With a total of 10,760 sq. meters, the site for the new Chancery Building is located within the International Center in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. Consolidated from three separate lots, the site is bounded by Van Ness Street to the north, International Drive to the west, International Place and Central Park to the south and is adjacent to the Embassy of Singapore, the Federal Office Building, and the Embassy of Israel.
The new Chancery Building derives its design cues from the immediate context and character of the International Center and a desire to respect and blend with the scale and texture of the neighboring buildings. Warm beige-hued French limestone is used throughout the building in recognition of the limestone found in many government buildings of Washington, DC.
As the symbol of the People’s Republic of China in the United States, the new Chancery Building’s overall design is derived from a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese architectural planning principles. Its south facing symmetrical entrance layout, exterior and interior spatial sequences, and the use of gardens and outdoor spaces have resulted in a thoughtful and harmonious balance between the built form and the landscape. Based on the functional requirements and characteristics of the site, the new Chancery Building is composed of three distinct elements: the West Office Wing (adjacent to the Federal Building), the East Office Wing (adjacent to the Embassy of Singapore), and the Entrance Pavilion linking the two wings.
Located at the end of the north-south portion of International Place, the Entrance Hall presents a distinguished, yet thoroughly modern and identifiable new symbol. From the Entrance Hall, visitors can go to the public area which includes reception rooms, banquet halls and the Grand Hall where important diplomatic functions will take place. The new Chancery Building also features a 200-seat auditorium for press conferences. In various locations, modern and traditional artwork will be displayed to showcase China’s rich cultural heritage. The interior space uses the same design vocabulary as the exterior. Lighting fixtures have been specially designed to reflect the geometrical character of the overall space. Both public and office buildings have state-of-the-art facilities which create an optimal and secure working environment for the Chancery staff.
The landscape design of the new Chancery is integral to the building, as all three structures are unified by the gardens and exterior spaces creating an environment of serenity and security.
Construction of the New Chancery Building began in June 2005. This is the first Chinese Embassy building specially commissioned by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be designed by the world-renowned architects. The building was entirely built by Chinese construction workers who arrived specially for this project. The new Chinese Embassy is one of the largest embassies in Washington, DC.
An inauguration ceremony for the new Chancery Building was held on July 29, 2008