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Diplomatic
Syrian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Diplomatic and cultural headquarters · Embassy Row, Massachusetts Avenue NW — Washington, D.C.
- Location
- Embassy Row, Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
- Context
- Adjacent to the green spaces of Rock Creek
- Buildings
- Embassy, consulate, ambassador’s residence, workforce residence
- Concept
- Damascene courtyard, shaded arcades, security zoning
Overview
The design draws inspiration from traditional Damascene architecture, using the central courtyard as the main organising element of the complex. The surrounding masses, shaded arcades and transitional spaces create a balance between privacy, openness and visual connectivity. The project aims to create a diplomatic and cultural headquarters that reflects Syrian identity through a contemporary architectural language, while achieving a balance between functionality, security and sustainability.
CourtyardArcadeSecurityIdentity
Design notes
- 01Four buildings — embassy, consulate, ambassador’s residence and workforce residence — are held together by the courtyard rather than by a shared roof.
- 02The massing is generated from the site boundaries: carving the inner courtyard, separating the public consular edge from the private residence, then wrapping both in shaded arcades.
- 03Security and climate are handled in the language of the facade: deep reveals, screens and shaded circulation, with the courtyard as the social core.
Boards