The Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) 2021 gold medal, went to Sir David Adjaye for his significant influence on contemporary architecture.

By Alex Fradkin

Adjaye Associates was founded in 2000 and has studios in Accra, London and New York. The studio’s well-known projects include the Smithsonian National Museum of African American Arts and Culture and the Sugar Hill Mixed-Use Development (housing, museum, community facilities and offices) in Harlem, New York (2015). Sir David Adjaye has also taught at universities, such as Harvard, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Princeton.

Smithsonian National Museum of African American Arts and Culture. Adjaye Associates. Image Nic Lehoux

Ruby City Contemporary Art Center. Adjaye Associates. Dror Baldinger

RIBA’s president said Adjaye’s work “is local and specific and at the same time global and inclusive. Blending history, art and science he creates highly crafted and engaging environments that balance contrasting themes and inspire us all [and that his] artistic and social vision has created public projects that perfectly demonstrate the civic potential of architecture – fostering empathy, identity, and pride.”