Winning logo created by Michael Ford for AIA Wisconsin's Pop Up Logo Contest.

AIA Wisconsin Pop Up Contest

April 15, 2015

I recently won the logo competition for the AIA SW Wisconsin's Pop Up Logo Contest. After creating the logo, I could not stop, I had to design the pop up experience as well and tie it to Hip Hop Architecture. The Pop Up Experience is called "The Beat Box". The box, made of 4' x 8' plywood sheets, unfolds to create a space which allows for programming which provides opportunities for underrepresented youth to BEAT the odds and become architectural professionals.

Juxtaposition: Hip Hop + Architecture International Design Competition - DEADLINE EXTENDED

January 1, 2015

What happens at the intersection of urban culture and architecture? How can the four elements of hip hop (DJing, MCing, Breaking and Graffiti) inspire the built environment? Participants are encouraged to create a sketch using mediums of their choice to depict new building forms, urban design concepts, and/or architectural products inspired by the four foundational elements of hip hop.

Erik Howard at The Alley Project (TAP). Photo By: Marvin Shaouni

Erik Howard brings the corner and the community together in unlikely ways through The Alley Project

October 21, 2014

Detroit native, Erik Howard, explains how The Alley Project (T.A.P.) came to be what it is today, in Southwest Detroit. Merging the artistry of graffiti and street arts with the practice of architecture and social justice, Howard and his organization, Young Nation, has provided more than just an artist outlet for Detroit youth, he has provided them with a structure which helps develop their craft and achieve their dreams.