Revitalisation of a modernist icon wins international prize

Architectus's revitalisation of the United Nations' Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has been named the winner of the 2026 World Monuments Fund (WMF)/Knoll Modernism Prize, which recognises excellence in the conservation and renewal of modernist architecture, and ensures its protection and contemporary relevance.

According to the WMF, "The acclaimed restoration re-establishes one of the most significant works of African modernism as a critical venue for diplomacy and culture."

The original 1961 building was designed by Italian architect Arturo Mezzèdimi as a meeting place for African nations and a headquarters for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). In 2013, the ECA commissioned Architectus (formerly Conrad Gargett) to lead the transformation of the building into a conference and cultural venue.

According to Architectus, the Africa Hall redevelopment is one of the largest modernist heritage renovation projects on the African continent. The firm worked in collaboration with a team of Ethiopian architects and consultants to deliver the project.

"The renovation treated the building as a total work of art, with architecture, interiors, integrated artworks, furniture and landscape considered as a unified composition," Architectus notes in their media release.

Key works included remediation of the building's exterior concrete, new high-performance glazing and the fabrication and reinstallation of 13 million mosaic tiles matching the original palette, along with restoration of the original landscape. Integrated stained glass windows by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle and a mural by Italian painter Nenne Sanguineti Poggi were also meticulously conserved, and more than 500 bespoke furniture pieces by Mezzèdimi were restored and returned to their original arrangements.

The building's circular Assembly or Plenary Hall was modernised to accommodate the expanded African Union membership, with a new museum and exhibition space, visitor centre and cafe added to improve public access.

Architectus senior associate Matthew Hughes commented, "The WMF/Knoll Modernism Prize is awarded to projects that set a benchmark for how we care for our modern heritage, so this recognition is very meaningful for our team and for our many collaborators."

"Africa Hall is a place of huge cultural and political significance, and this award acknowledges the collective effort to honour its modernist legacy while carefully equipping it for the future," he said.

The 2026 award received a record 73 entries across 28 countries. The recognition of Africa Hall is the first time a site on the continent has been selected for the prize since its inception in 2008.

The prize will be presented at a ceremony on 18 February during Modernism Week in Palm Springs, California - the first time the presentation will occur outside of New York City.