The multi-building campus is being constructed on a 6.6-acre site to the east of the Old City along Chiang Mai’s Super Highway ring road. The site is in close proximity to Payap University and within the new Chiang Mai Business Park.
The new campus will include a three three-story Consular office building as well as other support facilities for the Consulate community. The Consulate General will provide a sustainable, resilient, safe, and secure platform for U.S. diplomacy in Thailand. The construction contract was awarded in Fall 2019 and completion is anticipated in 2023.
Throughout this project, an estimated $45 million will be invested in the local economy and the project will employ an estimated workforce of 600 American, Thai, and third-country nationals. Approximately 70% are local workers, of which many will learn new skills that will help distinguish them from other construction workers in the local labor market.
Design & Construction
The design of the new facility underscores the important diplomatic relationship between the United States and Thailand and is a concrete symbol of America’s continued commitment to northern Thailand for generations to come.
The new campus design is organized into two zones. The south zone is the public side, including the Consular office building, public entrance pavilions, and Marine Security Guard Residence. The north zone is dedicated to “Back of House” functions, such as parking, warehouse, workshops, and the utility building.
The new consular design was inspired by the rich architectural landscapes and design traditions of northern Thailand. The design incorporates a lush landscape and a sala, a traditional Thai outdoor terrace that will be used for formal events. The new office building consists of four volumes separated by glazed links, reflecting traditional Lanna architecture with modules separated by public spaces. The design of the metal and glass-clad building envelope reflects the local tradition of layered screened architecture of Chiang Mai.
Resiliency & Stewardship
The project is registered with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) and targeting a Silver Certification. Notable sustainability features include solar photovoltaic (PV) and water systems that support Thailand’s national goals of renewable energy implementation and improved air quality.
Other sustainable features include an automated building controls system, water-saving plumbing fixtures, and building envelope heat reduction through low heat-gain windows and the use of shading elements in the façade design. The site design encourages indoor/outdoor activities featuring indoor gardens, green walls, and visual connectivity to landscapes beyond. These landscapes are highly curated and equal parts garden and architecture.
Art
The permanent art collection, curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies, will encompass art in a variety of media, including painting, photography, textile, and sculpture by both American and Thai artists. The collection will seek to create a dialogue of shared values between the people of our two countries. Highlights will include site-specific commissions that reflect an understanding of the diversity and richness of American and Thai cultural heritage.
Monograph
Chiang Mai New Consulate Campus Monograph [24 MB] | สถานกงสุลใหญ่ (Thai Translation) [19 MB]