Africa Hall UNECA
Project No. 6332
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Project Type: Multidisciplinary – Structural, Civil, Mechanical, Hydraulic & Electrical Engineering Design
Project Status: Completed (as of October 2024)
Awards:
• 2025 Chicago Athenaeum – Restoration/Renovation
• CIA QLD Awards 2025 – Award for Excellence in Concrete (Repair, Restoration & Retrofit)
BEC is proud to have led the award-winning redevelopment & heritage preservation of Africa Hall. Serving as the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Africa Hall holds a unique place in history, having hosted the adoption of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Charter — a pivotal step toward the establishment of the present-day African Union (AU).
Originally designed by Architect Arturo Mezzedimi & inaugurated by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1961, Africa Hall has long stood as a symbol of African unity & progress. Over six decades later, the building required extensive restoration to preserve its historical significance while ensuring it met modern international standards.
In partnership with heritage specialists Architectus, BEC’s expert team addressed structural deterioration & durability challenges in the concrete frame, while preserving the building’s architectural authenticity. The project demanded a careful balance: conserving a site of immense cultural & political importance, while introducing modern enhancements for sustainability, accessibility & long-term resilience.
BEC CEO, John Tuxworth, describes the project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity:
“The heritage preservation & revitalization of Africa Hall is one of those watershed moments — where you get to work on a building of profound significance, in an extraordinary location, alongside the world’s best consultants & an inspirational client.
BEC assembled the project team, secured the commission against global competition, & today, Brisbane consultants are recognized on the United Nations panel of suppliers.”
Among the restoration’s most notable achievements was the conservation of the monumental stained-glass mural, “The Total Liberation of Africa”, by renowned Ethiopian artist Maître Afewerk Tekle. Covering 150m², the work vividly depicts Africa’s transition from colonialism to independence. Through expert conservation efforts, the mural has been preserved & revitalised, allowing it to continue inspiring future generations.
This landmark project stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration, technical expertise & cultural preservation. With its architectural splendour restored, Africa Hall continues to embody unity, progress, & resilience – serving as a beacon for Africa’s future while honouring its past.
Africa Hall Press
Africa Hall has received significant international media attention following its restoration and global recognition for heritage conservation excellence.
The project has been featured across leading international publications for its architectural significance, technical complexity and cultural importance.
The Guardian — “The astonishing £42m rebirth of modernist masterpiece Africa Hall” (February 2026)
A major international feature exploring the restoration of Africa Hall and its enduring role as a symbol of continental diplomacy.
🔗 https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/feb/16/the-astonishing-modernist-masterpiece-africa-hall-addis-ababa-ethiopian
The Art Newspaper — “Ethiopia’s Africa Hall wins Modernist conservation award” (2026) Coverage of Africa Hall receiving the World Monuments Fund / Knoll Modernism Prize.
Architectural Record — “2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize Goes to the UN’s Africa Hall in Ethiopia” (2026) In-depth recognition of the project’s international significance in modernist heritage conservation.
ArchDaily — “United Nations’ Africa Hall Restoration in Ethiopia Receives 2026 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize” Global architectural coverage highlighting the design and conservation approach.
Global Design News — “Revitalizing Africa Hall” (2025) Coverage of the project’s recognition through the International Architecture Award.
Wallpaper* — “Africa Hall has been awarded modernism’s top prize for restoration” – International design media recognition.
A symbol of African unity has won the 2026 WMF/Knoll Modernism Prize | Wallpaper*
Africa Hall Accolades & Awards
The restoration of Africa Hall has received prestigious international recognition for its architectural and conservation excellence.
World Monuments Fund / Knoll Modernism Prize — 2026
Awarded to projects that demonstrate exceptional preservation of modernist architecture, recognising Africa Hall as a defining achievement in global heritage restoration.
International Architecture Award — 2025
Presented by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture & Design, acknowledging excellence in restoration and adaptive reuse.
CIA QLD Award for Excellence in Concrete — 2025
Recognising the technical achievement in repair, restoration and structural retrofit.
