Senedd building

The Senedd building stands in Cardiff Bay, three kilometres south of Cardiff Castle. It occupies the former Cardiff Docks, once the world’s largest coal-exporting port, now transformed into a waterside quarter. The building houses the debating chamber and three committee rooms for the Welsh Parliament. Designed by Richard Rogers, it opened in 2006 after a long and costly construction. The architects aimed for transparency, making the workings of government visible to the public. The building’s environmental design saves between 30% and 50% of the energy used by conventional structures. It uses geothermal heating, a biomass boiler, and recycled rainwater for toilets. Welsh slate and oak feature throughout, with 36% of materials and labour sourced locally. The public areas include a viewing gallery over the debating chamber and exhibition spaces. The circular chamber, called Y Siambr, holds Members of the Senedd in a non-confrontational layout. Visitors enter through Y Neuadd, a reception hall with a slate and glass desk. Stairs lead to Yr Oriel, a gallery with glass floors that look down into the chamber. The undulating cedar ceiling spans the public spaces, adding warmth to the modern design. Outside, a wind hedge of glass plates protects the entrance from bay breezes. The building’s openness invites people to watch democracy in action.