Australian Embassy, Washington by Bates Smart
Bates Smart’s design of the new Australian Embassy in Washington embodies the spirit of Australia through direct references to the distinctive Australian landscape: its bright and clear natural light and open skies, its warm materiality and its vast scale. Through the use of these associations, the architects seek to create a civic building and symbol of Australia that is both enduring and welcoming. The new building will include an expansive glass atrium, a large open public space looking back toward the White House, an exhibition gallery and function spaces, and upper levels of flexible working areas, creating a highly contemporary, healthy and open workspace setting.
Project location Washington DC, USA
Client
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Type Civic
Site area 2,816 m2
Status – Design competition winner – Construction due to begin 2020, expected completion 2022
Practice location Melbourne, Australia