Kunlé Adeyemi

Kunlé Adeyemi is the founder and principal of NLÉ, an architecture, design, and urbanism practice established in 2010 to innovate cities and communities. One of his most notable works is the ‘Makoko Floating School,’ a prototype floating structure in Lagos, Nigeria, which evolved into the ‘Makoko Floating System (MFSTM)’ now used in five countries across three continents. This project is part of NLÉ’s ‘African Water Cities’ initiative, addressing rapid urbanization and climate change.

Adeyemi’s achievements include the Silver Lion Prize at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia for the second iteration of the Makoko Floating School. Other prominent NLÉ projects include A Prelude to The Shed in New York, the Black Rhino Academy in Tanzania, and the Serpentine Summer House in London.

Kunlé Adeyemi serves as an Adjunct Visiting Professor at the University of Lagos and has held roles at Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, and Princeton universities, focusing on architecture and urban solutions aligned with societal and environmental needs.