounded professional engineer, designing buildings which will benefit clients in terms of cost and energy efficiency.

Regards,
Akmal
SIE 2016
Group 1

-Commented on Ahmad Naqeef's formal letter on 15/09/2016
-Commented on Masyita's formal letter on 15/09/2016
-Revised on 21/09/2016

The Importance Of English

English language has been around for centuries and now, it is a language to communicate for many people around the world. Throughout my journey in learning English, the most important step for me was to firstly communicate in English. Since, I was not from an English speaking background, it was quite intimidating to communicate with other people. Foundation is important in any aspects.

My English journey started when I was young. The very first English lesson was during my kindergarten period. It was there when the teachers would teach us the basics of pronunciation of words, using pictures to help us better understand, phonics and also repetitive practice. At that point in time, it did not seem too appealing to me.

However, as everyone else was trying to learn the language, I was also forced to learn it too. In addition to that, the only way to get to know one another person from a different race was to converse in English. Teachers will only converse to us in English throughout lessons. Whenever we communicated with one another in a different language, they would coax and persuade us to not be afraid in communicating in English.

Looking back, I am happy to have been pushed to learn English since young. Being able to understand, listen and communicate in English with other people is an accomplishment to me. The basic foundations are very important for any aspects. Take for example, a building. It needs to have strong foundations in order to keep the building stable. Therefore, learning English is not a topic I fancy when young but I am appreciating it as I grow older.

As I grew older, English is a much needed tool for communicating with others. It has definitely been easier to communicate with others as my command in English is already stable. At my previous work place, the common language we mostly used was English. English is ingrained in my life now and is applicable in everyday life.

-Revised on 15/09/2016
-Commented on Danish's blog on 15/09/2016.
-Revised on 21/09/2016

The Purpose

Hi all!

This blog is created for the purpose of reflecting, analysing, learning and unlearning the various types of ways for effective communication. There will be different range of topics throughout this space. Feedback and comments are much appreciated. 

Thanks! 

-Akmal