Australian architecture firm Architectus Conrad Gargett has led the design for the revitalisation of the United Nations’ iconic Africa Hall building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, representing one of the largest modern heritage renovation projects on the African continent.  

The 1961 Arturo Mezzèdimi modernist masterpiece was conceived as a meeting place for African nation states and as the headquarters for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). A gift to the continent from Emperor Haile Selassie I, Africa Hall has hosted key conferences and events that have shaped modern African history. In recognition of the ECA’s 50th anniversary, an initiative to renovate Africa Hall as ‘a monument to African history’ was launched in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the African Union Commission, and the Ethiopian Government. 

Building the vision 
Architectus Conrad Gargett was commissioned by the ECA in 2013 to lead the design for the renovation of Africa Hall as a world-class conference and cultural venue. The renovation, guided by the ECA Africa Hall Project Management team, was led by Principal David Gole and Project Architect Simon Boundy, with support from a dedicated team of Australian and Ethiopian architects and consultants.  

The project team initiated a Conservation Management Strategy to establish guiding principles for the renovation, grounded in the building’s historical and cultural values. The ECA’s brief outlined four objectives: to conserve the structure according to international best practice; to interpret its significance through a permanent exhibition; to upgrade services and technology for modern conference use; and to improve safety and accessibility. 

Following Mezzèdimi 
The renovation was guided by research into Mezzèdimi’s original design, which significantly influenced the approach to necessary modern updates and compliance upgrades. Exterior conservation involved remediating reinforced concrete for structural upgrades, which required the removal of the original mosaic ceramic tiles. Thirteen million new tiles were fabricated and reinstalled to match the original material, textured profile, and modernist colour palette of brown, orange, and off-white.  

The external envelope was restored by replacing outdated façade glazing with high-performance systems to enhance energy efficiency and security. New dome roof sheeting was installed, and rainwater systems were upgraded, all while preserving the building’s historic integrity. The original landscape, including fountains, garden beds, and stairs, was also restored. Notable integrated artworks were restored, including a 150-square-metre stained-glass piece by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle and a 40-metre mural by Italian painter Nenne Sanguineti Poggi. Tekle’s work was restored by Emmanuel Thomas, the grandson of the original artist. Under Architectus Conrad Gargett’s guidance, the original mosaic floor artwork ‘African Fauna’ in the rotunda was reinstated based on original drawings.  

Over 500 bespoke original furniture pieces, custom-designed by Mezzèdimi, were restored and returned to their original configurations within the building. 

A new era of functionality 
The new museum and exhibition space showcases Africa Hall’s narrative, including the life of the building and its role in shaping modern African history. Visitor experiences are enhanced through a newly designed visitor centre, parking lot, a bus drop-off zone, and a ground-floor café featuring a reconstructed 1960s interior. 

‘We feel incredibly honoured and privileged to have given new life to this highly significant modern heritage building, ensuring it is valued and used by future generations. The project presented a significant opportunity to reopen the building to the public and provide an engaging visitor experience by sharing the story of Africa Hall and its important role in shaping modern African history. The renovation was truly holistic and unique in that it encompassed all aspects of the building considered as a total work of art — a gesamtkunstwerk — a composition of integrated elements where architecture, interiors, integrated artworks, furniture, and the landscape setting were all designed in unison as one.’ – David Gole, Principal Architect at Architectus Conrad Gargett  

The revitalisation of Africa Hall secures its place as a lasting symbol of African unity and a beacon for future generations. 

Photography by Rory Gardiner 

Information courtesy of Architectus Conrad Gargett