Knoll Sponsors Ini Archibong designed Pavilion of the African Diaspora at 2021 London Design Biennale

Comprised of an architectural folly inspired by the mythology of the conch and cowrie shells emerging from the sand, the Pavilion of the African Diaspora (PoAD) is the debut initiative of the Archibong Heritage Foundation

Comprised of an architectural folly inspired by the mythology of the conch and cowrie shells emerging from the sand, the Pavilion of the African Diaspora (PoAD), the debut initiative of the Archibong Heritage Foundation, is a tribute to a collective who have been dispersed to countries far and wide, some by choice and others by force. Designed by product designer Ini Archibong, PoAD as a sacred reimagining of the journey of African permanence and resources, PoAD consists of three sculptural structures known as The Shell, The Wave and The Sail. The structural folly is a symbolic gateway to the past, present, and future in the exploration of Reparations + Representations = Repair & Resonance to energize visitors, “carrying them on our continued journey onward.”

The installation at Somerset House also includes Archibong’s new furniture designs for Knoll.

Through June 27, PoAD will serve as an innovative multi-use educational and event facility, and as a sanctuary to tell stories and create a reality where voices are recognized and respected for the diversity of their timbre. The structural folly of the PoAD is a symbolic gateway to the past, present, and future in the exploration of Reparations + Representations = Repair & Resonance to energize our sail and carry us on our continued journey onward.

The Pavilion of the African Diaspora is the debut initiative of the Archibong Heritage Foundation.