Hip Hop Architecture Camp’ expands in second year in Portland
Camp introduces urban community teens to architecture, urban planning
From July 29 to August 2, Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) – in partnership with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) and the National Association of Minority Contractors–Oregon (NAMC-OR) – is hosting a groundbreaking educational program for teenagers: Hip Hop Architecture Camp.
Free to participating 9th graders in an SEI program, Hip Hop Architecture is a one-week intensive experience designed to introduce underrepresented youth to architecture, urban planning, creative place-making and economic development through the lens of hip hop culture.
The camp’s core principles go far beyond architecture. During the camp, students are paired with architects, urban planners, designers, community activists and hip hop artists to create unique visions for their communities, including designing digital models in Autodesk Tinkercad.
The camp closes with the creation of a Hip Hop Architecture track and music video summarizing the group’s designs.
The program has brought together professionals from across the fields of urban planning, architecture, construction and engineering. Numerous private firms along with the City of Portland and Metro are all supporting the camp with volunteers and contributions.
Given the growth of the program in just two years, AFO and SEI anticipate the camp will continue to develop and include more students from around the city.