Ghanaian-Scottish Architect Lesley Lokko Receives Royal Gold Medal

Professor Lesley Lokko, a Ghanaian-Scottish architect, educator, and author, has become the first woman of African descent to receive the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Lokko is known for her contributions to justice causes and her commitment to democratizing architecture. She established the African Futures Institute (AFI) in Accra, Ghana, in 2021, focusing on the relationship between architecture, identity, and race.

She has taught in the UK, US, and Africa, and her work is praised as a call for equitable representation in policies, planning, and design. In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded an OBE for her services to architecture and education last year.

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki praised Lokko as a “fierce champion of equity and inclusion” and praised her progressive approach to architecture education.

Lokko reflects on her architectural journey, stating that she came into architecture seeking certainties but found questions and possibilities. She is set to receive the Royal Gold Medal 2024 at RIBA’s headquarters in London.

Professor Lesley Lokko, acclaimed Ghanaian-Scottish architect, educator, author and curator, will receive the #RoyalGoldMedal 2024 🏅

The medal recognises Lokko’s commitment to championing diverse approaches to architectural practice and education: https://t.co/qd2i9KFVbk pic.twitter.com/v8lAUhj1GZ

— Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) January 18, 2024

S2 E5 // RECAP⚡
She Means Design ft. Professor Lesley Lokko@LokkoLesley explains that leadership is not only about taking care of others but sometimes this is conflicting with being a black female architect.

Hear Lesley’s full story here 🇬🇭 https://t.co/RqBS45nCl7#1to100 pic.twitter.com/eUVtJfvPiY

— 1:100 Architecture Podcast (@1to100podcast) April 9, 2021