Decades of change at Africa Hall
From its early years in the 1960s (far left), 25th anniversary celebrations in the 1980s (top right), and beyond, Africa Hall has lived many lives. Today, the building is embracing an exciting future (below).
“Before the renovation, some elements of the original building had been compromised or removed,” says David. “There was a conscious effort to faithfully reconstruct these, based on the original construction drawings. We also wanted to eliminate intrusive later additions, such as the ground floor mezzanine within the rotunda space.”
A harmonious composition of all the elements
“Through our research, we learned that Mezzèdimi wanted to create a harmonious work of art, with the architecture, interiors, artworks, furniture and landscape all designed in unison. By doing this, the elements make up a fully integrated composition,” David says.
“One of the main ways we honoured the original design intent was by focusing on the continuous flow of spaces throughout the building,” says David. “That includes the seamless transition between the central plenary hall and the breakout and circulation areas.”
The purpose, place and beauty of the original furnishings
The building housed custom furniture designed by Mezzèdimi (with some of the original crimson armchairs at right). And the Hall’s lounges, sofas, tables, desks, chairs and built-in joinery were all still in use.
“We restored and arranged furnishings to reflect their original purpose and place within the building,” David points out. The fresh new interiors include these inviting star-shaped lounges (below right), renovated as part of the project.
Artistic revival: bringing original work back to life
“The integrated artworks commissioned at the time of the original construction elevate the experience of the building,” says David. For this project, they’ve been retained, restored and interpreted.
The works include a 40-metre long mural of African flora and fauna by artist Nenne Sanguineti Poggi, known for public artworks in Ethiopia and commissions for Emperor Haile Selassie. The mural (under restoration at right and in its earlier life below) is part of “a dramatic, orchestrated arrival sequence into the Assembly Hall”, he adds.
History in colour: a dramatic stained glass work takes pride of place
The foyer of the Hall showcases a 150-square-metre stained glass window by renowned Ethiopian atist Maître Afework Tekle, now carefully restored. Divided into three parts, it tells the story of Africa’s past, present and future.
Making the most of an elevated position and setting
The façade of the newly-revived Africa Hall looks brighter than ever (at right).
The landscape design incorporating garden beds, fountains, and stairs was in sync with the building’s setting on an elevated plinth overlooking Menelik II Avenue,” David says. “Over time, some of those elements were removed, with negative impacts on the design intent. Through careful research and delving into historic photographs, we reinstated the original design – part of our overall effort to restore Africa Hall’s former glory.”
