The iconic Africa Hall has won its first 2025 International Architecture Award, given by The Chicago Athenaeum – Museum of Architecture and Design; and The European Centre for Architecture Art, Design and Urban Studies – in the restoration/renovation category.

Originally designed by Arturo Mezzèdimi, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa officially opened in 1961, but over 50 years later, the building required significant intervention that would ultimately lead to a decade-long investment to restore the building.

“The modernist masterpiece was tasked with the aspirational goal of bringing unity to Africa – on behalf of our heritage team, it was a privilege to restore this cultural landmark. Thank you to the jury for recognising the project, and congratulations to all involved in the awards program,” Architectus Conrad Gargett, representatives say on the company’s LinkedIn page. The company also acknowledged Rory Gardiner, a specialised visual artist and a photographer of architecture, interiors and landscape, often commissioned to capture prestigious architectural sites around the world. His specialised approach to taking the images of Africa Hall has been key to Africa Hall’s global appeal among architects, historians and visual artists.