David Adjaye’s exhibition at the Design Museum is content rich. There is so much to see and read, that it is a lot to digest.
I focused on what interested me and that was the Holocaust memorial proposed for Westminster. Interestingly, the UK is the last EU country to build a memorial. Given the fact that we are recognised as a world leader in so many things, I find this disgraceful. And it was from this, I found myself interested in the time line of events that were beautifully presented in the exhibition. It highlighted the process that architects must go through, from submission of a proposed bid, to securing and then going on to planning. And the interests of local councils and govt, especially at Westminster, there are so many committees that have an opinion on what can and cannot be done.
Given the sensitive nature of the architecture, of which Adjaye always likes to be involved in a passion project, and something of meaning, consultations took place with leaders and advisers of the Jewish and LGBTQ communities to ensure that the final structure can become an inclusive place of contemplation. The decision to place it so close to parliament is important because the people who make the rules in our country will pass this place daily and try remember not to make the same mistakes as we as humans have done in the past.
Jessica Rosaleen Broughton 