A Milestone in Architecture for Africa

Lesley Lokko, a Ghanaian-Scottish architect, has achieved a historic feat by winning the 2024 Royal Gold Medal for Architecture.

This award, one of the highest in the architectural world, is presented by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Lokko’s recognition is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of changing tides in the architectural field.

Lokko’s roots, blending Ghanaian and Scottish heritage, reflect in her diverse approach to architecture.

She initially pursued studies in Hebrew and Arabic before embracing architecture, demonstrating her multifaceted interests and global perspective.

Her journey took her from Oxford to the United States, where she delved into sociology, law, and finally architecture, graduating from the University of London’s Bartlett School of Architecture.

Lokko’s impact extends beyond the conventional bounds of architecture. She founded the African Futures Institute (AFI) in Accra, Ghana, a think tank focusing on race, environmental justice, and innovative architectural forms.

This institute serves as a beacon, reimagining Africa as a crucible of future urban forms and acknowledging the contributions of African women in architecture.

Her tenure as curator of the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale further solidified her influence. Here, Lokko brought African architectural expressions to the forefront, challenging global architects to consider decarbonization and decolonization.

Celebrating Inclusive Architecture

This platform celebrated emerging and established African architects and designers, fostering a discourse that bridged African and global architectural practices.

Lokko’s educational contributions span across continents. She has held academic posts at prestigious institutions in the U.S., U.K., and South Africa.

As dean at the City College of New York and founding director at the University of Johannesburg, she’s dedicated to inclusive architectural education.

Through her diverse career, Lokko has advocated for equitable representation in architectural policies, planning, and design. Her work serves as a clarion call for a more inclusive and culturally aware architectural practice.

This medal not only honors her exceptional contributions but also symbolizes a shift towards a more inclusive and globally aware architectural practice.