David Adjaye: Form, Heft, Material

by David Adjaye (Contributor), Okwui Enwezor (Editor), David Adjaye (Contributor)

Born in Tanzania, David Adjaye (b. 1966) is rapidly emerging as a major international figure in architecture and design—and this stunning catalogue serves only to cement his role as one of the most important architects of our time. His expanding portfolio of important civic architecture, public buildings, and urban planning commissions spans Europe, the United States, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. He transforms complex ideas and concepts into approachable and innovative structures that respond to the geographical, ecological, technological, engineering, economic, and cultural systems that shape the practice of global architecture. The publication of this compendium of work and essays coincides with the scheduled opening of Adjaye’s National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Adjaye’s completed work in the United States includes the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver, a pair of public libraries in D.C., and several private residences. He is also known for his collaborations with artists, most recently with the British painter Chris Ofili (b. 1968).
 
Following an introduction by Zoë Ryan, Adjaye writes on his current and future work, with subsequent essays by an extraordinary cadre of architectural scholars on Adjaye’s master plans and urban planning, transnational architecture, monuments and memorials, and, finally, the forthcoming museum in D.C. Portfolios of Adjaye’s work thread throughout this comprehensive volume.

Genres: Architecture

296 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2015

Reviews

[J. Baranzelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but it wasn't exactly what I was hoping it to be. It was interesting learning about Adjaye's projects but I was hoping for more of a guide on his process than explanation of what he did. Still I think the ideas presented will be useful for me in my studies.

[Sonntag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catalog of Teasing Vignettes-

This is a catalog of David Adjaye's work in compact format. The book showcased his stylistically tasteful renderings, poetic photographs of his built work, and essays which are not boring to read. Although there are good things to say about this book but I couldn't help to be disappointed because it's not a monograph of Mr. Adjaye's architecture that I was hope for. It's just a catalog of the exhibition.
I do hope the talented architectural rising star can have a more sincere and comprehensive monographs of his projects to date, especially knowing that he has large volume of beautiful work to inspire people, other than just a modest display of teasing vignettes as this semi-disappointing book offered.
I'm waiting for his first true monograph.



Below are images I took of the book for my Amazon review, please see link below and let me know if they are helpful to you (by pressing yes or no button), thank you for your comment and support:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R32Y8...