Allah is collecting links on the Athens embassy attack like nobody’s business, so I’ll send you over there rather than try to keep up. Before you do, though, consider this:

Most U.S. Consular buildings–especially those in dangerous areas–look like freaking Castle Wolfenstein. They are ugly and defense-minded, set back out of car-bomb range with tiny blast-proof windows. It’s not the best face to project for American diplomacy, but given the repeated terrorist attacks on them the precautions are necessary.

That’s why I did a double-take when I read that someone stood outside and fired an RPG up into a third-floor restroom. How is that possible?

Answer: They’re still using vintage 1957 Bauhaus architecture at the Athens embassy.

Nothing says security like big glass walls.

That image–cropped slightly–is from here. The Athens embassy, which started operating in 1960, was designed by famous architect Walter Gropius, which is supposed to resemble the nearby Parthenon and which evokes “transparency” with its large glass walls. Said Gropius at the time of its construction:

“The building will be approachable, and thus democratic,” said Gropius. “The visitor will not feel the impact of authority, but will enter the building as a free man.”

Unfortunately, the location overlooks the street, and the flying glass in those huge windows could shred everyone inside in a large explosion. We got very lucky with this rocket attack–it could have been much worse.

After numerous attacks on U.S. embassies, we got wise to this sort of architectural folly. Currently the U.S. is leaving the Gropius building for a safer annex being built nearby. The new building ought to be ready this spring, though that’s years overdue.

Meanwhile the debate continues about how to strike a balance between architecture that is welcoming and architecture that is safe. Historian Jane Loeffler’s fascinating (if outdated) essay on diplomatic architecture from 2000 suggests that renovations on the old Gropius Athens embassy made it look welcoming without adding to its “exposure”. However, even then problems were apparent.

Upgrading security at a modern glass-walled building like Athens poses special problems. Window film, designed to limit damage from flying glass, will provide added safety. Laminated glass would help more, but it is heavy (and much more expensive). To support it, the building might require a new structural system.

One of the basic functions of good architecture is defense. Today, trendy “modern” design failed in that function. The Gropius building, however important from the standpoint of architectural history, placed the symbolism of transparency over the substance of protection.

No one wants brutal, ominous citadels symbolizing America abroad. But they all are targets and we can’t afford to pretend otherwise.

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