francis a. gregory library by adjaye associates

david adjaye is making his mark on washington, as well as his winning proposal for the national museum
of african american history and culture he has designed two libraries for the city (replacements for the
francis a. gregory library and the washington highlands library). adjaye recently gave a speech in
the US capital, where he addressed some of the locals' concerns over his designs.


francis a. gregory library by adjaye associates

the new structure for the francis a. gregory library will be 'a shining box, with a lattice of diamond-shaped
windows and reflective glass, and a large overhanging roof cut open to allow light to flood in.' however
some people in the city are concerned about 'off-street parking and whether the basement will flood but
the main point of contention is a ramp for wheelchair access to the second floor.' meanwhile those
opposed to the washington highlands library design think that it 'does not reflect the community'.


washington highlands library by adjaye associates


national museum of african american history and culture by freelon adjaye bond/smith group

in the washington post article 'designs that speak volumes' kevin clark tells how adjaye gently and
methodically answered his critics, and profiles the challenges ahead regarding the building of his
washington projects.



'I always battle my clients - some completely get it, some are all about security, security, security.
but public buildings need to offer an opportunity to become like a park; they should offer places for
people to see beautiful things, be inspired, just exist, engage or just do their own thing. public buildings
are very much inside out. they are very, very porous to the landscape.' more