Benefits of Tourism

Benefits of Tourism Tourism is the â€Å"sum of activities and relationships between various parties, which arises from the travel and stay of non-residents of a certain location to new locations, as long as the movement does not involve an earning activity or permanent residency† (Robinson, Heitmann Dieke 220).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Benefits of Tourism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Domestic and international tourism are the two main categories of tourism. Domestic tourism refers to the movement of tourists within the same country. On the other hand international tourism refers to the movement of tourists to other countries. According to the World Tourism Organization, people should not live in the new locations for more than one year (McLean Hurd 300). Tourism is a very dynamic industry. It influences the development of other industries. Tourism may lead to significant growth in the private sector and dev elopment of infrastructure (Pour, Egbali and Nosrat 1602). Tourism leads to the development of shops, accommodation, transport infrastructure, and growth of the hospitality industry. Tourism affects education, the health industry, culture and religion either directly or indirectly. Growth of tourism and its economic significance has made governments give tourism special attention. Cultural tourism helps in boosting the pride and identity of a community. Foreign exchange is critical for the economic well-being of any nation. A country uses foreign exchange to pay for it imports and foreign loans. Exports are the main sources of foreign exchange. Availability of foreign exchange determines the strength of a country’s currency. Lack of adequate amount of foreign may lead to the diminishing of the value of a local currency. Tourism enables a country to earn foreign exchange.Advertising Looking for research paper on advertising? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, tourism plays a critical part in any country’s economic growth. The amount of foreign exchange that a country earns per visitor varies from one destination to the other (Robinson, Heitmann and Dieke 27). In the Caribbean countries, tourism is one of the major sources of foreign exchange. Therefore, in these countries, tourism is a critical part of the national development plan. There is no country in the world with an unemployment rate of zero percent. Unemployment means that there is idle labor in the country. Unemployed people do not help the economy of the nation. Therefore, they are a burden to the country. Countries strive to reduce the level of unemployment by undertaking various strategies. Tourism is a labor intensive industry. Therefore, it leads to the creation of a large number of the jobs. Tourism leads to creation of jobs in the transport, hospitality and entertainment industry. Rural tourism is one most i mportant sources of income to people living in rural areas. It provides people living in the rural areas with an alternative source of income. Rural tourism may facilitate the growth of rural industries (Pour, Egbali and Nosrat 1605). In addition, rural tourism enables rural councils to increase their revenue. However, tourism provides seasonal jobs. This is due to the fact that most tourists visit foreign locations only at certain times of the year. Most tourists visit exotic destinations during summer. Therefore, during other periods of the year, people who depend on tourism have to look for alternative sources of income.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Benefits of Tourism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Infrastructural development determines the economic growth of a certain region or country. In most instances, countries ensure that there is more infrastructural development in areas that of economic imp ortance to the nation. Rural areas have less economic importance to a country than urban areas. This is one of the principle reasons why there is more infrastructural development in urban areas than in rural areas. However, tourism increases the economic significance of rural areas. This leads to the development of infrastructure that would support the growth of tourism in the rural areas. Infrastructural growth in the rural areas benefits people living in the rural areas significantly. Infrastructural growth also supports the growth of the local industries (Pour, Egbali and Nosrat 1605). This would ultimately strengthen the economy of the rural areas. Growth of the rural economy would enable a country reduce over-reliance on urban areas for economic development. This would fuel the overall economic growth of the country. Economic growth in rural areas would also attract people to rural areas. This would lead to repopulation of rural areas and a significant reduction in congestion i n urban areas. Reduction in urban congestion would reduce societal ills associated with congested urban areas. The culture and national heritage of a country is the identity of any nation. Therefore, it is critical for a nation to preserve its national heritage and culture. Most cultures are slowly fading away. Modernization is the major reason that leads to the fading away of various cultures. Cultural practices help in bringing social unity to people in the community. Therefore, fading away of various cultures may have dire consequences on the social unity of people in a certain society.Advertising Looking for research paper on advertising? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Tourism helps in preserving the cultures of the local people. Tourists visit local areas and pay to watch various cultural activities. This ultimately leads to the preservation of the cultural activities. In addition, tourism may lead to the development of infrastructure that supports the cultural activities (Pour, Egbali and Nosrat 1605). Therefore, tourism not only enables a nation maintain its cultural activities, it also enables a community to maintain its cultural activities while making money out of practicing their cultural activities. Tourism also facilitates cultural exchanges between tourists and the local people. Tourists learn the cultures of the local population while the local people learn the culture of the tourists. This may enable tourists to adopt the cultural practices that are good. In addition, the local population may adopt several cultures from the tourists that they perceive as good. Tourism may also encourage disbanding of oppressive cultural practices. In m ost instances, tourists speak a different language from that of the natives of the community. Tourism may encourage tourists to learn the language of the locals whereas the locals may learn the tourists’ language. This enhances communication between the tourists and the local population. Tourists visit exotic locations to view the scenery of the location in its natural form. This encourages government to take measures to protect the environment in order to attract tourists. Destruction of the environment would make it unattractive for tourists to visit the exotic locations. This would make the tourists opt to visit other locations. Therefore, the government would lose out on the valuable economic benefits of tourism. In addition, tourism may encourage the rehabilitation of the environment or natural scenery to its original form to encourage tourists to visit the areas. Tourism may encourage the government to rehabilitate traditional homes or historical monuments to encourage tourists to visit the areas (Pour, Egbali and Nosrat 1605). Tourism may encourage governments to protect the natural habitats of animals to attract tourists to the areas. Tourism is one the factors that makes governments strive to protect endangered species (Pidd para 8). Tourism may also encourage the beautification of the community in order to attract more tourists to the community. Most tourists who visit foreign locations stay in expensive hotels. This does not enable them to understand the lives of the people in the foreign locations. Tour companies have developed slum tourism, which enables tourists understand the lives of people who live in slums. Slum tourism involves tourists taking a guided tour of the slums in various countries. Tour companies offer tourists guided tours at a certain fee. Slum tourism is common in India and several African countries (Basu para 4). Slum tourism faces stiff opposition from various parties. Various parties claim that it is an inhuman way of exploiting the poor, as slum dwellers do not live in their shanties willingly. Economic conditions force them to live in deplorable conditions. However, slum tourism has several advantages. It enables the slum dwellers to earn money from the guided tours of the slums. In addition, slum tourism may expose the tourists to the deplorable living conditions of the slum dwellers. This would ultimately encourage the tourists, who are relatively much wealthy than the slum dwellers, to make donations to projects aimed at upgrading the slums. Therefore, slum tourism is one method of attracting attention to the deplorable living conditions of the slum dwellers, thus facilitating the eradication of slums. Tourism affects a myriad of industries in any economy. Tourism affects almost all industries either directly or indirectly. Tourism may encourage the development of the private sector. It may facilitate the development of businesses that would support the tourism. Tourism leads to the developm ent of the transport, agriculture, construction, and retailing industries. The high revenue associated with the tourism industry encourages entrepreneurs to invest in the industry. Industries that greatly benefit from tourism are the retailing entertainment and hospitality industry. The high return of investment of the establishments related to the tourism industry leads to stiff competition among the establishments. Tourism may improve development in other areas. Tourists usually visit various areas due to the culture or natural environment of the area. After visiting the areas, tourists may return and settle in the areas. This may lead to an increase in the value of property in the area. This would greatly benefit residents of the areas as it would improve the value of their property. Tourism can also increase local awareness and interest. This makes the community have a greater sense of ownership and pride in their culture. This is due to the fact that tourists may come from dist ant places to watch the cultural activities or traditions of the community. Increased community awareness and pride may lead to the revival of various cultural activities of the community. In addition, community awareness may increase the social cohesion of the community. Tourism is one of the most important economic activities in various economies. Tourism affects various sectors of the economy either directly or indirectly. Therefore, development of the tourism industry would have huge economic benefits to any country. Tourism may act as a critical pillar in the economic prosperity of any nation. Basu, Moni. â€Å"Poverty tours: A learning experience or simply gawking?† CNN.com, May 30, 2012. Web. McLean, Daniel and Amy Hurd. Kraus recreation and leisure in modern society. Sudbury, MA: Jones Bartlett Publishers, 2011. Print. Pidd, Helen. â€Å"Tiger population of India facing total disaster due to tourism ban.† The Guardian, 20 August 2012. Web. Pour, Sayyed khalil Sayyed Ali, Naser Egbali and Abbas Bakhshandea Nosrat. â€Å"Advantages and Harms Caused by Development Rural Tourism (case study of rural ÙŽsemnan province).† Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences. 5.12 (2011): 1602-1612. Print. Robinson, Peter, Sine Heitmann and Peter U. C. Dieke. Research themes for tourism. Oxfordshire: CABI, 2011. Print.

Plant Absorption essays

Plant Absorption essays Most plants absorb the water and nutrients they need from the soil through their roots. The soil solution can move freely into the root cortex via root hairs, however it cannot pass through the endodermis on its own due to the impenetrable Casparian strip. Cells in the endodermis actively transport necessary minerals into the vascular tissue and water follows because of osmosis. Once in the vascular tissues, this nutrient and water solution must be transported throughout the plant so that it can be used to create food during photosynthesis. Xylem is the tissue responsible for transporting this solution up the stem to the leaves, while phloem is the tissue responsible for carrying sugary food molecule solution back down the stem to places where it is needed. There is a problem in moving the solution upward against gravity that plants have to deal with. Root pressure pushes the solution upward because of the hydrostatic pressure that is created when water and ions move into the endodermis and cannot get back out. This is because the ions are actively transported and water follows them due to osmosis. Root pressure cannot provide enough of a push for the solution to reach the highest leaves, which is where the transpiration pull-water cohesion mechanism comes into play. This process relies upon transpiration, the evaporation of water from leaves, as well as the property of water called cohesion, or the sticking together of molecules of the same substance. Transpiration is controlled by the stomata, openings in the leaves that allow for gas exchange necessary for photosynthesis. When many stomata are open more transpiration will occur and when few stomata are open water is conserved. The mechanism works much like a domino effect. W hen water transpires through the outermost layer of leaf cells, a water molecule is borrowed or pulled from its neighboring cell, which continues all the way down the stem rapidly. This provides...

See attachment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7

See attachment - Coursework Example The alternative, renewable energy sources serve as a great source of energy; however, they also bear challenges in their usage. One serious challenge facing the wind as a form of energy source is its lack of adequate power to turn the turbines. Consequently, this leads to little or no production of usable energy. Solar energy also has its share of challenges. Integrating solar panels within homes has become a challenge; people do not find the urgent need. Another challenge facing the alternative, renewable energy sources is that the cost of fossil fuels is cheap, in America. This makes it difficult for renewable energies to penetrate the energy market. Geothermal energy forms another renewable energy source, which originates within the earth’s crust. The geothermal energy undergoes conversion into usable energy within plants constructed for this purpose. It is also noteworthy that coal, oil and natural gases form nonrenewable energy resources. As time passes, these resources are on a constant depletion. The common challenge experienced by the nonrenewable energy resources is the difficulty in controlling their depletion. It is a challenge, as man has no way of replacing the used resources. In the management of nonrenewable energy sources, man is finding it difficult to find and use an alternative energy source that matches the amount of energy they provide. Additionally, most of the nonrenewable energy sources cause environmental pollution, making their management a difficult

International Political Economy of Oil and Gas Essay

International Political Economy of Oil and Gas - Essay Example The degree of dependence of the users on the oil and gas and their flexibility to adopt alternative sources of energy under the circumstances of rising oil prices determine the competitive advantage of the major oil exporting nation over the others and the degree of aggression of these economies over other countries due to the competitive advantage in the international economy (Bentley, 2002, p.199). The movement of gas prices in relation to the oil prices, the volume of used of gas and other forms of energy like electricity, solar energy, hydro-electricity used in the economies determine the impact of oil prices on the economies all over the world. In general circumstances, the rise in the oil prices leads to higher amount of national income for the oil exporting countries of the world. According to the recent report of OECD, the prices of oil are expected to soar up to 190 dollars till 2020 in terms of real value of money in today’s economy. Due to the rise in the prices of oil, the net oil importing countries face situations of economic slowdown due to the rigidity in the structure of their economies (Sengupta, 2011, p.35). The minimum wages to be paid to the labours, the cost for importing the oil from the major oil exporters, the degree of economic investments are all affected by the rise of oil prices. The oil importing economies have to transfer more national income to the international oil exporters for importing the same volume of oil. Thus the volume of oil imports tends to decrease in a situation of rising international oil prices (Mankiw, 2011, p.82). This leads to slowdown of investments in the economy of the importing countries. The subsequent implications for the net oil importing countries are inflation in the economy as the supply of goods an d services are not able to meet the demand of the markets. Due to circular flow of money, the

What has happened in Great Britains economy over the last two years Essay

What has happened in Great Britains economy over the last two years - Essay Example The ability of the British Government and Bank of England to manage the British economy can be closely monitored by carefully observing and analyzing the historical trend of UK’s unemployment rate, gross domestic product (GDP), balance of payment, and price stability. Between 2011 and 2012, the unemployment rate in UK remains as high as 8.02% and 8.13% respectively (Statista, 2013a). The fact that the unemployment rate in this country has increased by 0.11% is already a sign that the economy of UK has not really been good after all. (See Appendix I – Historical Trend: Unemployment Rate in UK on page 13) produced within a country in a given period of time† (Mankiw, 2012, p. 494). It means that UK’s yearly GDP can be used to closely monitor the actual economic activities that had taken place in this country (Office for National Statistics, 2013a). Based on the current market prices, GDP in UK has somehow been showing a flat trend between the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2011 and the 3rd quarter of 2011 to the 2nd quarter of 2012. During the 4th quarter of 2012, the GDP of UK has declined by 0.3% as compared to the previous quarter (Bank of England, 2013; Office for National Statistics, 2013b). Basically, the sudden decrease in domestic demand, the presence of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the sudden reduction of the North Sea oil output explains why the GDP fell by 0.3% during the last quarter of 2012 (Bank of England, 2013; Office for National Statistics, 2013b). (See Appendix II – Historical Trend: GDP on page 14) Balance of payment provides the â€Å"summary of transactions between domestic and foreign residents for a specific country over a specified period of time† (Madura, 2010, p. 27). It means that the balance of payments would show the summary of import and export of goods and services including the financial transfers between UK and other countries (Sloman, 2004, pp. 516 –

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

To Kill A Mocking Bird :: To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

Characters grow and develop and allow us to become a part of their lives in ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. This is true because the story is told from the perception of a young girl called Scout. We get so close to Scout because the whole story is told from her point of view. We share her experiences as she would go through them, we are with her when some of the most important events in her life happen to her, life changing events that can change a person, like being attacked by Bob Ewell and watching her father defend Tom Robinson in court. We learn everything she learns, like why the Ewells and the Cunninghams live the way they live and why Atticus defended Tom Robinson in court. In only the first few pages of the book we learn so much about the town of Maycomb and the people in it, through Scout’s narration. As the book progresses on, we see her grow up and mature, and begin to understand things that she didn’t understand in the beginning e.g. her neighbor Boo. In one of the first few chapters Atticus tells Scout that ‘you never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.’ When he told her this she didn’t understand and take on board what he meant. As the story develops we witness all the events unfolding leading to her standing on Boo Radley’s front porch and fully understanding what Atticus had said. It is here that we realize that Scout has changed and now has different views of the town and the people in it to what she had in the beginning of the story. Jem also grows and develops as a character by the end of the book. We get close to Jem in the story because being Scout’s older brother, he is always with her. Jem is ten in the beginning of the story and the story continues until he is thirteen. He starts out very curious and always asking questions (not as much as Scout though) but he is older. We also witness him go through the same life changing events as Scout, but he has a different perception of them, like when Mrs. Dubose dies, it isn’t a big deal to Scout, but to Jem he learns what real courage is and that is undoubtedly what starts to change him from a boy to a young man.