US Department of State
Bureau of Overseas Building Operations
Term Contracts 2004-2018

For nearly fifteen years, over three consecutive term contracts, Davis Brody Bond has been working with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Building Operations (OBO). Projects in these contracts have ranged from designs of new embassy compounds to the comprehensive restoration and modernizations of existing embassies; from perimeter security upgrades, access control facilities, facade hardening, interior design, site surveys to blast vulnerability studies.

In 2011, we worked with the OBO to develop their new Embassy Perimeter Improvement Concepts (EPIC) initiative. We assessed, documented, and analyzed the perimeters of four embassy compounds. Utilizing this information, we developed a set of design guidelines to present a positive image of the US overseas while preserving the functional and security requirements inherent to an embassy facility.

Through our OBO term contracts, we have had the opportunity to work on iconic embassies designed in the 1950s and 1960s by noted architects such as Walter Gropius, Eero Saarinen, Ralph Rapson and Harrison & Abramovitz. Our work on these buildings has been guided by the proportions, materials and rhythms used on the original structures; comprehensive research of their historic designs; and detailed analysis of the facilities’ current states. Sensitive preservation of these landmarked buildings is a priority to both the local governments and the U.S Department of State. We analyze these buildings for program fit and suitability for re-use, ability to accommodate new MEP, Data and telecommunication systems, and fire protection upgrades to meet more stringent US code requirements.

(Photography by Davis Brody Bond and Nic Lehoux; renderings by Marchmade)