Designs That Speak Volumes

Architect David Adjaye is making his mark on Washington with the designs of two libraries and the commission of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

In April, the Smithsonian Institution announced that the Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup will be designing the National Museum of African American History and Culture, likely the final building on the Mall. David Adjaye, a 43-year-old Ghanaian who is a rising star in the architecture world, is one of the designers working on the project. Here, he stands in a pavilion he created for the London Design Festival in 2008.

Linda Nylind-For The Guardian

Adjaye, left, fields questions after the announcement of his team's winning commission. He is pictured with architect Philip Freelon, the museum's director Lonnie Bunch and Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough.

Kevin Clark-The Washington Post

The model that won Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup the museum commission won't necessarily be an exact replica of what will be on the Mall. Adjaye hopes to preserve what he calls the building's bronze "corona."

Dominic Bracco Ii-For The Washington Post

An artistic rendering of the glittery concept design for the new museum. The building will be located on five acres near the Washington Monument.

Courtesy of Adjaye Associates

That bright, shiny concept for the museum continues inside, as seen from a rendering of the building's interior.

Courtesy of Freelon Adjaye Bond / SmithGroup

Adjaye has also been commissioned to design two libraries in the District -- replacements for the Francis A. Gregory Library on Alabama Avenue and the Washington Highlands Library in Southwest. Pictured is a sketch by Adjaye of his vision for the Washington Highlands Library.

Adjaye Associates

During a previous project Adjaye created what he dubbed "Sunken House" in London. The project was commissioned as a private residence for photographer Ed Reeve. Although the building looks dark from the outside, the interior is bright thanks to a number of skylights and large windows.

Ed Reeve

A CGI rendering of Adjaye's design for the Francis Gregory Library. "If Adjaye's ideas prevail, the new structure will be a shining box, with a lattice of diamond-shaped windows and reflective glass, and a large overhanging roof cut open to allow light to flood in," Philip Kennicott writes.

Adjaye Associates

Adjaye has experience with library design. Here, the Whitechapel Idea Store, a London library, was designed by Adjaye and opened in 2005. It was this building that inspired D.C. chief librarian Ginnie Cooper to contact Adjaye about designing libraries in Washington.

Timothy Soar

The $500 million museum project "will be one of the largest of Adjaye's meteoric career, and, if he can bring it to fruition, he will jump into the highest league of world architects," writes Philip Kennicott.

Katherine Frey-The Washington Post

Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Troy Witcher Text Editor Stephanie Merry

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