New U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo Project
The United States and Mexico have a consequential bilateral relationship, directly impacting the everyday lives of millions of U.S. and Mexican citizens, whether through trade, joint security, or tourism. Within similar timeframes, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations has undertaken five major builds across Mexico: four new consulate facilities in Hermosillo, Guadalajara, Merida, and Nogales, and a new embassy in Mexico City. Among the Mission Mexico new facilities, the new consulate complex in Hermosillo is an important physical representation of the long-term commitment to the U.S.- Mexico relationship and a permanent presence.
Nestled in northwest Mexico’s state of Sonora, Hermosillo stands as both the economic and political hub of the region. A shared culture, geography, and a closely linked history mean that Hermosillo and the state of Sonora have much in common with Arizona. The name of the city in Spanish signifies “pretty little place”. Although the city retains its charm, Hermosillo is quickly becoming a thriving metropolis as new investors come to the city to take advantage of the highly educated workforce and proximity to major U.S. markets. Hermosillo and its environs continue to provide an exciting vision for Mexico’s future: a strong regional partner with robust cultural and interpersonal ties presenting extensive opportunities for U.S. investment.
Project Overview
Richärd | Kennedy Architects
Design Architect
Page
Architect of Record
BL Harbert International
General Contractor
7.9 acres
Site Size
$230 million
Project Budget
$40 million
Estimated Local Investment
The new U.S. consulate general in Hermosillo, Mexico, strikes the balance between national presence and cultural respect, with a design that integrates diplomacy and sustainability in an artful way.
The design’s inspiration was derived from traditional public buildings throughout Mexico; simply massed buildings with openings framed by a balcony, railing, and shade canopy, often showcasing decorative ironwork by local artisans.
Design
The design palette includes elements like white stucco, stone, iron, and glass, often featuring internal courtyards or atria for a blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Accents of color and iconic frescos found throughout the city are reinterpreted in the new consulate through commissioned art pieces.
The armature, a reinterpretation of the balcony as a scalar shading element, provides articulation of shade and shadow. The openings and screens within the armature provide protection from the sun, shade for the ground, and selectively edited views.
The interior is designed in a way that allows the mission to adapt and reconfigure the workplace environment as the needs of the mission change.
Sustainability
The project incorporates several notable green features aimed at sustainability and environmental responsibility, including solar photovoltaic (PV) electrical and hot water arrays, stormwater detention and infiltration systems, as well as water-efficient drip irrigation systems utilizing stormwater reuse. Additionally, an automated building controls system, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and strategic design elements like low heat-gain windows and shading contribute to building-energy reduction.
The site design prioritizes the use of locally sourced xeric plant species to significantly decrease water consumption in the consulate’s landscape. The project is registered with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®), a renowned green building certification program that recognizes exemplary building strategies and practices, with a minimum goal of achieving Silver certification.
Art
The permanent art collection curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies encompasses a diverse range of artistic media such as painting, photography, ceramics, textiles, and sculptures created by artists from both the United States and Mexico. Through site-specific commissions, the collection reflects a deep understanding of the richness, diversity, and interconnectedness of U.S., Mexican, and Mexican-American cultural heritage. The collection and commissions foster a meaningful dialogue that emphasizes shared values between the people of the United States and Mexico.
