Actual Parliament

Thinking about visiting Parliament House in Canberra, I braced myself for the visual assault of 1980s design sensibilities. Let's be honest, that decade hasn't earned a place in history as an era of aesthetic restraint or timeless elegance.

But architecture—with typically long lead times and enduring impact—often manages to stay ahead of the curve.¹ And, as it turns out, the architects behind Parliament House were no ordinary designers. They defied the era's questionable trends and created a timeless masterpiece that blends beautifully into the Australian landscape while exuding a sense of grandeur and purpose.

The development journey to get to this Parliament House began long before its doors opened in 1988. The original Provisional Parliament House (now known as Old Parliament House) opened in 1927 as a temporary solution while the government figured out how best to approach building a Real Parliament House. Nothing lasts longer than something declared “temporary,” so Old Parliament was the Only Parliament for more than 60 years—even though it was bursting at the seams. Designed for 300 people but cramming in 3,000 by the end of its life,² The government could no longer deny the need for a major upgrade. Thus, this architectural marvel was born.

But first, they needed to have a healthy debate³ about where, exactly, to put the new, improved Parliament House. Initial plans by the designers behind Canberra’s layout, Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, had proposed a site at Camp Hill. A major faction wanted instead to put the new Parliament on the lakeshore,⁴ which would have been picturesque, if not quite as grand as initially hoped. In the end, though, they chose Capital Hill,⁵ the highest point in the city, for its commanding view over all of Canberra.

An international design competition was promptly launched four years later, and the chosen design by Mitchell/Giurgola and Thorp Architects ultimately set the stage for the creation of the Parliament House we see today. Construction began in 1980 and took eight years to complete, officially opening in May 1988. The building cost a staggering $1.1 billion. Still, the result was a modern architectural masterpiece that continues to impress visitors to this day.

The architects designed the building to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. They removed 35 million cubic feet of earth and rock so they could embed the structure into the hill. Once construction was complete, the earth was replaced on the roof, covered with grass, and transformed into a natural extension of the hill itself. This unique feature allows visitors to walk on the roof, symbolizing that the people are above the government.⁶

The layout is divided into four main areas, with the House of Representatives on the east, the Senate on the west, public spaces in the center, and the Prime Minister’s lair offices to the south. In the front is the massive Forecourt, a grand entrance that immediately conveys the building's significance. The Forecourt mosaic, Possum and Wallaby Dreaming by Warlpiri artist Michael Nelson Jagamara, is a beautiful homage to Australia's Indigenous heritage.

Stepping into the foyer, you’re greeted by a vast, open space filled with natural light. The use of native timbers, stone, and fibers creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, contrasting with the often cold and impersonal feel of most government buildings. The design cleverly incorporates elements of the Australian landscape, with colors and materials chosen to reflect the unique character of the country.

Just past the foyer is the Great Hall, a huge space that hosts significant national events and gatherings. Dominating the hall is a massive tapestry that brings artist Arthur Boyd’s vision of the Australian bush to life. One of the most enormous tapestries in the world at 65 feet wide by 30 feet tall, it depicts the textures and colors of an Australian eucalypt forest. They originally considered a monumental painting in this space but ultimately decided on a tapestry. The piece was made entirely by hand at the Victorian Tapestry Workshop in Melbourne, woven in four sections over two years by 14 full-time weavers using specially dyed yarns. It. Is. Fantastic.⁷

The Great Hall can be opened to the Members Hall directly behind it, a central meeting place restricted to MPs. With its central water feature, this space is a serene and reflective area amidst the hustle and bustle of political life.

Two giant curved walls separate the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, the largest rooms in the building. Australia uses a mixed system of government—based on the British Westminster system with elements of the American system thrown in .⁸ One of the key features of the Westminster system is the colors chosen for each house—in the U.K., that means red for the House of Lords and green for the House of Commons.

They’ve adapted that in Australia. The House of Representatives, on the eastern side of the building, is vibrant in a distinctive shade of green inspired by the eucalypt leaves unique to this part of the world. The horseshoe shape of the chamber encourages debate and discussion, fostering an atmosphere of engagement and representation.

On the western side lies the Senate, a chamber that mirrors the House of Representatives in significance but with its own distinct identity. The Senate chamber is decorated in shades of red ochre, a nod to the Australian outback and its rich, earthy tones. The chamber’s design, with its deep colors and natural light, creates a dignified space for more considered legislative deliberation.⁹

One striking aspect of Parliament House is its extensive collection of art. The building is home to some of Australia's finest contemporary artworks, each selected to reflect the country's cultural heritage and artistic innovation. The art program, initiated early in the project, aimed to integrate artistic expression into the very fabric of the building. The result is a vibrant and dynamic environment that celebrates Australia's creative spirit.

The materials used throughout Parliament House are drawn from the country's immense natural resources. Native timbers—including blackbutt, spotted gum, and jarrah—are used extensively, providing warmth and texture to the interiors. These materials not only enhance the building's aesthetic appeal but also connect it to the Australian landscape, reinforcing the sense of place and identity.

Symbolism is woven into every aspect of Parliament House's design. The building’s shape resembles a boomerang and represents the Indigenous culture that has shaped Australia for millennia. The use of natural light throughout the building represents transparency and openness, core values of the democratic process.

The crowning glory of Parliament House is, quite literally, the flagpole. It’s hard to miss, soaring nearly 300 feet above the building supported with a massive quadripod and one of the largest stainless-steel structures in the world. It towers over Canberra like a colossal middle finger to subtlety. An Australian flag, roughly the size of a double-decker bus, flies over Parliament House at all times and is spotlit at night.

Parliament House is a remarkable structure that blends history, design, and symbolism. It's a place where the past meets the present and where architecture and nature coexist in harmony. More than just a building, it’s a living, breathing representation of Australian history, culture, and democratic ideals, from the grand gestures to the intricate details. Amazing. And so not the 1980s.