David Adjaye

Internationally renowned for his boundary-pushing, symbolism-rich designs, British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye’s buildings are as lauded for their aesthetic appeal as it is for their pure functionality.

From churches and mosques to museums and skyscrapers and more, the award-winning architect is well-known for designing many notable buildings around the world.

For this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale designed a black timber pyramid. Titled the Kwaee pavilion, the structure overlooks the shipyard at the Arsenale and was designed as “a space for reflection, gathering and events”.

The pavilion, which takes its name from David’s mother tongue, and means forest was also designed as an architectural expression of the word.

Just like a forest, the structure consists of wooden slats of various heights, has multiple asymmetrical entryways and casts a dappled shadow over the viewer and offers glimpses of the sky overhead.

“The overall design aims to support conversation and reflection, presenting doorway, platform, assembly and window in a single, unified entity,” says David.

“By minimising discontinuity, the all-timber structure cultivates a forest of light and shadow.”

The structure, with its raised internal platform, will also play host to several events during the Biennale.

“Kwaee is also a space for listening to the past, in which thematically relevant archival storytelling, music, poetry, recitals, debates, and lectures will be played,” adds David.