In this video, Ghanaian-Scottish architect and educator Lesley Lokko reflects on her career and Royal Gold Medal win, which was announced today by the Royal British Institute of Architects.
"There's been a lot of talk about how what I do isn't architecture," reflected Lokko.
"It was always very clear to me that there was a difference between the profession of architecture and the discipline of architecture. I think in the last 10 years, we're beginning to see those two things come slightly closer together," she continued.
"I very much hope that this medal demonstrates that it's worth it to think differently. It's worth it to go off-piste or to go off the beaten track."
Lesley Lokko has won the 2024 RIBA Royal Gold Medal. Photo by Festus Jackson-Davis Lokko is the first African woman to receive the prestigious Royal Gold Medal from the Royal British Institute of Architects (RIBA) since it was established in 1848.
She is also the third woman to win it in her own right ? rather than as part of a team ? following in the footsteps of architects Zaha Hadid and Yasmeen Lari.
In the film, RIBA president Muyiwa Oki said Lokko was selected as the 2024 recipient for her "groundbreaking work as an educator, curator and as an author".
He is among several interviewees who also feature in the video, with others including architect Lanre Gbolade, Lokko's Royal Gold Medal nominator.

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