David Adjaye
Cultural Landmarks on a Global Stage
Sir David Adjaye, born in Tanzania to Ghanaian parents, is one of the world’s most influential architects. His work redefines the possibilities of contemporary architecture by centring African narratives and materials within global contexts.
Adjaye’s projects, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., the National Cathedral of Ghana, and numerous cultural institutions worldwide, balance rigorous modern design with deep research into local histories, crafts and forms.
His approach is holistic: blending urban planning, public space and building design, he uses architecture as a cultural vessel—a way to tell stories, foster belonging and shape identity.
For African creatives, Adjaye represents a model of unapologetic global excellence rooted in the continent. His work demonstrates that African ideas, histories, and aesthetics can lead innovation on the world stage while setting new standards for architecture as a driver of cultural and civic transformation.