‘Untold story’ of how Holyrood was created unveiled in new exhibition

The exhibition, Enric Miralles: Creating the Scottish Parliament and other stories by Benedetta Tagliabue and EMBT, is on display from 31 July until 30 October and entry is free.

Barcelona-based architects EMBT, co-founded by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue in collaboration with Edinburgh-based architects RMJM, won the international competition to design the Scottish Parliament in 1998. Their vision was to create a new Scottish Parliament building that embodied the values of Scotland – a space rooted in its landscape, traditions and people.

Many of the original designs featured in this exhibition will be going on display for the first time, including hand-drawn concept images, sketches, photo collages, site studies and competition boards. They formed part of the rich creative process led by Enric and completed by the EMBT team under Benedetta, following his untimely death in 2000.

The exhibition illustrates the importance of drawing, photography and writing as part of Miralles’ creative practice. From the early inspiration behind the famous ‘upturned boats’ on the roof, the ponds symbolising the lochs of the Scottish landscape and the semi-circular debating chamber, the impressive centrepiece, are just some of the design concepts explored within the exhibition.

The late Queen officially opened the Parliament in October 2004, with the building going on to win many accolades for its architecture and it continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.

Deputy presiding officer, Annabelle Ewing MSP, said: “20 years on from the opening of the Scottish Parliament, people in Scotland have embraced this building and the vision that Enric Miralles had for it.

“That vision was about more than aesthetics. It reflects principles which still guide our work today – openness, accessibility and transparency.

“This exhibition highlights Enric’s creative process and how the Parliament he envisioned on paper was brought to life, something which sadly he would never see completed. EMBT along with RMJM created a national legislature, providing a home to Scottish politics and changing Edinburgh’s landscape forever.”

Benedetta Tagliabue, co-founder of EMBT, said: “I was sure this Parliament would be loved by the people, and now this is happening.

“20 years has passed from the opening of the building and I am so happy to come back to Edinburgh and see how beautifully the building is kept and cared for.

“I hope people will come and discover how the building was conceived and see the many art pieces on display here for the first time. Including original work, photographs and hand drawn designs by Enric which were used to create this landmark.”