Hip-hop artists are vocal about critiques of their neighborhoods, but are planners and architects listening?
Anya Khalamayzer of GreenBiz interviews Michael Ford, founder of BrandNu Design, about the influence urban planning has had on hip-hop and how he's hoping to flip the script; increasing the influence of "non-traditional" stakeholders on the planning process. Ford acknowledges the role that Robert Moses' urban renewal initiatives in New York City had in creating the landscapes that came to pepper the music of the artists who grew up among the towers and slums. He also sees the residents of these communities as active participants in shaping the city for the better. Ford challenges companies and organizations working on development in communities of color to engage the youth and seek out people from within these neighborhoods to be a part of the process. He cites the genius of the musicians in these communities who have voiced their critiques and concerns about their built environment through music, and asks that planners and architects listen to what's being said and work with communities to give them the tools to participate and contribute in the planning and development process.
FULL STORY: Hip-hop has a message for urban planners
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McKenna
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
Kinexus Group
Cohousing Association of the US
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Rail~Volution
Sun City Center Community Association, Inc
City of Mesa
Town of Gilbert, Arizona
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.
