86 ESCUELA DE ARQUITECTURA Diplomatic Architecture: Security and Multicultural Integration For over half a century, the United States of America (USA) systematically implemented pseudo-military strategies on diplomatic infrastructures as an immediate response to security threads. The result is an architectural phenomenon that fragments the urban landscape while diminishing the diplomatic missions of transparency and trust within the allied community. This is the case of South Korea, with a strategic location and diversified economy —by the exportation of technology, culture, research, and academic content— that host a fortified US embassy with a limited programmatic offering. It is within a governmental and diplomatic district at the historic center called Gwanghwamun Square, the epitome of independence and allegiance of both countries. The Square is the largest urban axis of Seoul; renovated and hyperconnected, it’s surrounded by cultural components, universities, and technological headquarters. This proposal explores the spatial integration of the chancellery with an alternative program as a residence for the floating population and the Smithsonian Gallery connecting the National Museum of Contemporary History of South Korea. The fragmented building encourages socio-cultural exchange between countries taking advantage of common open plaza and rooftops. It also stimulates economic growth with a business incubator. The Department of State endorsed the exploration of diplomatic architecture as a formal and proactive expression of international policy under the Excellence Program. A compact and integrated complex where the Ambassador can live and both American and Korean people can connect and thrive on common ground. laurie s. rivera roldán bachillerato en arquitectura mentor: arq. pedro a. rosario y arq. juan emmanuelli embassy south korea diplomacy united states
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