“The Hip Hop Architecture Camp™ uses hip hop culture as a catalyst to introduce underrepresented youth to architecture, urban planning and design.“
Attending this camp is free (Autodesk is one of the proud sponsors) and is a fascinating process using hip hop music rhymes to design architecture including building a physical prototype in LEGO bricks and then a digital 3D model using Autodesk Tinkercad. At the end the kids will present their design and inspiration as well as provide a rap video.
Some of the students attending the camp building their design in LEGO bricks.
Michael Ford teaching kids how to use Tinkercad.
While there is the word “cad” in the Tinkercad, it is not the standard hard to learn CAD, it is so easy young kids even 7 years old pick it up and are designing in 3D in minutes. Tinkercad is free for everyone whether you are 5 or 100 years old and really fun.
What I noticed beyond the amazing kids and volunteers, was that kids were getting involved and feeling empowered. They are thinking outside the box because they don't know there are boxes that we adults sometimes self imposed boxes around our creativity. This is one of those inspirational and good programs you don't see enough of for those that need it the most. We need more Michael Fords in this world as it would make a much better place for all.
I will post an update at the end of the week on their designs and camp.
