Yuyun's Blog

Unit 2 – Future of Work- Week 7 Journal

This week’s reading group discussions on “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Parasite” provided a fascinating exploration of class dynamics and the pursuit of success in distinctly different contexts. The examination of ambition, workplace dynamics, and sacrifices for career success in “The Devil Wears Prada” resonated with me, as did the exploration of social class and economic inequality in “Parasite.” The themes of social structures and the workplace dynamics were evident in both films.

Interestingly, our group chose “city farm” as our project focus. This decision prompted me to reconsider the social class differences and workers’ rights within the context of a city farm. While imagining the future work system, we decided to approach our project from the unique perspective of animals, considering them as integral employees of the city farm.

Figure 1. Group brainstorm on Wednesday’s workshop
Figure 2. Questions about city farms in London
Figure 3. Key questions

To gain insights and inspiration, our group visited Vauxhall City Farm (as shown in Figure 4-16) and conducted interviews with the dedicated staff working there. Interviews revealed significant concerns such as land availability, limited space for expansion, and high operating costs, which are key challenges for city farms. What struck me during these discussions was the overlooked aspect of animal rights within city farms.

Figure 4-11. Photos of Vauxhall City Farm:

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Figure 12 -14. Photos of Vauxhall City Farm Garden:

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Figure 15-16. Photos of Vauxhall City Farm Cafe:

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As a result, our group project now aims to create a workspace that not only benefits city farm visitors and human employees but also prioritizes the well-being and rights of the animals living within the farm. This shift in perspective has added a new layer of depth and responsibility to our project, prompting us to consider a more holistic and inclusive approach to the design and functioning of city farms.

The experiences and insights gained from the film discussions and the visit to Vauxhall City Farm have deepened my understanding of the complexities involved in city farm. As we move forward with our project, I am eager to explore innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by both humans and animals in this unique work environment.

Reference:

Parasite (2019) Dir. Bong Joon-ho. [Feature Film] South Korea, CJ Entertainment.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Dir. David Frankel [Feature Film] USA, 20th Century Fox.

Yuyun Ma

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