Jamaican House of Parliament National Veranda
2019 I Design Concept
LOCATION
Jamaica
Discipline
SECTOR
Project Type




Project Details
Our design proposal for the interiors of the Jamaican Houses of Parliament capitalizes on the ever-present breezes, tree groves, and sloping landscapes of Kingston by emphasizing sun, shade, shelter, and permeability, as well as celebrating the colors and shape of the Jamaican flag: gold for the sun, the green of the land, and black for the strength of the Jamaican people. When viewed in plan, the bold, black “X” formed by the lobby’s grand staircases combines with natural sunlight and a green ‘living wall’ to embody a vision of the flag in the interior architecture. Indoor trees are essential to the concept; woven throughout tile or travertine floors, they welcome Jamaica’s unmatchable landscapes indoors. The free form of the reception desk is wood-crafted; it emphasizes the main color palette while also supporting public engagement. Behind the desk, a mosaic tile installation showcases the pride of Jamaican art.
Fifty-five years of independence, but no national house: Gordon House, the former administrative center of a colonial power, has served as Jamaica’s parliament since independence. Gordon House is an office building, not a national assembly, but soon a new Jamaican Parliament will rise to meet the people’s aspirations and set a vision for Jamaica’s future. It will be open and transparent—a place to gather and celebrate as much as to debate and deliberate. It will embody and enable diversity of origin, thought, and expression; it will be a symbol of Jamaica’s optimism and ambition: a new flag for a new millennium.
Facts & Figures
Client
Government of Jamaica-Jamaica Houses of Parliament
Size
160,000 SF
Status
Completed
Completion Year
2019 | Concept Design