Former President George H. W. Bush spoke at the dedication ceremony marking the opening of the new U.S. Embassy in Beijing on August 8, the same day the World Olympics opening ceremony welcomed the world to the one-time Forbidden City. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, the 500,000-square-foot complex accommodates 600 employees and is the second largest embassy ever constructed in U.S. history (only our embassy in Baghdad is larger). Created by SOM’s San Francisco-based team led by Design Partner Craig W. Hartman, FAIA, the design eschews a single tower in favor of a collection of stone, concrete, and glass low- and mid-rise buildings set in a series of gardens on a 10-acre site.

The architects characterize the design concept as the “buildings [that] establish a modern American presence within a landscape that is contemporary in expression yet based on traditional Chinese planning principles.” The complex is organized into three neighborhoods: an eight-story, fritted-glass tower and three-story pavilion for offices; outdoor space and low-rise pavilions including a cafeteria and store for employees; and the consular building, gardens, and public entrance on the auspicious east side of the building. Landscape architects Peter Walker and Partners collaborated closely with SOM on gardens and courtyards throughout the complex. Designer Hartman attended the ceremony with Managing Partner Gene Schnair, FAIA. (Rendering courtesy of SOM.)