David Adjaye: Making Memories

How can a building shape our perception of events – and how can architecture, rather than words, be used to tell stories?

Discover new monuments and memorials by celebrated British-Ghanaian architect, Sir David Adjaye OBE. Get a first peek at ongoing work and explore the influences behind the highly acclaimed Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. and more.

The form that monuments take and the way that they are used is constantly changing. Monuments are a record of who we are in the world and what we have done – but is everyone represented? And what about the future – can we build monuments to that?
Discover seven of celebrated British-Ghanaian architect, Sir David Adjaye’s landmark structures through the use of full scale installations, films, exquisite architectural models, rare artefacts that influenced the creative process and more.
Projects include the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C and the UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in London.

Sir David Adjaye OBE

Born in Tanzania to Ghanaian parents David Adjaye’s influences range from contemporary art and music to science and African art forms. After moving to the UK, Adjaye studied architecture at the London South Bank University and the Royal College of Art before setting up his first office in 1994 which was later reformed as Adjaye Associates in 2000. His work creating striking private houses for artists and high-profile clients in London, led to several new public buildings such as the Idea Stores and the Stephen Lawrence Centre.

Over the past few decades Adjaye has established himself as one of the leading architects of his generation. While his portfolio is diverse, ranging from private residential buildings to massive civic institutions, there are several recurring themes in his work. One of those themes relates to monuments and memorials: complex spaces of public memory which can elicit raw emotional responses – from celebration to loss.