The Equalizer

Abstract

This student housing project asks the question: what is "hip hop" architecture? Why have we not seen it yet and what could it look like? The word hip hop is being used as a symbol of African American culture or lack thereof in this exploration. "Hip Hop Architecture" explores the intersection of Hip Hop culture and the built environment through three interconnected realms; media, professional practice, and academia. The goal of Hip Hop Architecture is to increase the number of underrepresented populations in the practice of architecture while simultaneously creating a new approach to architecture and design, one based on Hip Hop's founding elements (DJ, Emcee, Graffiti, and B-Boy/B-Girl). "Hip Hop Architecture is a manifestation of the widely accepted fifth element of Hip Hop, Knowledge." (Michael Ford)