Floor Plan Of Parliament House Canberra

Floor Plan of Parliament House Canberra: A Comprehensive Guide

### Introduction Parliament House Canberra is an iconic building that serves as the meeting place for the Parliament of Australia. Designed by renowned architect Romaldo Giurgola, the building was officially opened on 9 May 1988. Parliament House is a masterpiece of modern architecture, and its design reflects the democratic values and principles that underpin the Australian political system. The floor plan of Parliament House Canberra is complex and intricate, reflecting the diverse functions and activities that take place within the building. The building is divided into three main sections: the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the supporting facilities. Each section is designed to meet the specific needs of the chamber it serves, while also providing spaces for meetings, offices, and other essential functions. ### House of Representatives The House of Representatives is the lower house of the Australian Parliament. It is made up of 151 members, who are elected from single-member electorates across the country. The House of Representatives meets in the Chamber of the House of Representatives, which is located on the ground floor of Parliament House. The Chamber of the House of Representatives is a large, rectangular room with a seating capacity of 151 members. The chamber is dominated by a large Speaker's chair, which is located at the front of the room. The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the chamber, and for ensuring that the rules of Parliament are followed. In addition to the Chamber of the House of Representatives, the House also has a number of other facilities, including committee rooms, offices, and a library. These facilities are used by members of the House to carry out their legislative and representative duties. ### Senate The Senate is the upper house of the Australian Parliament. It is made up of 76 senators, who are elected from six states and two territories. The Senate meets in the Chamber of the Senate, which is located on the first floor of Parliament House. The Chamber of the Senate is similar in size and layout to the Chamber of the House of Representatives. However, there are some key differences between the two chambers. For example, the Speaker's chair in the Senate is located at the center of the room, rather than at the front. This is because the Senate is a more deliberative chamber than the House of Representatives, and the Speaker's role is to facilitate debate and discussion, rather than to maintain order. In addition to the Chamber of the Senate, the Senate also has a number of other facilities, including committee rooms, offices, and a library. These facilities are used by senators to carry out their legislative and representative duties. ### Supporting Facilities In addition to the House of Representatives and the Senate, Parliament House Canberra also contains a number of supporting facilities. These facilities include: * The Great Hall: This is a large, open space that is used for a variety of purposes, including public events, exhibitions, and receptions. * The Main Committee Room: This is a large room that is used for committee meetings and other parliamentary business. * The Library: This is a comprehensive library that contains a large collection of books, journals, and other resources on Australian politics and government. * The Dining Room: This is a large dining room that is used by members of Parliament and their guests. * The Members' Gym: This is a gym that is available for use by members of Parliament. * The Visitor Centre: This is a visitor centre that provides information about Parliament House and its history. ### Conclusion The floor plan of Parliament House Canberra is a complex and intricate reflection of the diverse functions and activities that take place within the building. The building is divided into three main sections: the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the supporting facilities. Each section is designed to meet the specific needs of the chamber it serves, while also providing spaces for meetings, offices, and other essential functions.