The British government have come to the realisation that the Palace of Westminster?the iconic UK Houses of Parliament designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin?is in desperate need of full-scale restoration and renovation. The decision to move ahead with the plans will be costly and inconvenient; aside from the need to repair the structure, the UK government is bracing itself for eye-watering "relocation" fees. In response to this, Gensler have proposed a temporary parliament on the banks of the River Thames.

Gensler have proposed a temporary UK Parliament structure. Image © Gensler

The British government have come to the realisation that the Palace of Westminster?the iconic UK Houses of Parliament designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin?is in desperate need of full-scale restoration and renovation. The decision to move ahead with the plans will be costly and inconvenient; aside from the need to repair the structure, the UK government is bracing itself for eye-watering "relocation" fees. In response to this, Gensler have proposed a temporary parliament on the banks of the River Thames.
Gensler's proposal floating on the River Thames; the existing House of Parliament is in the background. Image © Gensler

Self-described as a "radical" concept, the proposal is intended to "reduce the cost and minimise the disruption of the comprehensive refurbishment of the Palace." Employing a modular struct...