Detroit – Flip It

Flippin’ (or to Flip) is the process of manipulating and fashioning a sound into a beat. Sometimes this sample is manipulated so much that you can’t even tell where it came from. Still, there are other cases where a sample can be flipped, even while it contains its original identity. Flippin’ can also be the reinterpretation or reconceptualization of an established style, sound, practice, and/or theme.

Recent research initiatives at HAA revealed the necessity for a new approach, one that can more successfully address some of Detroit’s most notable challenges. This new approach should not only acknowledge our existing circumstances, but seek to leverage and then “flip” them into figurative and literal assets.  Since past conventional practices have contributed to our current situation, should we rely on these same practices to resolve our current conditions?  Further aggravating the perceived confusion, many in the national media still focus on perpetuating negative perceptions.  As designers, we have an immediate opportunity to shift these perceptions toward a more positive frame of mind, utilizing innovative design strategies that (re)present negative attributes as previously unrecognized positive opportunities.

Put simply, a negative perception can truly become positive.  Previously negative language implications can be transformed into provocative drivers for positive socioeconomic outcomes.  When applied on multiple fronts, these “flipped” perspectives can emerge into a clearly unified view of Detroit.

Over the next few months, HAA will expand upon these individual concepts and their supporting research in more detailed posts.

Post co-authored by Melissa Dittmer and Amy Bos.