{"id":1022,"date":"2025-07-28T17:00:37","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T17:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/?p=1022"},"modified":"2025-08-01T15:09:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T15:09:37","slug":"ennead-architects-creates-us-consulate-with-monumental-diplomatic-presence-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/index.php\/2025\/07\/28\/ennead-architects-creates-us-consulate-with-monumental-diplomatic-presence-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Ennead Architects creates US consulate with “monumental diplomatic presence”"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"US<\/div>\n

Architecture studio Ennead Architects<\/a> has completed a US consulate at the Arizona<\/a>–Mexico<\/a> border that features metal roofs informed by traditional southwestern structures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Located in Nogales, Mexico, the primary purpose of the US Consulate General will be to process work visas for those entering the US. According to Ennead Architects<\/a>, the location is “one of the most active border crossings between the two countries”.<\/p>\n

\"Consulate
Ennead Architects has completed a US consulate building in Nogales, Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The project’s major design influences were its steep, desert site, as well as “traditional Mexican ramadas<\/a>” \u2013 open-air pavilions made of natural materials such as mesquite that were used for shelter or ceremonial uses.<\/p>\n

“We confronted a steeply sloping site defined by a number of regional challenges, including water management and extreme heat conditions, while demanding both human-scale functionality and a monumental diplomatic presence,” said Ennead Architects principal Felicia Berger. “Our design strategy embraced these extremes, allowing diplomacy to flourish.”<\/p>\n

\"US
The building is located on a steep site on the border of Arizona and Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The building is accessed through two gatehouse buildings that sit on either side of the site and lead to the consulate at the top of a hill.<\/p>\n

It is broken down into “three distinct, stacked volumes”, topped with an expansive roof canopy made of a textured steel-and-aluminium screen, while similar screens cover pavilions in the outdoor courtyards<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"US
Expansive roof canopies were informed by traditional Mexican ramadas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The facade was clad in stone<\/a> bricks that pay homage to the tones of the surrounding desert, while marbled stone pavers were used for pathways throughout the site.<\/p>\n

A band of picture windows wraps around the top floor, and other areas, such as the entrance and a terrace, are also lined with planes of glazing.<\/p>\n

\"US
Drought-resistant species were planted in the landscape<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the studio, the deep-set windows reference \u00a0“centuries-old Mexican construction techniques”.<\/p>\n

Outside, drought-tolerant plants were placed around the courtyards and an irrigation system funnels water into underground cisterns. This was designed to prevent runoff to the surrounding community, which is prone to flooding, and to decrease the use of the municipal water.<\/p>\n