Transforming Spaces, Crafting Narratives
Modern Art Oxford. Photo by Dan Weill. Courtesy David Kohn Architects
For over two decades, David Kohn has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary architecture. His practice, David Kohn Architects, founded in 2007, seamlessly blends artistry and functionality, transforming spaces into living, breathing narratives. Whether designing art galleries, private residences, or major cultural institutions, Kohn’s approach is rooted in his deep understanding of space, context, and artistic dialogue.
Modern Art Oxford. Photo by Dan Weill. Courtesy David Kohn Architects
The Art of the Gallery
The conventional white cube gallery is designed to be neutral, allowing art to speak for itself. However, Kohn’s interventions subtly enhance and reimagine these spaces, ensuring that the architecture remains an active participant in the experience rather than a silent bystander. From his early commissions for leading gallerists such as Stuart Shave, Thomas Dane, and Stephen Friedman, Kohn has continually challenged the standard template of gallery design. His spaces facilitate a seamless transition from the bustling street to the contemplative environment within, fostering a meaningful engagement between visitors and the artworks on display.
His sensitivity to art extends beyond galleries to the private residences of gallerists themselves. Shave, Dane, and Friedman all returned to Kohn when commissioning their homes—each with a unique vision. Shave sought a retreat devoid of art, while Dane’s London apartment and Friedman’s countryside home prioritized their extensive collections. Friedman’s residence in Dorset, featuring hypnotic red-brick geometric patterns and vibrant green detailing, won the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects House of the Year award in 2022. Despite its focus on art, Kohn describes the home as ultimately “designed to be sociable,” emphasizing the fundamental human aspect of architecture.
Red House, RIBA House of the Year 2022. Photo: Will Pryce.
Redefining Cultural Landmarks
Beyond galleries and residences, Kohn is making his mark on larger cultural institutions. One of his most ambitious projects to date is the transformation of the Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst (SMAK) in Ghent, Belgium. The €90 million project will repurpose and extend a cluster of historic buildings, including the monumental Floraliënhal, a glass and steel structure from the 1913 World’s Fair. By adopting a circular construction approach, Kohn’s design treats the existing buildings as a “quarry,” reusing materials from their façades to shape new elements.
The project is not just about architectural ingenuity; it is a response to the climate crisis, championing sustainable, adaptive reuse. The redesign also integrates SMAK into Ghent’s largest park, Citadelpark, enhancing public engagement with both art and nature. Kohn’s ability to seamlessly blend contemporary needs with historical integrity marks a significant milestone in his career, as SMAK will be his first major international museum commission.
View from the proposed Collectihuis towards the SMAKhal. Courtesy of David Kohn Architects, noA Architecten, and Asli Çiçek.
A Lifelong Journey in Architecture and Art
Kohn’s architectural sensibilities were nurtured from a young age. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, he moved to the UK at the age of four. His grandmother, a potter, and his uncle, an interior designer, played pivotal roles in shaping his appreciation for craftsmanship and design. Visits to his uncle’s studio, filled with technical drawings, and his grandmother’s kiln instilled in him a fascination with materiality and form. By his teenage years, he was immersed in drawing, calligraphy, and architectural studies, supported by his family’s encouragement and exposure to historic European sites.
His academic journey further reinforced his interest in the intersection of architecture and visual arts. During his studies, Kohn was mentored by Eric Parry, an advocate for integrating art into architecture. A pivotal experience was attending a summer program at the Slade School of Art, which deepened his appreciation for artistic thinking. This cross-disciplinary approach has remained a cornerstone of his practice, leading to numerous collaborations with contemporary artists.
One of his earliest collaborations was with Fiona Banner on her installation for the Duveen Galleries at Tate Britain. Kohn assisted in visualizing Banner’s ambitious concept of inserting two fighter jets into the neoclassical gallery space. The juxtaposition of military hardware with classical architecture highlighted themes of power, empire, and beauty—concepts that resonate throughout Kohn’s work.
The proposed redesign the SMAK Museum in Ghent, Belgium. Courtesy of David Kohn Architects, noA Architecten, and Asli Çiçek.
Looking Forward
As David Kohn Architects expands its influence, the firm continues to push boundaries in both scale and philosophy. The SMAK project, ongoing work in Belgium, and his continued collaborations with leading artists and institutions affirm Kohn’s position as a visionary architect who balances tradition and innovation. Whether crafting intimate residences or reimagining cultural landmarks, his work remains rooted in the belief that architecture is not just about shelter—it is about storytelling, experience, and transformation. •
For more information, visit davidkohn.co.uk