The new U.S. Embassy Lilongwe supports the continued expansion of U.S.–Malawi diplomatic, development, security, and commercial relations. Situated on a 16-acre site along Presidential Way, this campus embodies the State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations’ (OBO) mission to provide safe, secure, functional, and resilient facilities that provide a robust platform for U.S. diplomacy abroad. The new embassy symbolizes the strength of our shared commitment to democracy and human rights, sustainable economic development, investing in people through health and education, and increased cooperation on global priorities. The project’s sustainable design, construction, and operations showcase the best of U.S. architecture, engineering, and construction execution. The Miller Hull Partnership of Seattle is the design architect, and B.L. Harbert International of Birmingham, Alabama, is the design/build contractor, with Page of Washington, D.C., as the architect of record.
Design & Construction
The campus design prioritizes communal space, drawing people in and promoting a natural flow of movement that will foster collaboration, engagement, and inclusion. The site’s unique natural features, including the east tributary and numerous mature tree canopies, will be carefully preserved and enhanced, elevating the experience of nature for both staff and visitors. Native and climate-adapted tree species set the landscape character and strengthen the landscape’s link with the nearby Lilongwe River and Lingadzi Forest Reserve. The exterior material palette draws inspiration from the natural golden-yellow stone and warm-red soil found on the site. A copper-colored aluminum brise soleil will regulate temperatures and create a comfortable indoor environment for staff and visitors, strategically directing natural light into collaboration areas while moderating the intensity. The interior design pulls inspiration from defining geographic features of the country, such as the fresh waters of Lake Malawi and the warm palette of colors found throughout the landscape.
Resilience & Stewardship
The new campus will employ advanced energy-efficiency strategies and systems that significantly reduce energy and water demand. Exterior solar shading elements will help mitigate solar heat gain. The landscape design connects the site to its natural environment, promoting the absorption of stormwater and preventing surface runoff. Indigenous plantings promote the local ecosystem, support wildlife and habitat growth, and minimize the need for irrigation. The project is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®), a global green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. The project is required to achieve Silver certification, while targeting Gold with its additional sustainability design- and construction-related efforts.
Art
The permanent art collection, curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies, will include art in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printing by both U.S. and Malawian 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 Malawian cultural heritage.