A New Parliament for an Old/New Country

Parliament emerging from the land, the assembly chambers, and symbols of upturned boats on the seashore

What architectural forms best symbolizes the aspirations of a nation?  For Scotland, the design selected via competition in 2004, was by Barcelona architect Enric Miralles.  Instead of a royal palace, Miralles envisioned government growing from the landscape, where Scotland's national character could be a blend of nature and man, city and countryside, democratically accessible to all. The complex, which emerges at the base of the old city, is truly remarkable and creatively achieves that vision. We had the honor of witnessing the inaugural address by Scotland's new First Minister who eloquently voiced much of that country's nationalistic aspirations. But not without heated debate.  Whether Scotland remains united with England, Wales and Northern Ireland in Great Britain or achieves total independence continues a 250 year old question. Their new Parliament building will provide a wonderful stage for that continuing debate.