Ghanaian-Scottish architect and educator Lesley Lokko has been named the recipient of this year's Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects, making her the first African woman to win the award.
Lokko, who is also an educator and curator, is the third woman to receive the prestigious accolade in her own right ? rather than as part of a team ? since it was established in 1848. The others are architects Zaha Hadid and Yasmeen Lari.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) said Lokko has been selected for "relentlessly pursuing inclusivity and equity in the field".
Top image: Lesley Lokko has been awarded the RIBA Royal Gold Medal for 2024. Photo by Festus Jackson-Davis. Above: she was the curator of the 18th International Architecture Biennale in Venice. Photo by Lizzie Crook "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, considers the needs of our environment, and acknowledges a broad range of cultures and perspectives," said RIBA president Muyiwa Oki.
"A visionary agent of change, Lesley has dedicated her life to championing these values, not only through academic endeavours, but through her work as an author and curator," he continued.
"She remains a humble revolutionary force, with her ambition and optimism etching an indelible mark on the global...