The proposition for the Australian Embassy in Bangkok is that the land upon and within which the diverse cultural realms exist binds us all. The ubiquity of the concept of “land” defines the experience of living in Australia, whether in the agricultural, desert, coastal or urban realms.
The primary material palette of bricks, stone and timber are all imported from Australia and showcase the visceral and expressive qualities of natural Australian materials. To express the cultural and political synthesis between Australia and Thailand, the brick colours were derived from traditional bricks, timber is used with reference to Thai tradition and the rich verdant landscape of Thailand creates the expression of the embassy grounds.
The form of the chancery and ambassador’s residence brings to mind the ancient landscape of Australia blended with the smooth and luscious forms of traditional architecture of shrines, stupas and traditional Thai public places.
These are unique and imagamatic environments and are the conceptual foundations of the new Australian Embassy in Bangkok.