THE PARLIAMENT OF NATURE
by Laura Valentinaviciute

Master Dissertation 2021/2022 “Constructing Ecosystems” Faculty of Architecture Sint-Lucas Brussels Campus, KU Leuven Prof. Dr. Jan Wurm”

THE PARLIAMENT OF NATURE
by Laura Valentinaviciute

After a century of rapid urbanism expansion, it is only now that humans realized the impact it had on the fauna and flora. Causing the ongoing sixth mass extinction, the project creates a Parliament of Nature to advocate this topic. This means that nature becomes the forefront of all concerns and solutions presented. The renewed building changes the way members of society interact with, appreciate, and even think about nature.

The Parliament of Nature gives back to its society. For years, citizens have been put at bay by the European parliament: a hidden entrance, fences and trenches all around, dark places and pathways, no interaction between users and the citizens. The project reconnects users, citizens, law-makers, stakeholders with nature and opens up this enclosed, fort-like building.

The greenhouse-like glass structure of the building is removed as well as unused offices and exclusive VIP places. Light voids and natural ventilation are introduced, allowing sunlight and air to enter and the existing plenary hall to be visible for visitors. Finally, the public accessible roof-scape becomes the "Parliament of Nature", a common ground for all life.

With the Parliament being the mirror of European communities, its architecture reflects the sustainable and innovative goals that are at the heart of future EU policies. The renovation uses circular, natural and living materials from the region and local urban ecosystem. Additionally to emerging technologies such as robotic assembly and 3D printing, two key materials are used: reclaimed wood and clay enriched with mycelium and moss. These materials are adapted to inhabit insects, plants, birds, and various microorganisms, helping to ensure climate comfort and enable coexistence. The spaces enable a deep natural experience throughout the project.

Nature thrives and entangles with the built, urban fabric and structures. The greenery reclaims its lost land. This idea is portrayed on the ground floor of the project: nature comes from both sides, the Luxembourg square and Leopold Park, slowly going on the top of the building or bursting in from the ground floor. The two lines of nature meet at the top of the building, in the Parliament of Nature. A new program is implemented in this area: spaces for education, activism, regeneration, an interdisciplinary place, where nature is fascinated, and cohabitation thriving in natural 3D-printed clay structures.

The roof is covered with a robotically assembled wooden roof structure that serves as a shelter, micro-climate generator, and place for species to thrive. Flexibility is achieved in the introduced structure: the construction can be printed in 3D printers integrated in the wooden roof system. Therefore, new combinations of different functions can be suggested overtime.

The Parliament of Nature seeks to change the mindset of society. The project becomes an example of representation and inclusion of nature, making the EU Parliament a true representative space for all human and non-human inhabitants of Europe.