US Consulate Surabaya

For this 60,000 SF civic building Sorg was tasked with using a standard design. Instead of merely completing a design out of context, Sorg brought creative ideas that would respect the functionality of standardization and enhance the aesthetic presence of the facility. In order to emulate the unique cultural ecosystem of Surabaya, the design draws inspiration from indigenous temples and other ancient and sacred gathering spaces. This includes the design of geometric shading devices made of Merbau, a native rot and termite resistant hardwood prevalent in local temple construction. On the exterior, these dark wood screens are contrasted with the building’s quiet white granite cladding.

Sorg’s design of the interior continues the interplay between dark, natural materials and cool, light stone, bringing in the bold wood forms on a canvas of light granite from the exterior. Open lobbies and double-height representational gallery spaces express an elegance that maintains a modern aesthetic.