History has been made in the world of architecture. Renowned Ghanaian-Scottish architect, author and educator Lesley Lokko has become the first woman of African descent to win the prestigious Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) since its establishment in 1848.
Shaping Justice Through Design
The 60-year-old Lokko was granted the distinction for her extraordinary contributions surrounding justice causes and commitment to “democratizing architecture” globally. She is admired for her pioneering work seeking to amplify marginalized voices and diversify participation in the built environment field across teaching and academic roles worldwide.
In 2021, Lokko founded the non-profit African Futures Institute based in Accra, Ghana to confront complex interplays between architectural identity, race and culture on the continent through research and education.
Visionary Change Agent
“A fierce champion of equity and inclusion in all aspects of life, Lesley Lokko’s progressive approach to architecture education offers hope for the future – a profession that welcomes those from all walks of life,” said RIBA President Muyiwa Oki on announcing Lokko as 2024 honoree.
He described the architect as a “humble revolutionary force” etching remarkable change on the international architectural stage through her unwavering ambition and optimism.
Lokko has held esteemed positions like Dean of the City College of New York’s Spitzer School of Architecture. Last year she became both the first Black curator of the prestigious Venice Architecture Biennale and was awarded an OBE for services to architectural education.
Testament to Collective Goals
“Although this is a personal award, this isn’t merely a personal triumph, this is a testament to the people and organisations I have worked with that share my goals,” reflected Lokko.
She will formally accept the honor on May 2nd at RIBA’s London headquarters. Lokko’s message of collaborative realization through architecture carries significance as the Institute’s first back-to-back women Royal Gold Medal solo recipients in its nearly 175-year history.
