The revitalisation of the United Nations’ Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by Architectus has been named the winner of the 2026 World Monuments Fund (WMF)/Knoll Modernism Prize, a prestigious international award recognising excellence in the conservation of modernist architecture.

The prize honours projects that protect significant modern buildings while adapting them for contemporary use. Africa Hall was recognised for the sensitive renewal of its landmark 1961 structure and its transformation into a world-class contemporary conference and cultural venue.

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One of the largest modern heritage renovation projects undertaken on the African continent, the redevelopment was commissioned in 2013 by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The project was delivered by Architectus, formerly Conrad Gargett, working closely with Ethiopian architects and consultants.

“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,” says Matthew Hughes, Senior Associate at Architectus. “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.”

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Originally designed by Italian architect Arturo Mezzèdimi as a meeting place for African nations and also serving as the headquarters of the ECA, Africa Hall has hosted defining moments in modern African history.

The heritage renovation was guided by a Conservation Management Strategy to ensure the changes were aligned with the building’s historical and cultural significance. Extensive research into Mezzèdimi’s original plans preceded the renewal, which approached the building as a cohesive artistic whole, restoring not only its architecture but also its interiors, artworks, furnishings and surrounding landscape. Major works included extensive concrete repairs, installation of new high-performance glazing on the facade, and fabrication and reinstallation of 13 million specially fabricated mosaic tiles matched to the original modernist colour palette, alongside restoration of the original landscape.

Architectus_Africa_Hall_Knoll_Modernism_Prize (3).jpg — *Afewerk Tekle’s stained glass window*

Significant integrated artworks by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle and Italian painter Nenne Sanguineti Poggi were conserved, while more than 500 pieces of bespoke furniture custom-designed by Mezzèdimi were restored. Tekle’s famous 150-square-metre stained glass artwork was restored by the grandson of the original maker.

The circular Assembly Hall was reconfigured to accommodate the expanded membership of the African Union. New amenities including a museum and exhibition space that tell the story of the building’s historical significance along with a visitor centre and café have broadened public engagement with the site.

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The 2026 WMF/Knoll Modernism Prize will be formally presented on February 18, 2026, during Modernism Week in Palm Springs, California, marking the first time the ceremony has been held outside New York City.

Images: Supplied

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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