David Adjaye: Houses; Recycling, Reconfiguring, Rebuilding

by Peter Allison, David Adjaye

A compendium of work by one of the most exciting and accomplished young architects to emerge on the international scene in many years. David Adjaye's practice combines material inventiveness, creative clients, and modest budgets to produce a refined and comprehensive body of work. Adjaye was born in Tanzania, and his wide-ranging education, both cultural and formal, has allowed him to respond deftly to wildly differing projects, from urban contexts to elegant pastoral retreats. The innovation in Adjaye's career is exemplified in his residential works for a wide variety of clients and budgets. Perhaps his best known projects are the houses he has created in a range of settings for people such as artist Chris Ofili and actor Ewan MacGregor, some of which have never been published. This book is Adjaye's first monograph, and it documents thirteen of his most important projects, presented through descriptions, detailed plans, and photographs. There is also a series of "portfolios," visual essays that highlight the tactile, luminous, and luxurious nature of Adjaye's work, and a reference section. 430 illustrations, 162 in color.

Genres: Architecture

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 6, 2005

About the author

Peter Allison is an Australian writer whose books have focused on his time as an African safari guide, as well as his time in South America. He grew up in Sydney. At the age of 16 won a scholarship to study in Japan. At 19 he travelled to Africa and became a guide for the Classic Safari Company.

He currently lives in Cape Town with his wife Pru, and their pet dog Mombo, where he works for Wilderness Safaris.