Africa Institute joins list of institutions to cut ties with David Adjaye

Renowned architect Sir David Adjaye has faced severe professional repercussions following multiple accusations of sexual assault and harassment.

The Africa Institute, which had enlisted Sir Adjaye to design a significant project in Sharjah, UAE, has decided to sever ties with him in light of the allegations.

The Africa Institute had commissioned Sir Adjaye to create an extensive monolithic campus, encompassing Africa Hall and featuring five high-rise blocks made of red-hued concrete.

Spanning an impressive area of 31,882 square meters, the project was aimed at establishing a prominent presence in downtown Sharjah.

However, following recent allegations made by three women against Sir Adjaye in the Financial Times, The Africa Institute has made the difficult decision to cancel the project altogether.

Hoor Al Qasimi, President of The Africa Institute, expressed deep concern over the allegations and confirmed the termination of the building project with Adjaye Associates.

In a statement shared with Dezeen, Al Qasimi emphasized that while this decision had been made, the institute’s ongoing research and educational pursuits at its existing facilities would remain unaffected.

The cancellation of the Africa Institute project adds to a series of significant setbacks for Sir Adjaye since the misconduct allegations surfaced.

He has stepped down from his position as a design advocate for the mayor of London and resigned as a trustee of London’s Serpentine Galleries.

Furthermore, his involvement in the UK Holocaust Memorial project has been put on hold until the raised concerns are properly addressed, according to a spokesperson from the British ministry overseeing the memorial, as reported by The New York Times.

Sir Adjaye has also been terminated from his association with the Studio Museum in Harlem, resulting in his exclusion from the design of the museum’s new facility.

Additionally, he has formally distanced himself from the African Futures Institute, and his participation in the construction of a building for Oregon’s Multnomah County Library has been canceled.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh