UAE's africa institute cancels david adjaye-designed campus in sharjah

Africa Institute puts halt at David Adjaye-designed development

The Africa Institute in Sharjah, UAE, has announced the termination of David Adjaye’s involvement in the development of its new campus, following accusations of sexual misconduct against the architect. The project, which aimed to create a 31,882 sqm red concrete campus in downtown Sharjah, featuring four wings with open-air courtyards and prominent overhangs, was intended to accommodate the Institute’s inaugural class of students. However, in light of recent allegations, the Africa Institute has chosen to cancel the project.

‘The Africa Institute is deeply troubled by the recently reported allegations regarding David Adjaye, and we have made the decision to cancel the building project with Adjaye Associates. Our decision will not impact our robust research and educational programming at The Institute’s current facilities. The Africa Institute remains as committed as ever to our fellows, faculty, and staff, and to our mission of training a new generation of critical thinkers in African and African diaspora studies, serving as a model of excellence in research, teaching, and documentation,’ shared Hoor Al Qasimi, President of The Africa Institute.

the red concrete campus for the Africa Institute in Sharjah | all images courtesy of Adjaye Associates

The Africa Institute campus in Sharjah, UAE

The architectural concept for the Africa Institute (find more here) proposed an enclosed campus featuring four interconnected wings, ranging from four to seven stories in height. A strategic arrangement of open-air interior courtyards and the inclusion of expansive overhangs were incorporated to provide shade and respite from the heat, contributing to a contextual and responsive design that harmonizes with the desert surroundings. In addition, the use of low-carbon concrete construction further enhanced the typology of the region.

The campus seamlessly integrated spaces with diverse characters and scales, serving as home to class halls, seminar spaces, a research library with controlled climate settings, a versatile auditorium for performances, a restaurant and café, and a bookstore. To foster accessibility and connectivity, entrances were strategically positioned on each of the four façades, inviting the public and facilitating connections between the new campus and neighboring institutions and public walkways. Water features and native planters were also incorporated throughout the open-air areas, enhancing air circulation and facilitating natural cooling.

a strategic arrangement of open-air interior courtyards provides shade

On July 4, 2023, an investigative story published in the Financial Times unveiled the allegations against the recipient of the 2021 RIBA Royal Gold Medal. Subsequently, a number of museums and organizations have terminated their partnerships with the British-Ghanaian architect. The Africa Institute, mentioned above, is the latest entity to join the list of those distancing themselves from Adjaye.

So far, David Adjaye has maintained his innocence through a statement issued by his lawyer. The statement, provided to the Financial Times, emphatically denies any claims of sexual misconduct, abuse, or criminal wrongdoing. ‘These allegations are untrue, distressing for me and my family and run counter to everything I stand for,’ the architect notes. ‘I am ashamed to say that I entered into relationships which though entirely consensual, blurred the boundaries between my professional and personal lives. I am deeply sorry. To restore trust and accountability, I will be immediately seeking professional help in order to learn from these mistakes to ensure that they never happen again,’ Adjaye adds.

the campus design seamlessly integrated spaces with diverse characters and scales