Architecure Meets ... the U.S. Embassy in London

Philadelphia based firm KieranTimberlake won the international design competition to create a new US Embassy in London. The fifty four person, 25-year-old firm beat out other, more well known practices including Richard Meier, Morphosis and Pei Cobb Freed for the chance to build this give London a much-needed American HQ. This design will surely shake up the otherwise austere and classical planning that typify the London landscape. Of course, in recent years, with the Swiss Re Tower and such, London has begun to see a skyline defined by more than just Big Ben and Westminster Abby. Still, the city ordinances and zoning rules that exclude the possibility of legitimate high rises present a unique challenge to architects that want innovative and modern but are confined to small scales. KieranTimberlake was able to design something that would satisfy both modern and traditional tastes. A clean and simple glass cube punctuated by a waving glass facade, the embassy is a fine testament to American relations.

Meeting all the standards of energy efficiency put forth as a requirement for the new embassy, the design is modern, welcoming, timeless, safe and eco friendly for the 21st century. The theory behind the concept, according to the firm, is openess, trasparency and equality, along the lines of democracy in a way. They wanted something that met all the security requirements of a political landmark (bomb proof glass, checkpoints, barriers) but incorporated in a way that did not appear like a fortress. It is secure but also welcoming at the same time.

Situated on a five acre parcel of land on the waterfront, known as the Nine Elms site, the structure is a solid cube that allows for maximum office space while meeting cost cutting and efficiency standards. The faceted glass facade features blast resistance glazing as well as solar shading while simultaneously turning solar energy into energy to power the building. Air pockets formed by the glass points prevent thermal transfer and internally cools the structure naturally while also alerting birds from colliding with the glass.

The landscape design features an intricate urban park with water and shruberry elements. For a full rundown, read KieranTimberlake's own breakdown here and LA Times' review here.