Located on a nine-acre (36,621 square meters) campus in the burgeoning Söğütözü business district in Turkey’s capital city, the new U.S. Embassy Ankara supports the continued expansion of U.S.–Turkish diplomatic, security, and commercial relations and embodies the mission of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) to provide safe, secure, functional, and resilient facilities that ensure a robust platform for U.S. diplomacy abroad. The project’s sustainable design, construction, and operations represent the best of U.S. architecture, engineering, and construction execution. The architect for the project was Ennead Architects of New York and B.L. Harbert International of Birmingham, Alabama, was the general contractor. Roughly $175 million has been invested in the local economy throughout the project.
Design & Construction
The project builds upon traditional Turkish courtyard design by combining architectural and landscape elements into one complete form. A series of internal courtyards bring light into the building and provide guests and embassy staff with outdoor spaces for gatherings and events. The main courtyard features an Ultra-High-Performace Concrete (UHPC) shell that protects the interior from solar heat gain. The entry path from the street to the pavilion creates a clear, direct route along the ascent to the front door. Applying universal design tenets, the gently sloped approach avoids stairs and lifts while facilitating wayfinding with clear lines of sight. Providing green space was a priority, with native vegetation and courtyards that blur the boundary between inside and outside. Referencing the rich material palette of Turkey, local Marmara marble, native wood varieties, and local stone and ceramics are incorporated into the lobby and chancery façade, further connecting the campus to its local context. The stone-clad façade morphs into stone screens where it crosses windows and openings, simultaneously providing daylight and views out and ensuring security and privacy within.
Resilience & Stewardship
The new embassy employs rigorous energy-saving and sustainability features, aiming to reduce environmental impact, optimize building performance, and enhance the self-sufficiency of the campus. Energy demand is significantly reduced with highly insulated exterior walls, efficient mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems, and solar energy water heating. Ultra-low flow plumbing fixtures, climate-appropriate landscaping, and harvested rainwater minimize water consumption. The project is registered with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®)—a global green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices—and has a minimum goal of Silver certification.
Art
The permanent art collection, curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies, includes art in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printing by both U.S. and Turkish artists. The collection seeks to create a dialogue of shared values between the people of both countries. Highlights are site-specific commissions that reflect an understanding of the diversity and richness of U.S. and Turkish cultural heritage.