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During refurbishment to the Palace of Westminster, Members of Parliament could find temporary shelter in a buoyant, modular structure on the River Thames

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Words by Patrice Sweeney

International architecture firm Gensler has pitched an aquatic design for a building that could house MPs during the much-needed restoration of the Palace of Westminster.

Courtesy of Gensler

Cost-effective and strategic, it would be built in UK shipyards in less than three years; its various parts would be delivered through the use of the River Thames upon which it would be assembled and moored.

Forecasted to be secured alongside the Member’s terrace of the Houses of Parliament, this proposed temporary building would be logistically convenient for MPs, and could save £1.8 billion for the British taxpayer.

Courtesy of Gensler

Furthermore, it would allow the imperative works on the Palace of Westminster to proceed, an undertaking estimated to take up to six years.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Managing Director at Gensler, Ian Mulcahey elaborates:

‘The concept provides a simple solution to what is a very complex problem. The challenge has been to find a location that enables all the key components of Parliament to be located together in close proximity to the wider Government estate in Whitehall.

The objective has been to minimise disruption and reduce the cost of the refurbishment to the taxpayer. The Palace of Westminster is one of the most important symbols of democracy in the world. This scheme provides a powerful expression of continuity and reinforces the UK’s world-leading creative expertise.’