Ghanaian-Scottish Architect Lesley Lokko Wins Prestigious RIBA Royal Gold Medal 2024

In a groundbreaking moment for the field of architecture, Professor Lesley Lokko has been announced as the recipient of the Royal Gold Medal 2024, awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This prestigious accolade places her as the first woman of African descent to receive this highest honor since its inception in 1848, paving the way for greater diversity and reflecting the changing face of architecture globally.

Professor Lokko is renowned for her steadfast commitment to "democratize architecture" by integrating justice causes within her academic and professional work. At the age of 60, her career is marked by notable milestones, including launching the African Futures Institute (AFI) in Accra, Ghana. Her institute stands as a beacon exploring the intricate interrelations of architecture, identity, and race.

The Ghanaian-Scottish architect's journey through the realms of education and practice has taken her across different continents, having served as the dean of the CCNY Spitzer School of Architecture in New York and founding the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Johannesburg. Her teachings and influence have left an indelible mark not only in Africa but in the United Kingdom and the United States as well.

RIBA has previously recognized Lokko for her transformative efforts, hailing her as a tireless advocate for equitable representation in the world of architectural policies, planning, and design. Her OBE awarded in the previous year crowns her services to architecture and education. Adding to her list of "firsts," Lokko also became the first black curator of the International Architecture Biennale in Venice, showcasing her global reach and acceptance.

Muyiwa Oki, President of RIBA, celebrates Lokko as "a fierce champion of equity and inclusion," emphasizing her progressive and inclusive approach to architectural education. Her envisioning of a profession that is welcoming to individuals from diverse backgrounds and cognizant of various cultural and environmental contexts serves as a hopeful prospect for the architecture of the future.

Upon the announcement of the RIBA award, Professor Lokko expressed her sincere surprise and joy, quick to credit the collaborative nature of her work, which involved people and organizations aligned with her vision. She echoed the sentiment of unity and collective effort, indicating that while the accolade was personal, it was indeed a shared achievement that spoke volumes of the concerted support she received.

Lesley Lokko is set to be formally recognized and will receive the Royal Gold Medal 2024 at a special event scheduled for May 2 at the RIBA headquarters in London. This award ceremony will not only celebrate her accomplishments but symbolize a momentous occasion for architects of African descent and for women, marking a progressive shift towards inclusivity and recognition of diverse talents in the architecture field.