A first-hand account

Having attended the inauguration of the Bates Smart-designed Embassy in Washington D.C., we hear exclusively from Kristen Whittle on his own personal journey and reflections on the design.

The new Australian Embassy in Washington DC is complete! As former Head of Design/Design Director at Bates Smart, Kristen Whittle – now running his own practice, Studio Kristen Whittle – attended the exclusive inauguration event and talks us through his experiences.

But first, and by way of setting the scene, we share a snippet of a speech given by Whittle on behalf of Bates Smart in 2016:

“The new chancery of the Australian Embassy in Washington signifies the enduring nature of our relationship with the United States of America […] The building, located in a key strategic location on Scott Circle in Washington, significantly elevates Australia’s status and relationship with the USA. It’s a fine-grained solution seamlessly integrated into D.C.’s mid-scaled local character, whilst also balancing and celebrating aspects of Australian authenticity, identity, and symbolism.

“The building’s contemporary purpose – promoting Australian culture and business interests in the USA – was fulfilled by harnessing Australia’s own natural personae, its democratic governance, the diversity of its people, its ancient cultures and the beauty of its awe-inspiring landscape. The project synthesises these associations with a complete and holistic strategy: honest, articulate, contemporary and measured in its demeanour.”

– Click the link above to read the full article.