News: rapper Kanye West has continued his architectural manifesto by telling students at Harvard University that "everything needs to actually be architected".
West and fiancé Kim Kardashian made a surprise visit to the Harvard Graduate School of Design studios on Sunday, where the rapper jumped on a desk in the studios and addressed students about his passion for architecture and his design company DONDA.
"I really do believe that the world can be saved through design, and everything needs to actually be architected," said West. "And this is the reason why even some of the first DONDA employees were architects that started designing T-shirts instead of buildings. But just to see the work be actualised."
"I believe that utopia is actually possible," he continued, blaming leaders and politicians for the fact that it hasn't been achieved yet. He offered words of encouragement to students and praised their "willingness to learn and hone [their] craft". He also presented them with 300 tickets to the Boston leg of his Yeezus world tour.
This appearance comes after the rapper told presenter Zane Lowe that he is "working with five architects at a time" during an interview on BBC Radio 1 in September. West is currently collaborating with graphic designer Peter Saville to create a new visual identity for the rapper's brand.
Architecture blog Archinect published a full transcript of the rapper's speech at Harvard:
Kanye West: ...So after walking through here I decided that I wanted to make sure for anyone that didn't have tickets tonight that you all could have tickets to the show. So anybody who wants to come tonight, you can have tickets for the entire office!
But I just wanted to tell you guys, I really do believe that the world can be saved through design, and everything needs to actually be "architected". And this is the reason why even some of the first DONDA employees were architects that started designing t-shirts instead of buildings. But just to see the work be actualised.
If I sit down and talk to Oprah for two hours, the conversation is about realisation, self realisation and actually seeing your creativity happen in front of you. So the reason why I turn up so much in interviews is because I've tasted what it means to create and be able to impact, and affect in a positive way.
And I know that there's more creativity to happen. And I know that there's traditionalists that hold back the good thoughts and there's people in offices that stop the creative people, and [who] are intimidated by actual good ideas.
I believe that utopia is actually possible, but we're led by the least noble, the least dignified, the least tasteful, the dumbest and the most political. So in no way am I a politician, I'm usually at my best politically incorrect and very direct. I really appreciate you guys' willingness to learn and hone your craft, and not be lazy about creation.
I'm very inspired to be in this space. Tonight, this show, if you come see it - um, I'm a bit self conscious because I'm showing it to architects. So the stage does have flaws in it. It's an expression of emotion so give me a pass on that. And that's basically all I have to say so thank you very much.