Launching at the Art Institute of Chicago, Making Place: The Architecture of David Adjaye is a celebration of the architect’s continuous evolution, rich body of work and growing roster of ongoing projects.

'This isn’t about sealing David’s career with a retrospective exhibition,' explains exhibition curator Zoë Ryan, 'but rather highlighting a critical moment to consider the possibilities of where David’s practice is headed. My hope is that the exhibition will promote a much richer understanding of an architect committed to creating projects of social and cultural significance and meaning.'

The Tanzania-born architect has worked internationally on a series of projects of all scales and typologies – current work includes for example the highly anticipated, complex commission for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, DC. His dynamic approach bridges cultures and geographical locations, responding to local concerns and context, rather than focusing on a specific signature style.

Drawings, sketches, mock-ups and scale models make up a rich and informative display that takes over the institute’s Abbot, and Architecture and Design galleries. A specially commissioned film on site adds further context to the practice’s work.

This is Adjaye’s very first comprehensive retrospective in a North American venue – held in the architecturally rich city of Chicago no less, as the same time as the region’s inaugural Chicago Architectural Biennale. A series of events will be held at the institute throughout the show’s duration, adding another layer to the discourse around its key themes. 

RELATED TOPICS: DAVID ADJAYE, CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE BIENNIAL