U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson

For Immediate Release April 20, 2017 2017

United States Breaks Ground on the New U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon

In an important symbol of enduring friendship with Lebanon, U.S. and Lebanese officials broke ground today on the new U.S. Embassy Compound in Beirut, Lebanon.

The multi-building compound will be located in the suburb of Awkar on a 43.87-acre site. The project includes a Chancery; Marine security guard residence; support annex buildings; representational, staff and temporary housing; facilities for the community; and parking.   The compound will provide Embassy employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.

Morphosis Architects of Culver City, California, is the architect for the project. B.L. Harbert International of Birmingham, Alabama, is the construction contractor.

Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has completed 135 new diplomatic facilities with an additional 50 projects now in design or under construction.

OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.

For further information, please contact Christine Foushee at FousheeCT@state.gov or (703) 875-4131, or visit www.state.gov/obo.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF OVERSEAS BUILDINGS OPERATIONS

U.S. EmbaSSy bEIRUT, LEbanon GRoUndbREakInG FacT ShEET apRIL 2017

Architect Morphosis Architects

General Contractor B.L. Harbert International

Total Project Budget $1,026,043,688

General InformatIon • The multi-building complex will be constructed on a 43.87-acre site in the Awkar suburb of Beirut,

Lebanon, located approximately 9 miles northwest of downtown Beirut and in close proximity to the existing Embassy Compound.

• The project includes a Chancery; Marine security guard residence; support annex and buildings; representational, staff and temporary housing; facilities for the community; and parking.

• The new Embassy compound will provide a secure, modern, and environmentally sustainable platform for diplomacy.

• The construction contract was awarded in December 2016, and completion of the project is anticipated in 2022.

DesIGn anD ConstruCtIon • The new Embassy compound will meet the Department’s security and life safety standards.

• The Embassy’s overall design draws on local building techniques adapted to the dramatic coastal topography, using a system of interwoven terraces that work with the landscape to enhance security, function, and performance.

• Buildings are clustered on the eastern half of the site, with recreational open space and future expansion space to the west.

• Blending with the medium density and character of the neighborhood, the compound maintains a low profile along Awkar Road, culminating in the symbolic rise of the Chancery, consulate, and public function areas at the highest point of the site.

• Consular services and areas dedicated to public diplomatic functions are designed around the visitor experience, with comfortable waiting areas, and shaded gardens.

• Extending from the Chancery, ribbon-like residential buildings frame the campus’ central service and circulation corridor.

• An estimated workforce of 2,000 American, Lebanese, and third-country workers will be involved in the construction of the new Embassy.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF OVERSEAS BUILDINGS OPERATIONS

sustaInabIlIty • The new Embassy Compound pursues rigorous energy-saving and sustainability goals, aiming to

reduce environmental impact, optimize building performance, and enhance the self-sufficiency of the campus.

• The project is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building rating system and is projected to earn LEED® Platinum status.

• The Compound is OBO’s first project designed to earn LEED for Neighborhood Development certification.

• Over 75% of wastewater will be reused on-site for irrigation to reduce the utility costs, stress on the local infrastructure, and to improve overall resiliency of the site.

Staff Housing Plaza Chancery Entry

• The design will achieve significant water use reduction both inside and outside the Chancery.

• Natural lighting and airflow are used whenever possible to reduce energy use. Folds and contours in the buildings are strategically oriented to increase privacy and security while reducing heat gain and maximizing views.

• Durable, locally-sourced materials, such as sculpted pre-cast concrete, stone, and metal panels, are used to improve longevity and reduce the energy footprint during construction.

• The design incorporates a 1.476 Mega Watt (MW) solar photovoltaic array at several locations across the site to achieve Net Zero Energy in operation target for the Chancery.

art • The permanent art collection, curated by the Office of Art in Embassies, will include art in a variety of

media, including painting, photography, textile and sculpture.

• Artists will be included from both the United States and Lebanon. The ultimate focus of the collection will be artwork that creates a dialogue of shared cultural values between American and host country artists.

Contact Information Alan Holst Christine Foushee Public Affairs Officer OBO Director of External Affairs HolstAR@state.gov FousheeCT@state.gov