United States Embassy
Ankara, Turkey

The new US Embassy in Ankara was designed by lead architect Ennead Architects in collaboration with a full team of consultants, including Spacesmith as interior architect, for the US Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO). The new Embassy balances transparency and openness with security while honoring Turkey’s historic architecture. Meeting OBO’s sustainability, resilience, and stewardship goals, Spacesmith designed a host of functional facilities that ensure a robust platform for U.S. diplomacy abroad.

It was crucial for Spacesmith to create work and support spaces that were both flexible and functional. After a series of flexibility and densification studies, our team designed open suites that can quickly adapt to changes in staffing needs. Spaces for growth, either in the form of desks or collaboration areas, are evenly distributed to give departments room to expand or contract with minimal disruption. Support zones with shared storage, touch-down spaces, and mail and recycling stations provide a layer of separation and privacy between teams.

By introducing areas for shared storage, our design team streamlined the typical workstation cluster and reduced the need for personal paper storage at each desk. Given the long life span of the facility, the adaptability of these

clusters ensures that personnel can increase the desk count by up to 33% within the existing footprint. In an environment where staff numbers are prone to sudden fluctuations, it is essential for these spaces to meet the ever-evolving needs of their tenants.

Additional amenities for staff and their families include a gym, bank, commissary, visitor and community liaison offices, and a pool cabana.

Referencing the country’s material palette, marble and travertines, native wood varieties, and local ceramics are incorporated throughout the interior and exterior, connecting the Embassy to its local context. Having achieved LEED Silver certification, the building exemplifies efficient design.