The Global Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Adam's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
About Adam
Adam is a spatio-cultural theorist, educator and researcher. As an interdisciplinary scholar, his practice research and research practice is positioned at the intersections of architecture, urban design, planning, music culture and spatio-cultural theory. He leads the independent research laboratory Rhythm Obscura, which explores the hidden histories, practices and theories of music, spatial and material culture in respect of rural and urban space, identity and senses of societal and community belonging. He has authored the books Hip Hop in The Sticks: A Deepening Context (2023), Scratching The Surface: Hip Hop, Remoteness and Everyday Life (2020) and Provincial Headz: British Hip Hop and Critical Regionalism (2020), and contributed many book chapters and journal articles within the fields of musicology and spatial practice.
He previously held the post of Reader in Ethnomusicology, Spatial and Urban Practice and was Director of Creative Practice Research Academy (CPRA) at UCLan, where he also led Research and Innovation in the School of Art, Design and Fashion and was REF2021 lead for UoA32. He continues to be an external member of CPRA and The UCLan Research Centre for Migration, Diaspora and Exile (MIDEX).
Adam has acted as external examiner for PhD theses at University of Bristol, University of Leeds and University of Salford - Manchester. He is editor of the bi-annual publication HEADZ-zINe: a zine with a critical edge, and has contributed many articles for The Conversation. He publishes weekly on the Rhythm Obscura Substack.
Supervised Research Degrees
'On Experiential-Experimental Walking', Ioanna Pavlou (completed MRes 2013).
Teaching
Adam's teaching interests lay at the heart of critical creative practice and research. He has led research methodologies modules at UCLan (2014-2017) where he also developed a multidisciplinary BA stream in critical contextual studies which included students from BA Textiles, Graphic Design, Product Design, and Interior Design (2016-2019), and led on rewriting research methodologies for MA Design and Fine Art (2019-2020).
He has experience in developing new courses, having written and launched the MSc. Urban Design at UCLan (2015) and refurbishing the BA (Hons) Architecture programme at University of Plymouth (2008-2010).
Adam is passionate about the relationship between theory and practice, and through his teaching practice enjoys linking critical and contextual studies with work in the studio.
