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Opinion by Musa Momoh
Project images by Adjaye Associates
In July this year we published a report that says Architect David Adjaye who is the Principal Architect of one of the world most renowned architectural firms Adjaye Associate was accused of sexual harassment by three of his former employees. One of his accusers has made a criminal complaint against him in which investigation is still ongoing according to a report by Financial Times (FT) as published by Dezeen in June this year. Architect David Adjaye who stepped down from his role as a design advocate for the Mayor of London and some other roles as a result of the accusations is yet to be proven guilty as the global architect has maintained his innocence so far, denying any claims of sexual misconduct, abuse, or criminal wrongdoing through a statement issued by his lawyer and made available to the Financial Times.
Architect David Adjaye said; ‘These allegations are untrue, distressing for me and my family and run counter to everything I stand for.’ ‘I am ashamed to say that I entered into relationships which, though entirely consensual, blurred the boundaries between my professional and personal lives. I am deeply sorry. To restore trust and accountability, I will be immediately seeking professional help in order to learn from these mistakes to ensure that they never happen again.’
In my opinion I think it’s a hasty decision to start cutting ties with the architect over accusations that are yet to be proven if they are true or not, if he’s guilty or not. Some organizations, groups and museums including Studio Museum in Harlem as reported by ARTnews have cut ties with the British-Ghanaian architect as a result of the accusations, while others are still reviewing the situation.
In recent developments, the Africa Institute in Sharjah, UAE, announced the termination of Architect David Adjaye’s involvement in the development of its new campus, following the sexual accusations made against the architect by three of his former employees. The aim for the project was to create a 31,882 sqm red concrete campus in downtown Sharjah, featuring four wings with open-air courtyards and prominent overhangs, was intended to accommodate the Institute’s inaugural class of students. However, in light of recent allegations, the Africa Institute has chosen to cancel the project according to Designboom website.
Hoor Al Qasimi, President of the Africa Institute stated that: ‘The Africa Institute is deeply troubled by the recently reported allegations regarding David Adjaye, and we have made the decision to cancel the building project with Adjaye Associates. Our decision will not impact our robust research and educational programming at The Institute’s current facilities. The Africa Institute remains as committed as ever to our fellows, faculty, and staff, and to our mission of training a new generation of critical thinkers in African and African diaspora studies, serving as a model of excellence in research, teaching, and documentation.’
The African Institute, all other organizations and groups that have disengaged themselves from the architect knows what’s best for them, and I am not against their decisions because I believe that they have put things into serious consideration before announcing the disengagement. I think more time should have been given to at least see the end of the investigation to ascertain if Architect David Adjaye is guilty or not. As much as the architect can be guilty, the accusations can also be a deliberate act to discredit his personality as a result of professional fallout between the parties. I can’t say because I wasn’t there, and no one knows the truth about this case yet except the parties involved.
Critically I think we really need to consider so many things before making any decision on professional grounds, especially a hasty one. For instance, how about the primary purpose of all the projects that the architect was involved in? How about the transformative impacts these projects were made to have on the communities where they are to be built? How about the people these projects are made to inspire and affect positively? How about the impacts and contributions these projects are made to add to the profession of architecture? How about the funds that have been spent so far as a result of partnership with the architect in order to achieve certain purposes and goals? How about the primary purpose of the partnerships? Etc. These and so many more reasons that I can’t mention here are good enough to critically put things into consideration first and give room for a rethink before making any decision.
Based on these justifications, I am not elevating anyone above any group or organization, I am just pointing out the fact that this is a highly professional situation that also requires a highly professional advice and approach especially in the area of decision making. Â
Architect David Adjaye is one of the most prominent architects currently practicing in Britain. He holds the prestigious RIBA Royal Gold Medal which was awarded to him in 2021 at a ceremony that featured a speech from former US president Barack Obama. He also received a knighthood for his services to architecture in 2017 and became the fifth architect to be appointed to Britain’s Order of Merit. This is a man of noble stuff, a responsible man who on his own have worked so hard to get to this peak of his career and have contributed massively to the development of the profession of architecture in the global stage. Architect David Adjaye through his firm Adjaye Associates have completed some exclusive projects across the globe that have brought development and inspiration to so many societies around the world.
I think the global architecture community and the built environment needs to quickly take charge of this situation now before it gets out of hand and create a huge negative impact on the profession. It concerns every one of us in the global built environment. In every profession, errors happen but how it’s managed is what substantiates the profession that is why I think the global architecture community needs to uphold their own and stand with Architect David Adjaye in this situation.
THE PROJECT: AFRICA INSTITUTE CAMPUS
The architectural concept for the Africa Institute proposed an enclosed campus featuring four interconnected wings, ranging from four to seven stories in height. A strategic arrangement of open-air interior courtyards and the inclusion of expansive overhangs were incorporated to provide shade and respite from the heat, contributing to a contextual and responsive design that harmonizes with the desert surroundings. In addition, the use of low-carbon concrete construction further enhanced the typology of the region.
The campus seamlessly integrated spaces with diverse characters and scales, serving as home to class halls, seminar spaces, and a research library with controlled climate settings, a versatile auditorium for performances, a restaurant and cafe, and a bookstore. To foster accessibility and connectivity, entrances were strategically positioned on each of the four facades, inviting the public and facilitating connections between the new campus and neighboring institutions and public walkways. Water features and native planters were also incorporated throughout the open-air areas, enhancing air circulation and facilitating natural cooling.
Despite its vital primary purpose, the African Institute has suddenly canceled this exclusive transformative project as a result of the sexual harassment accusations tabled against Architect David Adjaye the project’s principal architect?
Musa Momoh
