Addis Ababa's iconic Africa Hall has been honored with a 2025 International Architecture Award in the restoration/renovation category. The award was presented by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art, Design, and Urban Studies.

Originally designed by Arturo Mezzèdimi and opened in 1961 as part of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the building underwent an extensive decade-long restoration.

Architectus Conrad Gargett, the firm behind the renovation, celebrated the win on its LinkedIn page. "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," the company stated. The firm also credited Rory Gardiner, an architectural photographer whose images of the hall were instrumental in its global appeal.

Antonio Baio, the Africa Hall Project Team Lead, expressed his pride in the project. "I had the honor to lead the team that made it possible," he said, calling it a "wonderful example of teamwork." He extended his best wishes to the ECA staff now managing the building, which was "dedicated to the African people."

The ECA praised all who contributed to the renovation, including the leadership, the Africa Hall Advisory Board, the Government of Ethiopia, and various UN staff. The project also restored significant historical artworks by artists like Afework Tekle and Nenne Sanguineti Poggi.

Now in its 20th year, the International Architecture Awards are considered one of the most prestigious global building awards. This year, the program received a record number of submissions from top international firms, with an international jury selecting over 250 winners and honorable mentions.