The Peebles Corporation. 

Designed by David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates.

Image via robbreport


Known as one of the leading architects of his generation, Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye OBE has made a name for himself with a slew of community-driven projects that make ingenious use of unique materials. His work has garnered him a ton of awards, including the 2021 RIBA Royal Gold Medal, which is considered one of the highest honors in the industry.


In 2000, Adjaye founded Adjaye Associates, which now has studios in Accra, London, and New York. Its work spans the globe, from bespoke furniture collections to temporary pavilions, civic buildings, and breathtaking private houses. Among its biggest projects was the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., whose official opening in 2016 was named “Cultural Event of the Year” by The New York Times.


Just recently, Adjaye once again made headlines when he submitted a project proposal called “The Affirmation Tower,” a massive 1,633-feet-tall (498-meter) upside-down skyscraper that – he hopes – will soon be a feature of New York City’s skyline. It would be built on Site K, which lies only a few blocks away from Hudson Yards and the High Line.


The Peebles Corporation. 

Designed by David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates.

Image via robbreport



“The Affirmation Tower” consists of five different blocks, with each level bigger than the one below it. Many have noted that it looks like a stepped block tower, given that the smallest block is on the bottom while the largest is on top.


This unorthodox design is far from the only thing unique about “The Affirmation Tower,” though. At 1,633 feet or 498 meters tall, it’s set to become one of the tallest buildings in New York City, second only to the One World Trade Center. In addition to corporate offices, it would also house two hotels, an ice skating rink, and an observation deck. The Manhattan headquarters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will be included, as well.


Submitted in response to a Request for Proposals opened by the state government, plans for “The Affirmation Tower” were drawn up by Adjaye, who worked alongside The Peebles Corporation, the McKissack Group, Exact Capital, and Steven Witkoff. This means that if their proposal is ultimately chosen, the building would be the first in New York City to be constructed by a team of only Black architects, developers, lenders, and builders.


The Peebles Corporation. 

Designed by David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates.

Image via robbreport



Needless to say, the potential team is excited about this prospect.


“This project is emblematic of true equity in development,” said Don Peebles, the CEO of The Peebles Corporation. “A symbol for all who visit New York, cementing in brick and mortar that New York is serious about economic inclusion.”


Ordinary New Yorkers are also looking forward to seeing an all-Black team construct a permanent feature of the city.


“Unfortunately, for most of New York’s history, African-Americans and people of color have been rendered as mere economic tourists who gaze upward at one of the greatest skylines in the world with the intrinsic knowledge they will never be able to participate in what really makes New York unique,” explained Reverend Dr. Charles Curtis, the Head of the New York Interfaith Commission for Housing Equality. “The awarding of this project to this team will send a statement across the globe that architects, developers, engineers, and financial professionals of color are now full participants in this great miracle of global capitalism called New York City.”


418 11th Avenue. 

Designed by David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates.

Image via newyorkyimby


Should “The Affirmation Tower” be chosen, the team has promised to commit at least 35% of its contracts to people of color. Given that these contracts will total more than a billion dollars, the project will definitely be a powerful economic engine for the city’s minorities.


“This project will provide $4.4 billion of new economic output per year, bringing thousands of jobs in the construction, design, and development, as well as millions of people across the globe who will be excited to see this iconic skyscraper,” said Peter Ward, the former President of New York’s Hotel and Motel Trades.


Ward’s predictions will likely come true since “The Affirmation Tower” will reportedly require more than 30,000 New Yorkers, who will work on it over the course of six years. The project will also bring in more than $5 billion in tax revenue for New York City over the next three decades, giving it a much-needed economic boost.


“The Affirmation Tower” isn’t Adjaye’s first Manhattan skyscraper, having built a residential tower at 130 William. However, it’s his tallest and most ambitious one, making it clear that he has no intention of repeating what his past projects have achieved.


The Peebles Corporation. 

Designed by David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates.

Image via robbreport


Besides “The Affirmation Tower,” Adjaye is currently working on designing the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), which will house some of the region’s greatest treasures, including the world-famous Benin bronzes.


In response to this incredible opportunity, Adjaye has said that the EMOWAA would be a “reteaching tool – a place for recalling lost collective memories of the past to instill an understanding of the magnitude and importance of these civilizations and cultures.”


With this year’s projects spanning from New York to Nigeria, it seems as if Sir David Adjaye will soon be making many more extraordinary contributions to the architectural field.