Africa Hall Redevelopment
Africa Hall Redevelopment
Africa Hall is the founding buildings for the permanent headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An early 1960 modernist masterpiece designed by Arturo Mezzadimi, Africa Hall was the birthplace of the Order of African Unity (African Union) and the United Nations’ initial foray on the continent of Africa. Commissioned by Emperor HIM Haile Selassie, the building and grounds provided the first building enabling diplomatic engagement for the continent’s then 36 nations, including simultaneous interpretation technology, committee and function spaces.
The conservation, refurbishment and adaptive reuse of Africa Hall includes retaining and enhancing the cultural heritage values of this modernist icon while achieving new modern conference facilities and creating a major tourist and visitor destination with a permanent exhibition and museum space celebrating the role of Africa Hall in contemporary African history. A new visitor centre has been integrated and new facilities for visitors include cafes, bars, retail and conferencing facilities.
Conservation works included upgrading of original custom designed furniture and fixtures, new services upgrades including conference support installations, electro mechanical systems, safety features and disability access.
In a Principal consultancy role, works have included measured drawings, condition report, Conservation Management Plan, Colour Study, consultant co-ordination, documentation/specification and construction support, detailed technical design, detailed Cost Plan Estimate and detailed Project Implementation Schedule for funding approval by the United Nations.
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