THE ROYAL Institute of British Architects has announced that Sir David Adjaye will be awarded the 2021 Royal Gold Medal.

The Queen personally approves the award. It is given to an individual or group that has significantly influenced the advancement of architecture. 

Across his 25 year career, Sir David Adjaye has achieved international acclaim. His architectural projects range from exhibitions and private homes to major cultural buildings and city masterplans. 

He has studied internationally, achieving professorships from the Universities of Harvard, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Princeton. His designs are influenced by “African art forms and the civic life of cities”, as well as contemporary art, music and science.

In 2000, his group Adjaye Associates, had studios in Accra, London and New York with projects around the globe. 

Upon hearing the news, Sir David Adjaya said: “It’s incredibly humbling and a great honour to have my peers recognise the work I have developed with my team and its contribution to the field over the past 25 years.

“Architecture, for me, has always been about the creation of beauty to edify all peoples around the world equally and to contribute to the evolution of the craft.”

RIBA President Alan Jones said: “It was my absolute pleasure and honour to chair the committee and be involved in selecting Sir David Adjaye as the 2021 Royal Gold Medallist.

“David’s contribution to architecture and design globally is already astounding, and I am excited that we have so much more of it to look forward to.” 

The RIBA Honours Committee also commented on Sir Adjaye’s work as an architect, citing that it “speaks confidently across cultures, disciplines, politics and continents.”

“His work reveals a core belief in the generative power of architecture. In a world that has become polarised he brings politics, art and science together with architecture, as he works to create a better future. Adjaye is a singular and timely talent and a strong reminder of the insightful and integrative role of the architect.”