Consulate General of the United States of America, Hyderabad, India

  • Prize
    Winner in Architectural Design - Institutional
  • Company/Firm
    Richärd | Kennedy Architects
  • Lead Designer
    James Richärd, FAIA
  • Architect
    Richärd Kennedy Architects
  • Interior Designer
    White Baux Studio
  • Lighting Designer
    ARUP
  • Const. Company
    Caddell Construction Co., LLC
  • Photographer Credit
    Gabe Border
  • Location
    Hyderabad, India
  • Client
    U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations
  • Project Date
    March 20, 2023

Inspired by Gandhi, whose teachings encouraged locals to spin and weave their own cotton products, the new U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, India skillfully integrates function, security, and sustainability while responding to its site to create a landmark building. The concept of weaving influences both the architecture and site design. Functional "strands" of the Chancery building program are interwoven, forming a continuous architectural element.

The concept, planning, and design harmonizes with the site topography, minimizing impact and limiting extensive excavation as a gesture of respect towards the culturally significant landscape. The primary building is cast in white concrete, adorned with a unifying, brass jali screen representing India's rich culture. The screen serves as a response to the need for shade and privacy, providing filtered light and selective views.

The project seamlessly integrates sustainable design, enhancing both the economy and diplomatic experience. The new Consulate General serves as a beacon of collaboration and partnership, ensuring a bright and intertwined future for both nations, bolstered by diplomacy, security, and shared aspirations.

Bio
Richärd | Kennedy Architects is a studio-based, integrated architectural and interiors practice focusing primarily on Higher Education, Research, Public and Academic Library design, and
Diplomatic Facilities. The studio was founded in 1996 by architect James Richärd FAIA, and Stephen Kennedy AIA. Each of the principals of the firm was educated at the University of Arizona in the Tucson Sonoran Desert, developing sensitivity to the context of the region and environment. To that end, the firm remains an intimate scale of 25 highly skilled and motivated people.

Other prizes
College of Idaho: Cruzen-Murray Library Awards: • 2022 AIA/ALA Library Building Award • 2021 The Chicago Athenaeum, International Architecture Award • 2019 SEAOA, Merit Award • 2018 AIA Arizona, Honor Award • 2018 AIA Western Mountain Region, Design Excellence Honor Award East Las Vegas Library Awards: Certified LEED Gold • 2020 NAIOP Southern Nevada, Honor Award, Special Use • 2019 AIA Nevada, Citation Award, Built Category • 2019 MUDA Award, Public Places Category • 2019 ULI Placemaking Award, Community Place OBO: Matamoros, Mexico Awards: Certified LEED Gold • 2021 The Chicago Athanaeum, International Architecture Award • 2021 BuildSouth Awards - International • 2021 AIA Northern Virginia: Excellence in Institutional Architecture • 2020 ENR Global Best Projects, Best Government Building Asante Library Awards: Certified LEED Silver • 2022 AIA/ALA, Library Building Awards • 2022 Arizona Forward: Environmental Excellence Award • 2022 RED Awards, Recreation or Public Works Project of the Year • 2021 RED Awards, Merit Award • 2021 The Chicago Athenaeum, International Architecture Award • 2021 SEAOA, Merit Award