The Department of State’s Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has shortlisted six design teams for the new U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. The project is part of OBO’s Excellence in Diplomatic Facilities initiative in which seeks to provide safe and functional facilities that represent the best in American architecture.
Although the thirty-nine firms who responded to the challenge all presented a “high level of design excellence, innovative site and landscape designs, and strong sustainability experience,” only these six practices will make it through to the competitions second round:
- Diller Scofidio + Renfro
- Mack Scogin Merrill Elam/AECOM
- Morphosis Architects
- Rafael Viñoly Architects
- Steven Holl Architects
- Yazdani Studio
The new embassy will be located approximately 11 kilometers north of the city center and in close proximity to the existing embassy. The complex will include a chancery, support offices and utility buildings, a parking structure, Marine residence, Representational housing, staff housing, access control facilities, and a community center.
The top six will now assemble their technical teams and submit detailed information on their organization and qualifications for the Stage 2 evaluation
News vis the Department of State