The West End - Beginning Research

I started my research by asking people what they thought of the West End. Most everyone I asked said something similar to this, “It used to be the in place but not anymore, everything has closed down.” The West End calls itself THE entertainment destination for DFW, but if this is the case why don’t people see it this way? One thing I noticed from walking the district was that there aren’t many day activities/entertainment. I would think in order to be THE entertainment destination, the West End would have to support activities/entertainment throughout the day. The restaurants offer lunch but judging by their menus seem more likely places to have a nice dinner. Many Internet sites proclaim the West End to be a popular nightlife spot but not so much during the day. I am interested in how the West End can attract a day crowd on a more regular basis?

Reef Sandals

Reef created a two in one product—a flip flop with a bottle opener embedded in the sole of the sandal. They augmented the function of the sandal and by doing so changed the meaning of the product. It is not just a means to protect your feet and get around; it is a means to a good time! Oakley also features a two in one product—sunglasses with a built in MP3 player. They are so anti-ear bud and this product solved the problem of: “Do I wear headphones or sunglasses?”

Democracy

Democracy has its origins in Ancient Greece, however other cultures have significantly contributed to the evolution of democracy such as Ancient Rome, Europe, and North and South America. Although not described as a democracy by our founding fathers, they stood for freedom and equality. The United States Constitution provides an elected government and protects civil rights. In a democratic society, people are allowed to participate in governmental decisions that help to maintain a balance. This form of rule lead to significant changes—freedom of political expression, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. Democracy is a way of life, with widespread social, economic and political equality.

Windshield Wiper

Mary Anderson invented the windshield wipers in 1903. While Anderson was a passenger on a streetcar in New York, she observed the driver periodically stopping to wipe the windows, and on some occasions opening the window to see. Anderson saw a need to create a device for cleaning the windshield to improve driver vision during stormy weather. By 1916, windshield wipers were a standard feature on all American cars. Today almost all motor vehicles, including trains, aircraft and watercraft are equipped with windshield wipers, and are usually a legal requirement. I’m not sure if Anderson considered safety as a means for creating the windshield wipers but by doing so she controlled a hazard and achieved an acceptable level of risk. Following the windshield wiper other forms of safety became standard in cars such as the seat belt, airbag and car seat.

M&Ms Chocolate

Forrest Mars invented M&Ms in 1941. While in Europe, Mars got an idea for a candy-coated chocolate that did not melt while eating. The idea is believed to have spawned from soldiers Mars observed eating chocolate during the Spanish civil war. This is where the famous slogan "The milk chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand" originated. As World War II was developing chocolate was rationed, but The Hershey Corporation had a deal to provide chocolate exclusively to the military. They distributed M&Ms because they didn’t melt in the sun due to the candy coating. This product was innovative because of what the chocolate stood for; the sociological meaning behind it. I think it was a remembrance of home for the soldiers and for a moment encouraged motivation—motivation to get through the day and soon return home.

SunChips Compostable Bag

SunChips has a mission, “to reduce our environmental impact.” To do that SunChips have comitted themselves to taking small steps towards environmental sustainability. In 2010, SunChips introduced the first fully compostable chip bag, designed to fully decompose in about 14 weeks when placed in a hot, active compost pile. SunChips has begun to change the way we understand recycling. 33% of every 10 1/2 oz. size bag is made with renewable, plant-based materials. When we are done with our recyclable products we throw them in recycling bins, but when we are done with our compostable SunChips bag we throw it in our compost bin at home! Hopefully this will prompt other companies to hold a similar mission to that of SunChips, because then maybe we could begin to reverse the damage we have done to our environment.

Vector Foiltec

Vector Foiltec invented the use of Texlon, the climatic envelope, over twenty five years ago and has successfully developed and promoted the use of this innovative technology worldwide. Texlon consists of pneumatic cushions restrained in aluminium extrusions and supported by a lightweight structure. The cushions are inflated with low pressure air to provide insulation and resist wind loads. Texlon combines exceptional light transmission with high insulation. Each layer can incorporate different types of solar shading, enabling the designer to optimise the aesthetic and environmental performance of the building envelope. They can even create cladding systems that react to the sun and change their transmission and insulation throughout the day. Using air to support and clad buildings is not a new idea, however it was not until fluoro polymer foils, that do not degrade under sunlight that a permanent structure was feasible. What is so attractive about this technology is it allows the designer to make full use of the products innate flexibility, there are almost no restraints; the sky is the limit.