From the Series
Architect David Adjaye’s Urban Africa photographic journey is on display at the Design Museum in London until 5 September 2010.
Adjaye’s photographs of suburban settlements, unofficial developments and townscapes of key African cities is not a scientific survey. It’s rather an exploration of the nature of urban life in developing countries.
Defining African cities
Adjaye was born in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania but is today recognised as one of the leading architects of his generation in the UK. African cities are often perceived to be defined by war, poverty and underdevelopment but Adjaye’s work sheds a different light on this. Adjaye’s photographs examine the buildings and places that resonate with his interest in architecture, but at the same time manage to showcase African cities as a place where people make a living and live a life.
Add some music
The photographs are presented as a series of large-scale projections, set against a backdrop of African beats. The music was specially composed for the exhibition by Adjaye’s brother, Peter Adjaye. This combination of music and images that will flood the gallery at the Design Museum brings to life the rich variety of architecture, culture and urban landscapes.
