Architect Sir David Adjaye OBE examines the idea of the monument and presents his thinking on how architecture and form are used as storytelling devices
In February, my new exhibition David Adjaye: Making Memory opened at the Design Museum in London. The show is a response to an invitation I received from the Design Museum’s directors ‘to think in public’ about a theme of my choice — the role of making contemporary monuments and memorials. This has allowed me to think critically about the form of memorialisation and to explore some of the deeper meanings shared between a series of my projects.
My approach to designing monuments and memorials, what I provocatively termed Making Memory, is born out of a desire to make architecture that is representative of our collective consciousness. I believe the 21st century provides an opportunity to remake the role of monuments and memorials from static objects to dynamic spaces. Architecture, for me, always has the potential to reflect an experience of time and place. The exhibition threads together seven of my built and ongoing projects that speak to this notion of monuments and memorials. They show the evolution of my architecture across a decade, from a small pavilion in London to the landmark structure of the National Cathedral in Accra. Each project is given its own dedicated room within a large gallery. The walls are painted dark grey with atmospheric spot lighting to make an exhibition focusing on slowing down. We designed and curated the show so that each space varies in tone to reflect the different nature and diverse subjects of the projects. This curatorial approach reflects one of my own methods of design — animating difference rather than homogenising it.
This story is from the April- May 2019 edition of Elle Decor India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April- May 2019 edition of Elle Decor India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WAYS OF SEEING
From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene embrace of the Jahanpanah Forest, Abhimanyu Dalal in collaboration with Amrita Guha and Joya Nandurdikar craft a home that finds itself in a dialogue of art within an architectural marvel
A SINGULAR DUALITY
Vaishali Kamdar and Ravi Vazirani collaborate to design a home in South Mumbai with an understated statement of elegance and rare art discoveries
BEAT THE HEAT WITH SAINT-GOBAIN
SGG Sun ban solar control glass by Saint-Gobain is the ultimate summer shield dedicated to innovation, aesthetics and comfort
ART BEYOND SIGHT
Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation embark on an nclusive Journey at Rajasthan Netraheen Kalyan Sangh, school for visually impaired kids a unique artistic flair onsuring a koloidoscope of visual delights. Vot for individuals with
KUZU ZANG ;O LÀ BHUTAN
Embraced in quiet solitude amidst the magnificent Himalayas, the Six Senses at Bhutan is soup for the weary urban dweller's soul
KEEPING TAB
TAB TAB QUARTZ unveils a designcentric campus at Hosur, that reflects a commitment to social responsibility through the power of design
FRENCH PRESSED COFFEE, GUJARAT MADE HYGGE
With hand-plastered walls, earthy tones and aromas of France, this cafe in Gandhinagar by tHE GRID Architects is quite the masterclass in sustainable design
When Luxury meets Comfort with Maestro Buildwell
Being the maestro in the game needs courage, curiosity and boldness”, a belief embedded by many but practiced by few, is what sets Maestro Buildwell Pvt Ltd apart from the rest and marks itself as the emerging Maestro of the Real Estate world.
IN THE STUDIO OF ARCHITECTURE BRIO
We take you to the workspace of your design favourites, giving you a glimpse of what keeps them ticking period collectibles, paintings and plenty of indoor plants!
IN CONVERSATION WITH TOM DIXON
From the Indian craft's ple in his life to never being bored as a designer, venture beyond the obvious to decode the elusive essence of the creative colossus