Sir David Frank Adjaye OBE RA, 54 was recently announced as the official recipient for the Riba Gold Medal awards which is usually granted to its recipients after a lifelong illustrious career.
David Adjaye is a Ghanaian-British architect known for designing many notable buildings around the world, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, of which he achieved international recognition. He is also behind the Skolkovo Moscow School of Management.
The Royal Gold Medal for architecture is awarded annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects on behalf of the British monarch, in recognition of an individual’s or group’s substantial contribution to international architecture.
David’s work on the National Museum of African American History and Culture is a Smithsonian Institution museum set precedence for his attentiveness to excellence. It was established in December 2003 and opened its permanent home in September 2016 with a ceremony led by President Barack Obama.
The architecture who was born in Tanzania to both Ghanaian parents began his life long career in London. He struck notoriety in east London, Shoreditch, for constructing monumental buildings for fashion designers Janet Street-Porter and Roksanda Ilincic.
With many more achievements and buildings under his belt, he recently established his name brand on the African continent within the past few years. One piece of work that strengthened his identity here in Africa is the National Cathedral of Ghana in Accra. Also his recent work in Nigeria for the Royal Benin Museum in Benin City, a museum that works to relive ancient times, arts, and culture of Nigerian history.
His reception of the Riba Royal Gold Medal is a big win for Ghana and something that should call for a national celebration.
