PROJECT | Australian Embassy, Washington
LOCATION | Washington D.C
ARCHITECT | Bates Smart
PHOTOGRAPHY | Joe Fletcher
The New Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C.: A Symbol of Heritage and Innovation
The design for the new Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C., stands as an integral civic space and an enduring symbol of Australia. It honours the legacy of its predecessor, built on the same site, and continues to foster the special relationship between allies, partners, and friends.
Located at the heart of the U.S. capital, the embassy respects the predominant architectural style of Capitol Hill, completing Scott Circle and addressing the street axes to 16th Street, the White House, and Massachusetts Avenue, commonly referred to as Embassy Row. The design acknowledges the site’s transition from the predominantly residential urban realm to the north and the more commercial area to the south.
The building’s transparency reflects Australian values of welcomeness and trust, while the expansive interior atmosphere represents the vastness of the Australian landscape, evoking a sense of something greater than ourselves, shaped through the enormity of time. At the heart of the building, a large atrium serves as an organising and orienting space, displaying a powerful connection between the ground and the sky. This central atrium gives rise to an axial arrangement of representational spaces, ensuring every visitor has an equally immersive experience.
A key element of the design is the staff hub, featuring breakout spaces vertically linked by a feature stair within the controlled access zone, encouraging easy movement between departments and social spaces. Open and equitable workspaces with ample daylight promote a calm and ordered atmosphere. The U-shaped plan and side core arrangement ensure efficient floorplates, allowing departments to adapt to changing requirements.
The embassy also celebrates Australian culture and art. The waiting room, acting as a threshold to formal and ceremonial areas, showcases Australian furniture designers and First Nations artists with bespoke furniture and specialty rugs. The display of Australian artworks emphasises the nation’s artistic excellence, rich indigenous heritage, and vibrant diaspora communities. The selection and commissioning process for these works were guided by the Australian Government’s cultural policy pillars, ensuring a meaningful and engaging experience for all visitors.
Celebrating Australian Design: The Molloy Collection.
The embassy's interiors are further complemented by selected furniture showcasing leading Australian artists, designers, and manufacturers. Among these is the Molloy collection, featuring the Molloy Chairs and Molloy Table, which embody the spirit of Australian design.
Designed by Adam Goodrum, the Molloy collection is elegantly sculptural, with fluid detailing inspired by a rare act of nature. The artfully rounded joinery, where two elements meet and seamlessly become one, draws inspiration from the unusual meeting of two rivers to form the Molloy River in Western Australia – a place where Goodrum hand-built a holiday home with his family.
Crafted using sustainable materials and finishes, the Molloy pieces embody a future-forward aesthetic and informality, celebrating the essence of Australian design. These pieces not only enhance the embassy's interior but also serve as a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of Australian designers.
Molloy Chair
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