Since the dawn of civilization, the architecture of power has been a means to symbolize societies´ beliefs. The parliament building is itself a great example. It has been used to project to nations images, associations, messages, and ideals. These buildings often embody a sense of oppression, intimidation, security, and protection. The Reichstag building in Berlin symbolized the German Unification in 1871; the National Congress in Brasilia symbolized the country´s economic
progress in the 1950s; the European Parliament in Strasbourg symbolized the openness and democracy of the newly created European Union in the 1990s. If we believe that our buildings shape us - as Winston Churchill once said - what parliament are we seeking now? What comes next?

The ambition of this project is to reflect on the powerful symbolism of the parliament as a tool for an emergent and extremely relevant global challenge: sustainability.