The United States Consulate General in Milan integrates old and new into an expression of international friendship.

In our ongoing work with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Overseas Building Operations (OBO), SHoP was asked to design the U.S. Consulate General in Milan. We developed a cohesive plan for the main buildings and grounds that responds to the historic landmarks on the site—a former sporting club—while addressing the complex programmatic requirements of the contemporary diplomatic facility.

The new building is framed across the grounds by the iconic Liberty Building, an elegant and enduring example of neoclassical architecture dating to 1905. It will be restored and repurposed as a gateway welcoming visitors and staff to the new campus.

Ideas of axiality, procession, dignified materiality and historical continuity organize the project parti. The main building is clad in monumental CNC-milled stonework.

Secure yet inviting, the stately and timeless design of the consulate includes dozens of specialized office environments optimized to serve the many departments working together within the new campus.

A long gallery structure, a relic of the site's former use, is preserved as a major landscape element.

More information and a link to download the full project monograph may be found here.

  • phase construction
  • size 11,000 sm

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