The new U.S. Embassy in Baghdad embodies all of the negative connotations of the American presence in Iraq and provides an example of how not to build an embassy, according to Jonathan Glancey.
"What embassy architecture really shouldn't be, is like the new US embassy in Baghdad. Opened this week, this monster of a modern fortress designed by Berger Devine Yaeger , has been described by at least one US commentator as the "imperial mother ship dropping into Baghdad." It could, I suppose, be seen as a latter-day, Wild East-version of a 7th Cavalry fort, with the Iraqis playing the role of Native Americans."
"Whatever it might be in our imaginations, it spells "undiplomatic" in the kind of rough and ready capital letters found stencilled on to the side of tanks, armoured cars and military trucks. And given that this vast compound – 10 times bigger than the UN complex in Manhattan and comprising over 20 buildings – has been built for the most part by humbly-paid "guest" workers from Bangladesh, the Philippines and elsewhere, it looks and feels like the work of a regime battling for first place with the galactic empire itself."
"Many of the best new embassy buildings fit into their host cities happily while offering something a little different to local design."
Thanks to ArchNewsNow
FULL STORY: The architecture of diplomacy
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions