‘Hip-hop Architect’ Meets Design: Michael Ford Retools Camp to Empower Underrepresented Youth
He’s been called the “hip-hop architect,” using hip-hop culture to introduce underrepresented youth to architecture and design. This innovative approach to bringing diversity to the design professions has given rise to Ford’s Hip-Hop Architecture Camp. As his camp enters its 10th year, Ford has decided to broaden its reach.
“This is going to be a springboard,” he said in an interview with Model D Media. “Our program has been called ‘The Hip-Hop Architect Camp’ for nine years, but entering into our 10th year, we’re calling it, ‘The Hip-Hop by Design’ camp.”
Ford, who has served as the president of Wisconsin’s chapter of the National Organization of
Minority Architects and led the design of The Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, New York, had planned to pivot from architecture to design for some time. While collaborating with Gucci to open a new store in Detroit, Ford decided to move beyond the boundaries of architecture and embrace design.
“I want to be able to introduce kids to fashion design through Gucci now. So why keep them up under this umbrella of hip-hop architecture? Just call it hip-hop by design. We can now talk about jewelry making and many more professions, industrial design, furniture design,” Ford said.
Last year, Ford partnered with Michigan Central to expand his architecture and design programming in and around Detroit. This year, he’s launching a hip-hop architecture lecture series beginning March 19 at the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Architecture & Community Development. The series will spotlight Detroit-area women shaping the future for hip-hop and design while celebrating women and their impact on communities, culture, and the built environment. The panel will consist of artists Tiff Massey, Mama Sol, activist Mama Shu, hip-hop architecture fellow Asia Williams, and Jessica Care.
Michael Ford’s Hip Hop Architecture Lecture Series kicks off on March 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Architecture and Community Development. It is sponsored by Michigan Central in partnership with Miller Knoll and Shaw Contract.
