Architect Sir David Adjaye Hones the Fine Art of Surprise With Bronze Furnishings

The AD100 talent unveils his Yaawa collection at Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s new London flagship.

“I’ve always been fascinated by an element of discovery,” says Sir David Adjaye. Just consider the AD100 architect’s 1999 Elektra House in London, whose windowless front façade belies the bright and airy family home within. Or take the 2016 Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, mysteriously veiled in lacelike metallic brown aluminum panels. At the time of our conversation, he’s referring to Yaawa, his new collection of bronze furnishings (the latest addition to his Monoform series). Smooth and sleek on top, the seemingly delicate forms bear rough, gestural backs and underbellies.