New York-based multidisciplinary design practice Weiss/Manfredi's design for the new U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India has broken ground on its expansion. Weiss/Manfredi updates Edward Durell Stone's iconic building built in 1959, expanding campus for the 21st century.

Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism was selected as design architect by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) in 2015. The entire campus project is expected to be completed in fall 2027. 

Weiss/Manfredi's design enables the restoration of Edward Durell Stone’s early modernist Chancery Building and recasts the 28-acre embassy compound into a multi-functional campus.

The first phase of this long-term master plan will include a new office building, a support annex, and a unifying landscape that will provide a secure campus for America’s Mission in India. 

A tree-lined promenade links all new and existing buildings on the campus, connects functional zones, and introduces reciprocal relationships between buildings and gardens. 

Inspired by India’s enduring tradition of weaving together architecture and landscape, a series of cast stone screens, canopies, reflecting pools, and garden walls introduce a resilient, integrated design language.

"Nearly sixty years after the opening of the Edward Durell Stone-designed embassy, the new master plan by WEISS/MANFREDI will support the next generation of U.S. diplomats in India," said Kenneth I. Juster, U.S. Ambassador to India. 

"This design defines a new foundation and sustainable vision for diplomacy, while drawing from the architectural traditions of both countries."

"Our goal is to create an open, unified campus that is safe and secure," said architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi. 

"To do that, we drew upon traditional Indian garden elements such as walls, screens, moats, and reflecting pools that provide not only a level of security, but also a connection to the great legacy of Indian architecture."

"The new embassy buildings and gardens reference Edward Durell Stone’s historic chancery, introduce a resilient design language and transform the campus to meet the needs of twenty-first century diplomacy," added Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi. 

The Office of Art in Embassies is curating an art collection that will showcase works from both Indian and U.S. artists in a variety of media, including paintings, photography, textiles, and sculptures. 

Video courtesy of Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations

Highlights include a site-specific work by contemporary Indian artist Bharti Kher whose stone inlay piece will be integrated permanently into the India-sourced marble flooring for the consular area and a glass installation by American artist Spencer Finch that will be positioned below the office building’s entry skylight, filling the space with colorful, dappled shadows.

Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism is a multidisciplinary design practice based in New York City. 

Founded by Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, the firm is known for the dynamic integration of architecture, art, infrastructure, and landscape design.

Weiss/Manfredi is currently working on a masterplan of La Brea Tar Pits in California. The studio will also reimagine former jail at 106 W Commerce in Dallas. 

All images © Weiss/Manfredi 

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