- 01 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Architects Eric Miralles and RMSM were winners of the international competition to design a building for the new Scottish Parliament in the late nineties. Eric Miralles died before construction was completed.
- 02 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
From the start of construction in 1999 to the opening by Queen Elizabeth in 2004, and later, it was a controversial project.
- 03 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Its location, design, construction problems and delays and a cost increase from an estimated £40 million to a final £414 million prompted a spectrum of condemnation and praise.
- 04 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
It is not a building to prompt a neutral response. The organisation of its individual forms is complex. There are contrast between smooth concrete and intricate detailing in other materials. In parts a rhythm is created through the repetition of similar forms.
- 05 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
There is a sense of the fortress about the building but with public access through passages and under canopies on the periphery. The stepped and wild-grassed area to the southeast suggests an outdoor parliament or theatre.
- 06 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Dry summer weather has bleached the grass roofing some low structures to the east.
- 07 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
The pale and finely finished concrete surfaces look well new, but will time and weather disfigure as they have in nearby late twentieth century buildings?
- 08 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
This canopy to the east is aesthetic rather than a practical protection from the elements.
- 09 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
The bollards and curving frontage flank a pedestrian entrance from Canongate.
- 10 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Part of the internal massing of the design carries barred and solid abstract forms seemingly without function.
- 11 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Contemporary and traditional forms and materials are combined in the complex design.
- 12 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
A restored building is incorporated into the northern perimeter.
- 13 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
The south-west corner combines austere block forms with flat protective barriers.
- 14 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
The constant changes of form and the contrast of simplicity and detail are stimulating.
- 15 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Abstractions stand against a clear, cool Scottish sky.
- 16 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Protected by tall concrete panels, a stack of windows project from the western façade.
- 17 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
A projecting window forms a compact sitting area for each of the parliamentarian's rooms.
- 18 THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Another abstraction set against a dark sky. When Parliament is adjourned, visitors can see a bravura display of engineering and woodworking in the Debating Chamber.