Sir David Adjaye – Designing for a better tomorrow

Arguably one of the most influential architect of his generation, Sir David Adjaye is widely celebrated for his altruistic approach and inventive use of materials—blending art, design, culture, and social responsibility. Throughout his career, he has gained a level of respect (and critical acclaim) usually reserved for masters 20 years his senior.

Adjaye’s most significant project to date, the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. (2016), won global praise for its radically adventurous approach, while his Sugar Hill project in Harlem, New York, which provides affordable housing to the community, speaks to the idea that architecture should be an agent for positive social change.

For Sir David, a beautiful building is not enough. “I believe that good design can provide a critical inquiry into social responsibility and civic consciousness,” he explains. “Spaces should provide access to a collective consciousness, reflecting the times we live in now. People are constantly affected by, responding to, and reshaping their built environment, and I believe designers have a responsibility to steward these dialogues.”

Adjaye’s talent lies in his ability to elevate projects—whether it’s a table, a townhouse, or a skyscraper—through the use of groundbreaking building methods and atypical materials. Combine this forward-thinking approach with his “fundamentally humanist” perspective, and it’s little wonder Lexus wanted him to return as a judge for the Lexus Design Awards 2019, taking place in April at Milan Design Week. Now in their seventh year, the awards echo Lexus’s values and look for innovative new designers whose ideas “Anticipate, Innovate and Captivate,” and ultimately contribute to society, helping to shape a better future.

In considering this year’s Lexus Design Award finalists, Adjaye is keen to know how young designers are tackling the bigger issues. “Creating sustainable futures is one of the most important charges I have for this next generation of designers. It needs to be thought about holistically or it won’t be successful in the long term.”

Similarly, Sir David’s views on technology will drive his final selection at this year’s Lexus Design Awards. “Technology is a tool, but the design itself must speak to something greater. Good use of technology reminds us of our connection to the planet and people, but the most successful technologies are the ones that remind us what it means to be human. We are still haptic beings—we haven’t transcended that.”

Learn more about the Lexus Design Awards here.