The Los Angeles Hip Hop Architecture Camp. Photo by Josh Berry
Artist Nikki Jean and Michael Ford appeared NPR’s “Here and Now” with host Robyn Young to discuss The Hip Hop Architecture Camp, The 2018 Hip Hop Architecture Design Cypher, our upcoming trip to Kenya, and Nikki’s new single “Mr Clean” featuring Lupe Fiasco.
The Hip Hop Architecture Design Cypher
Photo by: Josh Berry
Wednesday, February 21, 2018: The Hip Hop Architecture Design Cypher organized by Michael Ford at Autodesk's Pier 9 in San Francisco had top hip hop lyricists join with the nations top young architects, designers and technology creators to explore the juxtaposition of architecture and hip hop! The Hip Hop Architecture Design Cypher was a three day event, challenging participants to explore the cultural implications of architecture in the built environment through the lens of Hip Hop Culture. Focusing on the intersection of theory and practice, participants explore hip hop as a revolutionary approach to understanding, conceiving, and generating architecture for a just city. Artist included Lupe Fiasco, Nikki Jean, Daylyt, ChinoXL, and TRP. The team of architects included, Eryk Christian, Ingrid Gonzalez, Jason Pugh, Pascale Sablan, Bryan C Lee Jr., Kouyate Toure and University of Detroit Mercy architecture student Phillip Robie.
The rapper Chino XL teaching students at Hip-Hop Architecture Camp.
Photo by M.O.D. Media Productions.
The Hip Hop Architecture Camp was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine!
About 2 percent of architects in the U.S. are African-American. That’s a statistic Michael Ford wants to change by using Hip Hop to inspire young people to think of new ways to solve urban development problems that segregate and marginalize low-income communities.
In the St. Louis region, the free program will begin July 30 at the Natural Bridge Branch of the St. Louis County Library. Click here to register.
“What happens at the intersection of hip-hop culture and architecture?” Michael Ford, co-founder of the Urban Arts Collective asked during a TEDx talk in Madison, Wisconsin. “I’ve dedicated my entire academic and professional careers to exploring this intersection.”
This summer, local youth will have the opportunity to explore that intersection alongside Ford when he facilitates a Hip Hop Architecture Camp hosted by St. Louis County Library’s Natural Bridge Branch. The camp is open to children between the ages of 11-14 and will take place from July 30 – August 3. Hip Hop Architecture Camp is free – and includes free lunch – but students are required to apply in advance. Applications are currently being accepted through May 21. Interested students will be required to submit a brief essay as part of the application process.