Australian Embassy, Washington, USA
Inspired by the rugged beauty of the Outback, Australian architects Bates Smart designed a monolithic edifice to house the nation’s new diplomatic mission in Washington.
Bates Smart's design for the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C.—one of the country's largest diplomatic outposts—combines civic functionality with national symbolism. The building’s façade, a masterful interplay of materiality and light, changes throughout the day. Angled copper cladding juxtaposed with large expanses of glass, give the structure a dynamic, engaging presence.
Tinted glass reflects the surroundings, while vertical elements evoke Australia’s iconic eucalyptus forests. This sophisticated design marries contemporary architecture with natural inspiration, capturing the essence of Australia and its position on the world stage.