Phase 1: Hip Hop as Post Occupancy Evaluation of Modernism

Hip hop has been conducting a global post occupancy evaluation for 50 years by providing critiques of the built environment through lyrics that highlight issues with architecture, urban planning, policies and procedures.

Through attentive listening and collaborative efforts, we are purposefully documenting and organizing a 50-year backlog of evaluations to create a comprehensive index of knowledge that will empower design professionals to build a more equitable and just society.

Phase 1: Post Occupancy Evaluation Form

Explore the lyrical dexterity of Emcees to extract observations and critiques within the built environment, including architecture, urban planning, policies, laws, and procedures which challenge the quality of life in Black and Brown communities.

Don’t Sweat The Technique

  1. Review The Post Occupancy Evaluation Form to understand the growing list of topics discussed by Emcees within their lyrics.

  2. Select a track by one of your favorite Emcees.

  3. Listen to the track

  4. Read the lyrics

  5. Re-listen to the track

  6. Complete the Post Occupancy Evaluation Form

Resource List

Videos

“Hip Hop Architecture: The Post Occupancy Report of Modernism” Michael Ford TEDxMadison

Articles

“A History of New Orleans Public Housing, Through No Limit and Ca$h Money Music Videos” - Brentin Mock

Books

"Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation" - Jeff Chang

Organizations

Design as Protest

Tools

Genius - Genius is a website that provides lyric annotations, and interpretations of lyrics from a community of enthusiast and artists themselves.

Contribute a Resource

Use the form below to contribute resources allowing users to explore the lyrical dexterity of Emcees1