Title & Author:

Arturo Mezzèdimi, Africa Hall : a monument to African history / edited by Marcello Mezzèdimi.

Edition:

Second edition.

Publication:

[Novato, CA] : Oro Editions, [2026]
©2026

Description:

459 pages : illustrations (some colour) ; 31 cm

Notes:
"First published on the occasion of the inauguration of the renovated Africa Hall on October 21, 2024. A new chapter on the renovation and the opening ceremony has been added to this new edition." -- title page verso.
Includes bibliographical references.
Institutional Forewords -- Introduction -- Historical Content -- The Architectural Complex -- Embedded Artworks -- The Founding Conferences -- The Extension Project -- Life of Africa Hall -- The Renovation Project -- Introduction to the Architect

Summary:

"This book is a photographic journey-complemented by a collection of academic essays on related historical, architectural and artistic topics-on the origin and life of "Africa Hall" in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a building recently declared "Monument to African History," which was donated in 1961 by Emperor Haile Selassie to the United Nations and designed by architect Arturo Mezzèdimi to serve as its continental headquarters, becoming also the birthplace, in 1963, of the Organization of African Unity." -- Amazon
"Africa Hall: A Monument to African History documents the legacy of one of the continent's most significant architectural and diplomatic landmarks. Established in 1961 as the headquarters for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the complex was gifted by Emperor Haile Selassie I to symbolize the rising aspirations of peace, unity, and independence for an Africa emerging from the colonial era. It holds immense historical value as the birthplace of continental diplomacy, notably serving as the site where thirty-two independent nations convened in 1963 to sign the founding charter of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The volume details the remarkable story of the hall's creation, designed by the young, self-taught Italian architect Arturo Mezzèdimi. Entrusted with the task of delivering a world-class facility in just eighteen months, Mezzèdimi worked in close collaboration with the Emperor to transform Addis Ababa into a modern diplomatic metropolis. The construction represents a profound narrative of vision and reconciliation, as the building was designed by a representative of a former enemy and built by Italian contractors using local labor and materials, highlighting a successful era of post-war international cooperation." -- Provided by publisher.

ISBN:

1961856638 (hardcover)
9781961856639 (hardcover)

Subject:

Mezzedimi, Arturo, 1922-
Africa Hall (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
United Nations. Economic Commission for Africa Buildings.
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Buildings, structures, etc.
Addis-Abeba (Éthiopie) Constructions.

Added entries:

Mezzedimi, Arturo, 1922- architect.
Mezzèdimi, Marcello, editor.

Africa Hall

Holdings:

Location: Library study room new acquisitions 325666
Call No.: 325666
Copy: 1
Status: Available