David Adjaye on evolving typologies in architecture

At Design Indaba Conference 2013, David Adjaye highlighted the importance of architecture responding to various environments.
Interested in responsive architecture, much of David Adjaye’s work questions new modes of construction and life. At Design Indaba Conference 2013 he gave insight into the fundamental principles of his practice Adjaye Associates.
In 2000 Ghanaian-born architect Adjaye formed his design practice Adjaye Associates, which is dedicated to extensive research manifested in publications, experiments in product, furniture and emotive design, the evolution of residential typologies, and public buildings in their widest form.
Adjaye Associates’ central concern is the way in which architecture now has to respond to the changing world, the responsibility to the public realm, and how the act of making matters and shapes the lives of people inhabiting the space, says Adjaye.
Believing that geography plays a fundamental role in architecture, Adjaye spent 11 years in Africa documenting the continent’s architecture in order to get a sense of what the continent needs today. As geography, culture and place are inextricably linked, Adjaye proposed to move away from political architecture towards a geographical one showcasing how geography and place binds inhabitants; “I want to move away from South African architecture or Ghanaian architecture to forest, mountain and desert architecture”, he explained.
As natural disasters are happening more frequently around the world, Adjaye suggests that if architecture is relevant to its geographical position it can adequately respond to the fragile ecology. Giving an example of new architectural typologies in the form of flood-proof houses in New Orleans, he highlighted how design and architecture is required alongside mechanisations to create responsive structures that are more than just homes and enclosures.
I like to take on housing projects that question new modes of life and construction in order to express humanity and create a place that is human, says Adjaye.
Adjaye further gave insight into five projects his practice has undertaken: The Sunken House, a zero-carbon structure that is completely prefabricated in a factory. Carriage House, a home that uses the urban planning of New York City as its inspiration. Francis Gregory Library, a powerful and emotive space that binds light, space and structure. Moscow School of Management, his biggest project to date. Smithsonian in Washington, a museum that will represent African-American history and finish Charles L’Enfant’s master plan 200 years after is proposal.
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[@derrickdouglass]

We want more talks with Architect's like Sir Adjaye, Farncis Kere and the rest.

[@niiarmah80]

Sir David Adjaye is such a wonderful mind. He is building a national cathedral in Ghana and it is amazing the sort of opposition the project is facing. Most of it is political but also from a lack of appreciation of the impact that architecture can have on the national psyche of a people. I have visited the National Mall in Washington and the experience is enlightening. When the Ghanaian National Cathedral is complete, and all the other planned projects and complete, I hope all the people who ever criticised the cathedral for wicked reasons will bow their heads in shame for opposing without just cause, something that will enhance our public spaces in Accra. Congratulations Sir David Adjaye for the wonderful work.

[@mjaybash26]

What an incredible thinker, designer, and environmentally concerned individual. Amazing!!

[@loisboakye1446]

Wonderful, just wonderful❤

[@kavilwrites]

Such Great collection of works! Amazing, loved the sunken house and Moscow school of Management

[@personaladvisorytv]

this guy is def an artists among others... met him through his music and then the self diversification elevating him to that Black Panther call...

[@mohamedabdi261]

he gained SIR IN 2014 After doing notable project in whole the world , we have lucky as african

[@SocialMedia4You]

Sir David Adjaye your work is absolutely stunning! Thanks for pursuing your Purpose and Dream! May the Most High God continue to bless and favor you and your family!

[@lucieg6093]

I am in awe of David. If only more architects worked this way, honouring the history and culture of the place and responding to the local climate and needs of those who will inhabit the spaces. What a wholesome integrated approach. I love listening to David, so intelligent.

[@nexusebtuoy]

A cathedral A cathedral, why Africans are so RETARDED so easy to DUMB DOWN,CHRISTIANITY WAS AND IS THE MASTER TOOL TO DESTROY AND COLONIZED TO ENSLAVE THE FLESH THE MIND THE SOUL OF THE ENTIRE CONTINENT UNTIL TODAY 21 CENTURY, and the zombies continued to praise and erected structures to the COLONIZERS mind set enslavement, Africans are their OWN DESTRUCTION & ENSLAVEMENT. WAKE UP! EDUCATE yourself to set YOU FREE FROM the whitewash Jesus Christ..

[@ebrimaba4779]

I love your work Brother,may the Creator keep increasing your knowledge.As an African I will tell you we need your insights.

[@Nathanaelsun22]

Excellent!!! Totally inspiring!!!

[@kwamenyame1277]

INCREDIBLE!!!

[@robertobuhagan4]

That was very great thanks

[@almaleticiagarcia1487]

Very inspiring

[@jeffreyokai1674]

Amazing

[@davithkane1369]

Lucky to come across this, thanks

[@DesignIndabaDI]

You're welcome. We see you're a fan of the African greats ✊🏿

[@user-vv6wf5jp6s]

FANTASTIC

[@itstheengineersdaughter1296]

Wow David !@

[@Tu51ndBl4d3]

Holy Snapple!

[@inthedms82]

Africa lacks serious urban planning its a pity

[@alaweyayousuf57]

Can anyone can caption this for me

[@riccia888]

Please stop using wide angle lens to distort the thumbnail to make it eye catching. Its a shame many architects do this.

[@mdimranhossen2223]

সিভিল ইঞ্জিনিয়ার পড়ছি আমার জন্য আন্তরিকভাবে দোয়া করবেন যাতে আমি সারাবিশ্বে ফার্স্ট ক্লাস ফার্স্ট ক্লাস ফার্স্ট বিশ্বসেরা সিভিল ইঞ্জিনিয়ার হতে পারি বা হতে চাই ইনশাআল্লাহ অনেক অনেক অনেক চিরস্থায়ী ভাবে আশির্বাদ করবেন ইনশাআল্লাহ। আমৃত্যু এই মহাবিশ্বের ফার্স্ট ক্লাস ফার্স্ট আধ্যাত্তিক সিভিল ব্যারিষ্টার হতে চাই ইনশাআল্লাহto