The future of London is taking shape in the studio of Asif Khan. The architect is hard at work on an imaginative new Museum of London building that will combine the city’s history with its contemporary creativity. At 39, he’s one of the youngest architects to design such a major cultural institution in recent memory. It’s a “dream project” for Khan, who has spent the last 10 years building his reputation with temporary architecture like walk-through pavilions and tech-heavy installations. Along the way, the born-and-bred South Londoner and father of two has picked up awards as varied as a Cannes Lions from the advertising industry and an MBE from the British royal family. A recent structure at the Winter Olympics was coated in the world’s blackest black, to dizzying effect. Other projects interrupt the urban environment with forest-like oases, offering calm. “I want to connect people better with their own nature, ” he says. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-One Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 48 Cult Rooms After “completing” philosophy, Ludwig Wittgenstein tried—and failed—at architecture. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Draw the Line A short history of linear architecture. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Peer Review Hadani Ditmars on the disappearing legacy of Rifat Chadirji, Iraq’s most influential architect. Arts & Culture Issue 47 CULT ROOMS In north Lebanon, two architects are rebuilding a corner of Oscar Niemeyer’s international fair. Arts & Culture Design Issue 45 The New Craftsmen From the Outer Hebrides to central London, Catherine Lock is celebrating the crafts heritage of Great Britain. Arts & Culture Issue 43 Stone Cold A history of spite architecture.
Arts & Culture Issue 48 Cult Rooms After “completing” philosophy, Ludwig Wittgenstein tried—and failed—at architecture.
Arts & Culture Issue 47 Peer Review Hadani Ditmars on the disappearing legacy of Rifat Chadirji, Iraq’s most influential architect.
Arts & Culture Issue 47 CULT ROOMS In north Lebanon, two architects are rebuilding a corner of Oscar Niemeyer’s international fair.
Arts & Culture Design Issue 45 The New Craftsmen From the Outer Hebrides to central London, Catherine Lock is celebrating the crafts heritage of Great Britain.
