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The Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh

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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.

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