NATIONAL SYMBOLS AS THE ELEMENT OF IDENTITY IN ARCHITECTURE OF DIPLOMATIC LEGATIONS

Abstract

The article determines the peculiarities of introducing national symbols into the architecture of modern diplomatic legations with the aim of reflecting identity and uniqueness of different states of the world. In the context of globalization, multiculturalism, development of supranational institutions, and terrorist threats, the problem related to the means of expressing national identity in the architecture of diplomatic legations, which are the representation platform for each state worldwide, has appeared. The interpretation conciseness and artistic rethinking of national symbols is the major tool applied by architects and building constructors of diplomatic legations of the XXI century. From this perspective, it is particularly important to understand that, on the one hand, the mentioned architectural objects should be treated as symbols of state and nation, but on the other hand, should go in line with local traditions of building construction and architecture, cooperation with local culture, and surrounding environment of host country.
 For the sake of self-identification, each state worldwide uses national symbols that become an integral part of their international image brand. During the course of research, the following types of national state symbols have been distinguished:
 
 
 
 
 The main:
 
 
 Secondary:
 
 
 
 
 - flag;
 - coat of arms.
 
 
 
 - fauna and flora;
 - peculiarities of natural resources;
 - national identity and social order;
 - architectural style, fine arts, ornamentation;
 - symbols of religion and state regalia;
 - ideology and policy of the state.
 
 
 
 
 Official symbols (state symbols) are determined and enshrined at the constitutional and legal level. They are being created during the process of state establishment. Informal symbols are not always enshrined in law and are not mandatory to be used. However, namely these symbols are the full-fledged reflection of uniqueness of nature, culture, religion, history, traditions, politics, and ideology of nation and state.
 Embassy is the diplomatic legation of the highest rank by means of which any state conducts its official activity abroad. The analysis of architectural composition, dimensional and spatial structure, artistic and aesthetic decisions of exterior and interior elements of embassy buildings has enabled the possibility of demonstrating different methods and approaches to solving the problems of using and providing artistic interpretation of national symbols as the element of state identity representation.