The Africa Hall in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, has been awarded the distinguished 2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize, recognizing the comprehensive refurbishment undertaken by Australian firm Architectus. This significant restoration project, spanning a decade, concluded in 2024 and aimed to preserve the building's foundational design, originally conceived by Italian architect Arturo Mezzedimi in 1961 as the headquarters for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, while adapting it to meet the current demands of a diplomatic institution. The award ceremony will take place during Modernism Week in Palm Springs on February 18, celebrating efforts to protect and revitalize modernist architecture globally. This is a historic moment as Africa Hall becomes the first structure on the African continent to receive this esteemed recognition.
The World Monuments Fund's CEO, Bénédicte de Montlaur, emphasized that modern architecture, despite its ambitious vision, is susceptible to deterioration over time. The organization's Modernism Program and the accompanying prize were established to address these challenges and highlight exemplary preservation projects worldwide. Montlaur praised Architectus's work on Africa Hall for embodying this mission, successfully honoring the original architect's vision and ensuring the building's continued role as a crucial venue for cultural exchange and African unity. The restoration involved strengthening the concrete framework, rejuvenating mosaic details, and meticulously restoring stained-glass windows crafted by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle. Additionally, over five hundred custom-designed furniture pieces by Mezzedimi were carefully brought back to their original state. The building's interior, featuring Carrara marble and local Ethiopian stone, is famously where the Organization of African Unity, a precursor to the African Union, was established in 1963.
Professor Barry Bergdoll, chair of the prize jury, underscored Africa Hall's architectural significance as a premier example of modernism on the continent, harmonizing international concepts with local identity during Africa's decolonization era. He noted that the building, strategically located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital—a nation that resisted colonization—skillfully blends functional design with the optimistic spirit of modernism. Bergdoll concluded that the recent restoration has rekindled the clarity of Mezzedimi's design, showcasing the ambition, artistry, and symbolic resonance that have cemented Africa Hall's status as a modernist icon and an ongoing stage for African diplomacy. Concurrently, the Umbrella House in Sarasota, Florida, received the inaugural Stewardship Award for Modernist Homes, acknowledging exemplary conservation efforts by homeowners and designers of modernist residences, specifically the restoration of its shading structure originally designed by Paul Rudolph.
The successful revitalization of Africa Hall stands as a powerful testament to the enduring value of architectural heritage and the importance of thoughtful preservation for future generations. By meticulously restoring this landmark, Architectus has not only safeguarded a piece of history but also reaffirmed the building's vital role in fostering international relations and celebrating African identity. This project serves as an inspiring model for how contemporary interventions can honor original artistic intent while adapting historic structures to meet modern needs, ensuring their continued relevance and contribution to cultural and diplomatic dialogue.