In a moment that will reshape the architectural world, marking a significant milestone, Lesley Lokko, a Ghanaian-Scottish architect, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Gold Medal for Architecture. Breaking barriers, Lokko becomes the first African woman to receive this esteemed honor, marking a significant milestone in the industry’s journey toward diversity and inclusion.
An Advocate for Change
The Royal Gold Medal, first awarded in 1848, has a rich history of honoring those who significantly influenced the advancement of architecture. In a ceremony scheduled for May 2024 in London, Lokko will formally receive the medal, joining the ranks of architectural luminaries like Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Read Also: How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits in the US
Lokko, aged 60, has dedicated the past two decades to championing the cause of under-represented communities within architecture, with a specific focus on Africa and the Global South. Recognized for her visionary efforts to “democratize” the field, Lokko’s commitment to bringing people of color and diverse backgrounds into architecture has set her apart as a true advocate for change.
Acknowledging Lokko’s outstanding contributions, King Charles conferred upon her the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the recent New Year Honors list. The Royal Gold Medal, an annual recognition approved by the monarch, is a testament to Lokko’s transformative impact on the architectural landscape.
A Personal Reflection
Lokko described receiving the Royal Gold Medal as a “slightly out-of-body experience.” In an exclusive interview with the BBC, she shared her thoughts on the moment of validation, expressing that it was something she never imagined would come her way. Lokko’s journey, marked by perseverance and a commitment to her principles, serves as an inspiration for aspiring architects from diverse backgrounds.
Lokko, who first met King Charles as a teenager in Ghana, emphasized the importance of representation in institutions. Despite having to navigate challenging conversations and complex issues around race and decolonization, she believes that being inside institutions is a powerful way to drive change. Lokko’s ease in interacting with royalty highlights her dedication to dismantling historical legacies of subjugation.
Venice Biennale and African Futures Institute
In a landmark achievement, Lokko became the first woman of African descent to curate the Venice Biennale’s architecture event last year, 2023. Focusing on themes of decarbonization and decolonization, she continued to push boundaries and challenge norms. In 2021, Lokko founded the African Futures Institute in Accra, Ghana, further solidifying her commitment to exploring the intricate relationships between architecture, identity, and race.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) described Lokko as a “renaissance figure,” acknowledging her as a visionary agent of change. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki praised Lokko’s progressive approach to architecture education, citing her as a fierce champion of equity and inclusion in all aspects of life.