A new U.S. Embassy has opened in Beijing. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, the new embassy, at 500,000 sq. ft. and accommodating over 600 employees, is the second largest embassy ever constructed in US history. The complex occupies a 10-acre site in the capital city's Third Diplomatic Enclave, northeast of the Forbidden City.

Former President George H. W. Bush, speaking at the opening ceremony, noted the remarkable changes that Beijing has undergone since his first visit 34 years ago, adding, "I feel the same sense of awe standing here to behold the transformation that our beloved embassy complex has undergone."

Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr. says, "This spectacular new embassy complex will provide the United States government with a platform appropriate for the most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century, the United States-China relationship."

Rather than create a single monumental tower, SOM's San Francisco-based team—led by
design partner Craig W. Hartman, FAIA—has created a collection of elegant, low- and midrise buildings set in a series of gardens. The stone, concrete and glass buildings establish a modern American presence within a landscape that is contemporary in expression yet based on traditional Chinese planning principles.

"The most significant challenge and ultimately the inspiration was symbolism and physical
place," says Hartman. "As a sovereign US presence on Chinese soil, it seemed especially
important that our Embassy's architecture reflect our cultural, social and political values
while being respectful of China, a country with an ancient and extraordinarily rich culture."

To meet functional requirements—while also encouraging social, professional, and
intellectual interaction among embassy staff—the design is organized into three neighborhoods. Outdoor space and low pavilions containing a cafeteria and store serve embassy staff and families. Offices reside within a eight-story tower and three-story pavilion. The tower is veiled in patterned ceramic frit-coated glass supported on a tensile-net structure, creating a luminous and delicate presence in the district. Finally, the light-filled consular building, gardens, and main public entrance to the east welcome visitors.

Landscape architects Peter Walker and Partners collaborated closely with SOM on gardens
and courtyards throughout the complex.