What do we imagine a typical embassy to look like? Most likely, it should be an austere building in an understated color scheme, where diplomats solve serious issues. But in fact embassies can surprise with their architectural solutions, originality and beauty. Collected seven stunning buildings from all corners of the world.

Swiss Embassy in Abidjan
Until 2015, the Swiss Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire was located on the top floor of an ordinary office building. However, it was decided to buy the former residence of the Norwegian ambassador in an attractive area, renovate and expand the existing building and make a new embassy in it. Localarchitecture was in charge of the project.

The building is located on a large green plot. The new building had to fulfil four criteria: the embassy had to work efficiently, respect the villa’s past, take the climate into account and embody Swiss values. The extension of the residence was straightforward, the glass façade protected it from the elements, and the materials used recalled Abidjan’s cultural heritage.

German Embassy in Muscat
The German Embassy building, located in the diplomatic quarter, has become a landmark and a unique structure in the area. The architects from Hoehler + alSalmy were responsible for its creation: the team provided a special system which ensures that even during heavy rains the site never floods.

The façade combines both modern German and traditional Omani elements. The building also reflects local design features – vertical strips of windows and an ornamental shading screen, which is an important part of Omani architecture.

French Embassy in Port-au-Prince
A team from Explorations Architecture designed the French Embassy building in the Haitian capital. The circular structure is located in a huge park: the design was inspired by tropical architecture of several periods. The result is a pavilion with a stunning façade that protects against the local climate.

The building is organized on two levels around a naturally lit and ventilated covered atrium. All support services and the French Consulate are located in the main pavilion surrounded by a garden. The space also provides comfortable seating for employees and visitors.

Belgian Embassy in New Delhi
The Belgian Embassy in New Delhi is called a masterpiece of modern architecture. The red-brick building complex was designed by Satheesh Gujral, an architect and painter who has done a number of remarkable projects in large buildings such as embassies and cultural centers.

The site for the campus was chosen in the 1950s, but construction was delayed for 30 years. The triangular shape of the plan allowed the designer to show his ingenuity: the buildings are built on different levels, they are independent, but connected by passageways and cozy courtyards. The skylights allow plenty of natural light into the rooms, and the project itself looks more like an architectural monument.

The Egyptian Embassy in Lisbon
The Egyptian embassy is located in an affluent neighbourhood: it is on a site with a succession of large villas from the 40s and 50s, many of which were gradually transformed into diplomatic representations. The building combines the idea of shelter and security with the historical values and culture of the country.

The façade is made of precast concrete panels – this emphasizes the monumental seriousness of the ensemble. At the same time, the facade contrasts with the lightness of the window frames, which are handmade from thin profiles of stainless steel with a bronze coating.

The Embassy of the Netherlands in Addis Ababa
The new Dutch Embassy was designed by Dick Van Gameren and Bjarne Mastenbroek. The building can serve as an example of a thoughtful and sustainable approach to the existing natural and landscape values of Ethiopia.

The embassy is located on the southern edge of Addis Ababa in a eucalyptus grove surrounded by urban development. The walls and ceilings are made of the same material and painted ochre red. Although the structure resembles an Ethiopian-inspired architectural structure carved into the rock, the roof garden with its network of shallow pools hints at a Dutch water landscape.

Swiss Embassy in Nairobi
Designed by ro.ma. architekten, the incredible building represents Switzerland. It incorporated local building techniques and managed to combine functionality, safety and sustainability in one space.

The East African countryside is reflected in the unique character of the structure, the red-brown hue of the concrete and perimeter walls. Thus, the building takes on the color of “coffee soil,” an earth found throughout the Kenyan capital with a rich red hue. Another striking feature are the large windows, framed by geometric protrusions, which provide shade on the façade. The glass surfaces reflect vegetation and turn the building into part of the landscape.