Architect David Adjaye in Deptford

Similar gold dust boxes from Ghana, inspired David Adjaye to the shape and nature of The Stephen Lawrence Centre, which were just some of the nuggets on display at the Whitechapel Gallery.
The Current show of Adjayes work details one each of a particular object or pattern which is a key to every building. Each key is an African vernacular craft piece. The gold dust boxes, shown in the exhibition like two 'married buildings' mirror the two adjoined spaces Adjaye has linked with a bridge for the Stephen Lawrence Centre. The use of symbolism to denote various textures and nuances around heritage identity are studied and subtle. Is the reference to antique gold a cryptic nod to Deptfords complex naval history or just a coincidence ? Adjaye has also used a floor design which extends outwards from the building like a sunray tractor beam, pulling in students and mentors, based on a picture by Chris Ofili. The new centre, which if built by Brookmill Park, will be a centrepice of Deptfords pathfinding mission to reinvent iteself as a hotspot for creative industry. The building will accomodate the needs of an educational programme by the Stephen Lawrence Trust and provide the forward thinking needed for new and exciting learning scenarios. These will address the complete lifecycle of education, training and mentoring for young creative and business talent.