Project Brief 

An elegant embassy complex that is much more than a work of architecture; The Austrian Embassy in Riyadh functions as a symbolic representation of the two countries’ relationships to one another.  It represents the eloquent universal language of Austrian diplomacy and fulfils the difficult task of representing two diametrically opposed concepts: privacy and openness.

Professor Hannes Lintl of Vienna won the Architectural Concept Design Competition for the project, and Omrania & Associates were later appointed as his local partner.  Together, the two offices worked to ensure a balance that speaks to the openness of the Austria to diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, while keeping functionality and privacy intact.  The task of the two architectural firms became to use their voices to integrate the notions of elegance, purpose, function, flexibility, art, safety, security, sustainability, and maintainability in a conceptual framework that is a symbol for Austria.

Omrania & Associates prepared the final architectural and engineering design and construction documents, and later managed the tender procedures and the supervision of the construction works.

The design is considerate of its unique urban context in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, and fits within the local environment seamlessly.  The building spaces are designed to provide high quality environments with mental and social health in mind, while also providing an elegant look.

Both buildings are located on the same site with separate entrances for the Chancery and the Residence.  The Chancery is a two storey Building of 850m², and includes a Conference room, Consular and Administrative offices.  An auditorium integrated with the entrance hall is be used for cultural and social functions.  The Residence is also a two storey building, it includes reception areas and living accommodation with a patio at the ground floor and terrace at the first floor overlooking landscaped garden areas. The complex also includes visitor and staff accommodation, a swimming pool and the usual services, gateways and entrances.