With a total of 10,796 square meters, the site for the new Chancery Building is located within the International Center in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D. C. 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.
Client: Department of Administration Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China
Project Type: Governmental
Completion Date: July 2008
Size: ,436m² / 267,178ft²
Architect: Pei Partnership Architects with I.M. Pei Architect
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 create a thoughtful and harmonious balance between the built form and the landscape.
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 take place. The new Chancery Building also features a 200-seat auditorium for press conferences. In various locations, modern and traditional artwork is 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 that create an optimal and secure working environment for the Chancery staff.
Pei Partnership Architects LLP
Pei Partnership Architects, established in 1992 and located in New York City, is a full-service, international design practice that focuses on a single goal: design excellence.
Founding partners Chien Chung (Didi) Pei and Li Chung (Sandi) Pei, sons of world-renowned architect, I. M. Pei, and for many years’ key members of his firm, are dedicated to design commitment, innovation and distinction. The Pei brother’s accumulated knowledge and experience is exemplified in the successful completion of many complex buildings worldwide. Their design values are based on the belief that architecture should be thoughtful, well-built and respond to societal needs. Pei Partnership Architects’ ethos, “respect for the past and responsiveness to present needs in the pursuit of enduring architecture,” is the foundation of the firm’s entire body of work.
Pei Partnership Architects’ approach to design starts with a thorough understanding the uniqueness of each project. Design solutions integrate building elements in a synthesized and comprehensive manner, always intending to meet the needs of the client and the occupants. In striving for design excellence, Pei Partnership Architects considers not only immediate site conditions but also a larger context—both physical and cultural. All design takes into account the natural environment and sustainability and aims to create a positive impact for future development in the area.
Throughout its 26 years of practice, Pei Partnership Architects has been engaged in the design of high-profile projects both very large and small, including residential high-rise towers, healthcare facilities, institutional buildings, museums and corporate headquarters, as well as urban master plans and waterfront parks. The firm’s international practice extends around the globe to include projects in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The partners and senior members of the firm focus on forging strong, long-term relationships with clients as sound client ties are the most important contributor to the firm’s long term success. These relationships are cultivated by providing superior, pro-active and timely personal service. Open communication with clients creates a productive working environment, sparks creativity and allows clients to fully share in the common project vision.
Employee talent is the cornerstone of our success. The firm has an environment where the staff meets fresh, exciting design challenges and there is a platform open to innovation.
