Embassy Architects Selected

Per a statement from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Building Operations (OBO), in regards to the selection of Ennead Architects: "The multi-building complex will be situated on a nine-acre site in [Ankara's] Karakusunlar neighborhood, and will include a chancery, U.S. Marine Corps residence, warehouse, support annex, utility building, parking garage, and community facilities. A construction award for the project is anticipated in fiscal year 2016."

And in a statement from OBO on the selection of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill: "The new U.S. Embassy complex will be located on a six-acre site in the Kollupitiya neighborhood of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The project includes a five-story Chancery building, a U.S. Marine Corps residence, utility building, warehouse, community facilities, and a parking structure. A design-build award for the project is anticipated in fiscal year 2015."

In regards to the Department of State's prolific Embassy building program, the OSO states (our emphasis): "OBO's mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives.  These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution."