The renowned Leipzig-based architectural firm Schulz and Schulz has completed construction of Germany's new embassy in Vienna, Austria, featuring an innovative design that balances openness with high security requirements. The building, designed by brothers Ansgar and Benedikt Schulz who are also professors of architecture in Dresden, represents a significant departure from traditional embassy architecture in the diplomatic quarter.
The most striking feature of the new embassy is an artistic installation called "Deform" by Düsseldorf artist Stefan Sous, which creates a deliberate bulge or indentation in the embassy's perimeter fence. This unique architectural element is designed to accommodate a full waltz turn, though visitors typically use the space for smoking rather than dancing. The deformation serves as both an artistic statement and a symbolic representation of the embassy's mission of openness and transparency, even as it maintains strict security protocols.
Ambassador Vito Cecere praised the new facility during a tour with selected journalists, highlighting how the building houses not only the embassy but also the bilateral chancellery and Germany's permanent representation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The ambassador noted that the building's open design and bright interior spaces reflect Germany's commitment to dialogue and diplomatic engagement, which is particularly important in these challenging times.
The embassy's location in Vienna's diplomatic quarter places it in close proximity to several other nations' embassies, including those of Russia, Iran, China, and Britain. This geographical positioning has created an unintended but historically significant irony, as the German territorial "bulge" sits directly across from the Russian Federation's embassy. This coincidence gained particular poignance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, though the artistic installation was conceived and approved before the conflict began.
Unlike its neighbors, which are housed in period buildings that are part of the district's historic architecture, the German embassy occupies a spacious plot set back from the street. This design choice continues a tradition established by the original German diplomatic presence at the site, which opened in 1879 as Germany's first foreign mission. The original neo-Renaissance building was surrounded by trees and park-like gardens before being destroyed during World War II. Its successor, built by architect Rolf Gutbrod in 1964 and demolished in 2014 as beyond repair, maintained the historical tree cover, which Schulz and Schulz have also preserved.
The architectural competition for the embassy project took place in 2015-2016, with construction beginning in August 2021. The building was completed by the end of 2024, with the embassy being officially handed over in April 2025. The total cost of the project reached approximately 45.5 million euros, covering a built area of 3,800 square meters on the 7,800-square-meter plot.
The design philosophy behind the embassy centers on resolving the seemingly irreconcilable contradiction between the desired openness and lightness and the necessary security requirements. According to Benedikt Schulz, this represented the greatest challenge of the project. The security concerns involve two primary aspects: protection of classified information and defense against espionage, as well as protection against terrorist attacks. The sophisticated security measures are subtly integrated into the design, including the seemingly casual fence that Stefan Sous has artistically "deformed."
The building's architecture emphasizes human-friendly design and appropriate scale, despite its substantial size. The structure features light gray marble from Krastal in Carinthia, which gives the facade a luminous quality even in Vienna's drizzly weather. The central representation wing on the first floor, known as the bel étage, is cleverly disguised behind a large terrace connected by a bold spiral staircase that links indoor and outdoor spaces. Glass surfaces extend to the roof, creating the illusion that the chancellery and residential quarters float above the diplomatic and social reception areas.
The embassy grounds, designed by Därr Landscape Architects from Halle, play an integral role in the overall concept. The generous green spaces provide areas for celebrations and meetings, reflecting Ambassador Cecere's vision of the embassy as an open invitation for conversation and dialogue. The landscaping mirrors the building's commitment to accessibility and engagement with the Austrian community.
Staff members who moved into the new embassy in spring 2025, ahead of the official opening ceremony scheduled for October with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, report high satisfaction with their new workplace. Ambassador Cecere has observed that many visitors smile when leaving the building, suggesting that the structure successfully conveys the Viennese sensuality and cheerfulness that the "Deform" installation makes visible.
Currently, diplomatic relations with some neighboring embassies remain strained. There is largely radio silence between German and Russian representatives, and relations with Iran have been similarly distant for an extended period. However, Germany maintains active exchanges with Chinese representatives and continues robust relationships with Italian and British counterparts. The ambassador expresses hope that Russian and Iranian officials might eventually take a closer look at the new building.
The embassy's success in translating its message of openness into architectural form represents a significant achievement in contemporary diplomatic architecture. By focusing elegantly on these aspects of the building, Schulz and Schulz have managed to create a structure that embodies both the security necessities of modern diplomacy and Germany's commitment to transparent, accessible international relations. The artistic "smile" in the fence serves as a perfect metaphor for this delicate balance between protection and openness that defines modern diplomatic architecture.
