Space Case

With new ideas about light and form, British architect David Adjaye is ready to make his leap across the Atlantic.

Brown's Focus, a high-luster boutique in London's Mayfair district, is not what you would call a sizable space. There may be price tags in this shop bigger than the sales floor. But one reason David Adjaye is the hot British architect of the moment is that he knows you don't need much room for an exclamation point. So into this narrow shop he has insinuated a staircase of varnished particle board that runs from the lower level to the center of the main floor. Jazzy, glamorous and slightly disreputable, this is a staircase that's a force to be reckoned with, like...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!