Adjaye, David: Making Public Building: making public buildings : specificity, customization, imbrication

Designs for public buildings by one of the most sought after contemporary architects.

David Adjaye's designs emphasize the experience as much as the function of architecture. Known for domestic projects that explore the unfolding of interior space, Making Public Buildings focuses for the first time on Adjaye's engagement with public spaces.

Throughout his practice Adjaye has combined the sensual and emotive with a conceptual approach to the fundamental elements of architecture. Born in Tanzania, his influences range from African art and architecture to contemporary art and music. His exploration of scale, measurement, space, light, and materials has led to numerous collaborations with artists, including Olafur Eliasson and Chris Ofili.

This book brings together a distinguished list of authors to reflect on Adjaye's practice, significance, and influences. Okwui Enwezor and Saskia Sassen discuss the increasing need for a politicized definition of public space, while Nikolaus Hirsch and Peter Allisson consider Adjaye's attention to materials. Two interviews with David Adjaye guide us through his approach to making public buildings within a global context. They are accompanied by drawings, documents, and photographs relating to ten of Adjaye's most important projects, all published here for the first time. 583 illustrations, 300 in color

Peter Allison is a London-based exhibition curator and teacher. He is the author of many books, including the companion book to this title, David Adjaye: Works – Houses, Pavilions, Installations, Buildings, 1995–2007.