Adjaye Associates

Designed entirely of timber, the Kwaeε’s form and materiality take on the qualities of its namesake, which translates as ‘forest’ in Twi, one of Ghana’s main languages. It is envisioned as a space for both reflection and active programming.
The external structure takes the form of a triangular prism punctuated by two oculi, while the internal space is a sculpted ovoid reminiscent of a cave. The distorted shape is set at an angle and abuts the perimeter to create passages and apertures for entry and exit.
Leveraging its external location at the water’s edge, the Kwaeε is at once an active and passive inhabitable structure, providing a space for respite and convening as well as multipurpose events. Functioning as a device for calling and recording, the activity within the Kwaeε will extend not only to lectures, panel discussions, and performance, but will also be a space for archival auditory experiences.
This project is exhibited outdoors at the Arsenale.

Collaborators
Peter Adjaye, Liam Weir
Team
Farida A-Latif, Luisa Alves, Solomon Ananpansah, Ayanna Blair-Ford, Nora Fadil, Marissa Glauberman, Hajara Masoud, Shobha Narendran, Emmanuel Obeng, Tobie Quartey, Audrey Tseng Fischer, Duncan Wilson, Yixia Xu, Mu Zhang, Doron von Beider