Abrahamic Family House to National Cathedral: A look at Adjaye’s architectural masterpieces
Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye has made a name for himself internationally through landmark buildings that combine distinctive design with history, culture and public life.
From a museum documenting African American history in Washington, DC, to a complex bringing a mosque, church and synagogue together in Abu Dhabi, Adjaye's projects have taken him across several continents.
His architecture has frequently focused on cultural institutions and public spaces, with his firm, Adjaye Associates, describing its work as being shaped by research into cultural narratives, climate, material traditions and social rituals.
Among his most recognised global projects are the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, Ruby City in San Antonio and the Idea Store Whitechapel in London.
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture – Washington, DC
David Adjaye served as lead designer of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, with Phil Freelon as lead architect and design guarantor.
The five-acre museum was conceived as both an exhibition space and part of the story of African American history.
Its most distinctive feature is the bronze-coloured Corona, made up of 3,600 cast-aluminium panels.
The design draws inspiration from African architectural traditions, particularly the Yoruba corona or crown structure.
The interior, exhibitions, artefacts and multimedia installations explore African American history and culture, making the building itself part of the museum's narrative.
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The project received several major honours, including an AIA Architecture Award and the Beazley Design of the Year.
Abrahamic Family House – Abu Dhabi, UAE
Completed in 2023, the Abrahamic Family House consists of a mosque, church and synagogue built around a shared environment.
Designed around three distinct geometric structures, the complex allows each faith to retain its own identity while creating common spaces for interaction.
Adjaye Associates describes the central garden and shared areas as ‘common ground’, reflecting the project's focus on coexistence and dialogue.
The project has received international recognition, including a 2024 World Architecture Festival shortlist and inclusion in TIME's World's Greatest Places.
Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO – Russia
Completed in 2010, the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO was designed as an educational campus in a wooded valley outside Moscow.
Its most striking feature is a 150-metre-wide disc that appears to float above the site.
It houses teaching spaces, conference facilities and an auditorium, while its roof serves as landscaped public space.
The project won first prize in the Public Building category at the 2011 International Architecture Award.
Ruby City – San Antonio, Texas
Ruby City is a contemporary art centre designed by Adjaye and opened in 2019.
The 14,000-square-foot building houses exhibition spaces connected to the collection of artist and philanthropist Linda Pace.
Its red precast-concrete exterior and red glass give the building a distinctive identity, while the interior was designed as a ‘narrative journey’ through a sequence of gallery spaces.
Ruby City received several design awards, including the 2020 Wallpaper Design Award for Best New Public Building.
Idea Store Whitechapel – London
Completed in 2005, Idea Store Whitechapel was designed as an alternative to the traditional library.
Commissioned by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the building combines educational facilities, information services, social spaces and a café.
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Its design was influenced by the surrounding Whitechapel Market, while its circulation system connects different levels and activities.
The project was shortlisted for the 2006 RIBA Stirling Prize.
Studio Museum in Harlem – New York
The new Studio Museum in Harlem, completed in 2025, was designed by Adjaye Associates with Cooper Robertson as architect of record.
The 85,000-square-foot museum draws inspiration from Harlem's architectural and cultural history.
One of its defining features is a stepped public space described as a “reverse stoop”, creating a transition between the street and the museum.
The building brings galleries, education spaces and artists' studios together, reinforcing the museum's role within the Harlem community.
National Cathedral of Ghana – Accra
The proposed National Cathedral in Accra is one of Adjaye's most prominent projects in Ghana.
Designed as an interdenominational Christian complex, it includes a 5,000-seat auditorium expandable to 15,000, alongside chapels, prayer rooms, a baptistry and spaces for music and choirs.
The design, described as an ‘Architectural Expression of African Christianity,’ incorporates Ghanaian cultural references and religious symbolism.
The project reflects Adjaye's interest in combining contemporary architecture with African heritage.
Across these projects, Adjaye has used architecture to explore themes of history, identity, culture, community and coexistence.
His work has earned international recognition, including the 2021 Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
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