Embassy project showcases Australia's artistic excellence

Project: Embassy of Australia, Washington D.C
Award: Gold, Publicly Accessible Interiors - Civic, 2024
Location: Washington D.C., United States
Design practice: Bates Smart in association with KCCT
Client: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Overseas Property Office

The new Embassy of Australia in Washington D.C. provides civic services to Australians in the United States. Its considered design seeks to balance cultural representation, an iconic civic presence and practical security considerations.

The judges praised the "beautiful design" and "well-considered detailing", the way in which "the interior speaks to the exterior" and the "simplicity of materials". They also highlighted "the introduction of different colours and textures in the various rooms as well as the use of patterned carpets and strong vibrant artwork". 

The building’s transparency manifests the inherent Australian values of openness and trust, while the interior’s expansive atmosphere is representative of the vastness of the Australian landscape. The main representational spaces are defined by strong materiality with Australian timber wall panels that provide both air reticulation and sound absorption, organised around a series of textured horizontal bands that transition from rough to smooth. This mirrors the protective qualities of the bark during the eucalyptus forest's cycle of growth, burn and regrowth. Intricate metallic filigree screens mediate the interplay of light and shadow in social breakout and office spaces.

A key element of the design is the staff hub: a series of breakout spaces vertically linked by a feature stair within the controlled access zone, encouraging staff to move easily between departments and social spaces. This environment is an open, warm, light-filled space designed to engender workplace cohesion.

Meanwhile a state-of-the-art gallery space is dedicated to displaying the embassy’s permanent collection as well as a changing exhibition of artworks, sculptures and audio-visual displays. The works emphasise Australia’s artistic excellence, rich Indigenous heritage and depict the stories of vibrant diaspora communities.

"Incorporating a state-of-the-art gallery in the embassy project is commendable, and an opportunity to showcase Australia’s artistic excellence," the judges said.

Design highlights

At the heart of the 20,000 square metre building, a large atrium serves as an orienting space displaying a powerful connection between the ground plane and the sky. This central atrium establishes a north south axial arrangement of representational spaces where every visitor is granted an equally immersive experience on entry.

The security screening area provides access to the staff lifts, the consular department and a representational waiting space, allowing for the clear separation of these key flows. The representational waiting space serves as the threshold to the formal and ceremonial areas and is furnished with bespoke rugs of Aboriginal design and handcrafted Australian designed furniture.

The judges said: "The building as a whole appears as an amazingly integrated unit that functions on several levels at once, both figuratively and literally. The representation in a foreign country is achieved through purposeful and well designed exhibition spaces, as well as carefully crafted spatial planning that represents the human values through both the public and private zones, while none of those is perceived as secondary or back of the house. The design language is reinterpreted throughout the spaces without repeating and creates an organic flow inside and out."

Photo credit: Joe Fletcher