Architecture of Diplomacy, The :
Building America's Embassies
Jane C. Loeffler

The Architecture of Diplomacy explores the often innovative architectural design of America's embassies, the partisan governmental battles that made them possible, and the political ramifications of their construction.

Beginning with the inception of the U.S. embassy building program in 1926, and continuing through the 1996 competition for a new embassy in Berlin, The Architecture of Diplomacy examines a remarkable yet little-known chapter in architectural history. It focuses on the 1950s, when modernism became linked with the idea of freedom and the State Department's Office of Foreign Buildings Operations began to showcase modern architecture in its embassies. Architects could build abroad in styles never sanctioned at home, resulting in unusual and sometimes outlandish designs intended to express an "open" America overseas. Indeed, the embassy building program was part of the nation's larger effort to establish and assert its superpower status following World War II. Terrorist threats and espionage scandals also shaped the worldwide building program, and continue to affect it today.

The Architecture of Diplomacy features the stories behind the Rio de Janiero and Havana embassies by Harrison & Abramovitz, Ralph Rapson's designs for Stockholm and Copenhagen, Gordon Bunshaft's work in Germany, Eero Saarinen's constructions in London and Oslo, and Edward Durell Stone's embassy in New Delhi. Other architects involved in the program included Arquitectonica; Pietro Belluschi; Marcel Breuer; Walter Gropius; Kallmann, McKinnell & Wood; Richard Neutra; and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Author Jane C. Loeffler obtained access to original correspondence, drawings, and photographs that have never been published. This title is a must-read for anyone interested in American foreign policy and the intersection of architecture and politics.

The Architecture of Diplomacy is part of the ADST-DACOR Diplomats and Diplomacy series.


Jane C. Loeffler Author Jane C. Loeffler obtained access to original correspondence, drawings, and photographs that have never been published. This title is a must-read for anyone interested in American foreign policy and the intersection of architecture and politics.
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Editorial Reviews

American Studies International:
"Jane C. Loefflers engaging and important bookRunning through Loefflers book is the thread of an American epic spanning the decades from innocent confidence to brash imperiousness to todays reluctant and wary acceptance of the responsibilities of leadership Loefflers book is an indispensable contribution to understanding our current diplomatic problems and an invitation to think seriously about how to solve them." — Charles Hill (February 1999)

Architectural Record:
"Insightful and meticulously researched, this fascinating history of Americas embassy-building program is filled with stories of international intrigue and bureaucratic snarls. Beginning with the Cold War, Loeffler explores the forces and challengespolitical, financial, social, symbolicthat affect such projectsBuilding an embassy is a supremely complicated feat, this book ably shows, one requiring as much diplomacy as design." — Christine Liotta Sheridan (January 1999)

Metropolis:
"This book will of course be a treasure to the historiansboth architectural and politicalwho have awaited it so eagerlyTo Loefflers credit, The Architecture of Diplomacy reads like a Washington political thriller..." — Philip Nobel (Aug/Sept 1998)

Library Journal:
"This book covers a neglected chapter of American architectural historyThe author is an accomplished historian and she has written a fascinating, readable, and scholarly chronicle." — Peter S. Kaufman, Boston Architectural Center (August 1998)

World Architecture:
"Jane Loefflers clear-headed study uncovers the sometimes petty politics, both governmental and architectural, that have plagued US diplomatic designs." — Chuck Twardy (December 1998)

Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians:
"It is a happy coincidence when the right author deals with the right subject. This study of the construction overseas of American embassies, consulates, and residences is just such an exampleLoefflers extensive research in State Department documents, congressional hearings, periodical publications, and biographic materials has resulted in a remarkably rich narrative that gives full scope to the various views of the participants.Loeffler has covered this complex history of a half-century of activity with great care, considerable sympathy, and remarkable understanding. Her judgments on men and buildings are sound. As she indicates in her conclusion, she regards this book as a pioneer in its field. And she has every right to consider it a formidable basis for future scholarship." — Fred Latimer Hadsel, U.S. Ambassador, Retired (June 2000)

Journal of the Society of Historical Architects:
"Lively and carefully researched study. . . . A remarkably rich narrative that gives full scope to the various views of the participants Loeffler has covered this complex history of a half-century of activity with great care, considerable sympathy and remarkable understanding." (Spring 2000)

The New Yorker:
"The [recent] bombings in Kenya and Tanzania have endowed this conscientious, illuminating study of the State Departments Cold War building boom with unfortunate topicality." (September 7, 1998)

"This lucid, thoroughly researched and highly original book is strongly recommended to students of diplomacy. " — G. R. Berridge, Professor of International Politics, University of Leicester (UK)

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