david adjaye named design miami/ 2011 designer of the year

computer generated image of ‘genesis’, the commission by david adjaye for design miami/ 2011 view point perspective image courtesy of adjaye associates

tanzanian-born london and berlin-based architect david adjaye has been awarded ‘designer of the year’ by design miami/. as part of his recognition, he has been commissioned to present an installation for this year’s fair from november 29th to december 4th, 2011.

for this commission, adjaye has conceived ‘genesis’ that will be installed in an outdoor area at the entrance of design miami/’s temporary structure leading visitors into the fair’s courtyard space upon arrival, but also acting as a point of departure and final gathering area as they leave the venue.

computer generated image of ‘genesis’, the commission by david adjaye for design miami/ 2011 view point perspectiveimage courtesy of adjaye associates

a series of timber frames that form the roof, flooring and walls, these elements work together and through compression, provide the overall structure. measuring 10 x 10 x 10 x 3.6m, the triangular prism-shaped construction will combine structure, seating, window and doors into a single gesture.

the internal space is formed by carving out an over-sized ovoid shape from the centre which is set at an angle and abuts the perimeter to form the exit, entrance and window. the seating is established by a secondary subtraction from the interior – which repeats the distorted ovoid, creating a platform along the cut-away timber frames. while compressed and joined together with additional filler pieces, the timer frames are not completely fused. this allows light to filter through from the exterior and roof. a curved window within offers strategic views of the various galleries surrounding the installation.

envisioned as a giant piece of architectural furniture, ‘genesis’ is a complete environment which integrates enclosure, aperture, views, respite, meditation and community. computer generated image of ‘genesis’, the commission by david adjaye for design miami/ 2011image courtesy of adjaye associates

architect david adjaye photo by ed reeve