Metrospective David Adjaye

David Adjaye - Making Public Buildings
24 January - 26 March 2006

David Adjaye is one of Britain’s leading contemporary architects, creating buildings that emphasise the experience as much as the function of architecture. Known for domestic projects that explore the unfolding of interior space, Making Public Buildings focuses on Adjaye’s engagement with public space and the built environment.In his work Adjaye combines the sensual and emotive with a conceptual approach to the fundamental elements of architecture. Born in Tanzania, his influences range from West African art and architecture to the work of musicians such as George Lewis and Sun Ra and artists like Walter de Maria and David Hammons. His exploration of scale, measurement, space, light and materials has led to collaborations with artists including Olafur Eliasson and Chris Ofili. The exhibition in the Upper Galleries follows Adjaye’s built and planned public buildings in three stages: from design to production and completion. Photographs from his travels around the world are displayed alongside writings by artists and architects who have informed his practice.Models, drawings and films show the evolution of ten major public buildings, focusing on areas of learning, community, contemporary art and housing. They include the 2005 Venice Biennale pavilion, the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo and the new Idea Stores in East London.The show ends with films of Adjaye’s completed buildings, accompanied by an original score by his brother, composerPeter Adjaye. Making Public Buildings is David Adjaye’s first major exhibition. It reveals an architect interested in re-thinking social space and re-defining our urban landscape.
(courtesy of http://www.whitechapel.org/ )