Woods Bagot’s design for this Diplomatic Mission Complex reflects the prominence of the State of Kuwait within Australia, with the objective of strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries and reinforcing the Middle Eastern State as a progressive leader in global relations.
The design focuses on a typological shift from what is traditionally a “bunker typology” working within strict security checklists, to a deliberately “civic and cultural” building sending out positive messages to all visitors, utilising an embassy and ambassador’s residence as a branding tool for the state of Kuwait.
This approach abstracts the essence of Kuwaiti culture and values through a contemporary interpretation, aiming to celebrate this eastern culture in the west, creating a bridge between the two.
The plan and expression of details throughout the building demonstrate Woods Bagot’s fascination with the storytelling of the Arabic script, particularly through the work of Kuwaiti artist Farah K Behbehani and the potential to abstract the flow of the Arabic calligraphy into a series of layers in the architecture and interior design.
