Location
Located in the heart of Jakarta along the southern edge of the Medan Merdeka, the new U.S. Bi-Mission compound provides a secure, modern, and sustainable platform for diplomacy and statecraft. Replacing the, low-rise buildings that the U.S. government has occupied since shortly after World War II, the new facilities house both the U.S. Mission to Indonesia and the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, as well as the Indonesian and American employees who serve as the backbone of the America’s presence in the region.
Completed in October 2018, Phase I of the project includes a Chancery, Marine Security Guard Residence, and support facilities for the Bi-Mission community. Phase II, scheduled for completion in late 2019, and adds a consular pavilion, reflecting pool by the main entrance, a heritage building, and additional landscape improvements.
Design and Construction
The U.S. Embassy/USASEAN compound is anchored by a 10-story, 330,000 square foot glass Chancery building, whose design is a reflection of Jakarta’s tropical climate and environment. Surfaced with a system of perforated metal louvers, the Chancery responds to the site’s equatorial position, while alluding to local woven textiles and bamboo. The design of our building exhibits respect and commitment to Indonesia, as well as our partnership with ASEAN.
In addition to the new Chancery, the grounds include a diverse series of gardens and open spaces. A significant landscape feature includes preservation of a magnificent Rain Tree (Samanea saman).
Phase II of the project includes restoration of a historic building which the Republic of Indonesia delegation occupied during negotiations with the Dutch in 1949. The front portion of the reconstruction will incorporate authentic materials from the original structure.
Art
Curated by the Office of Art in Embassies, the art collection in the new Embassy building involves a variety of media including painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, textile, and fiber art by both Indonesian and American artists. Celebrating the natural beauty and rich artistic traditions of both countries, the collection inspires visitors and energizes the public and work spaces throughout the building.
Two of the installations were commissioned specifically for this building. One is a flowing, fiber sculpture by American artist Janet Echelman that hangs suspended from the atrium ceiling and is visible from the street. Another is a two-story ceramic coral reef installation by American artist and oceans advocate Courtney Mattison that highlights the diversity and impermanence of the underwater ecosystem. The Iwan Tirta batik pieces were not commissioned, but works that already existed in the Embassy collection. The restoration and framing of the batiks was initiated by the Office of Cultural Heritage in coordination with the Art in Embassy program. This significant art collection fosters conversation about the shared cultural values between Indonesia, the United States, and ASEAN members, and recognizes the strong partnership between our nations.
Sustainability
The project is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and is on target to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED©) Silver certification.
The Chancery’s unique design is projected to reduce energy costs by 30% compared with a conventional building. Energy savings are accomplished through the use of high-efficiency chillers, low-flow toilet fixtures, light emitting diodes (LEDs), site and interior lighting, and other sustainable features. In addition, energy consumption is reduced by limiting the building’s exposure to solar heat gain through its north-south orientation and use of exterior metal sunshades. The building is sheathed in a series of solar screens, made of metal blades and tubes that effectively shade the building while allowing for natural light to illuminate most areas.
In Phase II of the project, covered walkways will incorporate solar panels to reduce power demand using state of the art technology. Wastewater will be treated, recycled, and used to irrigate spacious green landscaped areas, including several beautiful trees of historical significance which have been preserved. The sustainable features of this Chancery and compound serve as an example of buildings found in “smart cities”, improving the quality of life for people working inside as well as contributing to te overall environment of the city.
Facts & Figures
Size: 330,000 square feet
Height: 10 stories
Inaugurated: March 2019
