Parliament Entry

  • civic + education

The Parliamentary Service

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

2018


The new Parliamentary Entry enhances the visual prominence of the entrance to Parliament while also increasing the capacity of the public entry and ground foyer.

The design and construction of the new entrance to Parliament required careful consideration of complex design challenges including the building’s Category 1 Heritage Status, circular geometry and the requirement for the lobby to remain fully operational ­throughout construction.

Materials were carefully chosen to ensure a seamless fit with the existing interior of the lobby, with as many materials as possible sourced from within New Zealand. Southland Beech was selected for timber wall and ceiling linings, wool for carpets and Timaru bluestone for flooring.

The new Parliament Entry provides a clear, cohesive and well-defined ‘front door’ to Parliament. It has resolved the relocation of unsightly security screening equipment away from the main entry route, providing a spacious entry experience. The new entry also accommodates much-improved tour group facilities including bag and coat storage, waiting and tour briefing areas and enhanced wayfinding to allow for increased access for members of the public.