The Editor, Sir:

The question of whether or not and where to build a new Parliament building has been the topic of debate for quite a long time. Proposals have been commissioned and presented. Students of architecture have designated several schemes as thesis topics.

The common thread throughout all the discussions is that the Parliament building as it exists does not provide the necessary square footage. Proposals have been made to keep Parliament at the present location while acquiring the surrounding lands to facilitate the necessary expansion. Though exciting and achievable this would be a very sensitive intervention with many issues to consider.

Proposals have also been made to build a new Parliament building in National Heroes Park. The design schemes looked at different placements of the building within the park. The freedom of a greenfield site for development is irresistible, except when one considers the value of such a green space to the city of Kingston today and in the future.

Another, often-discussed, proposal is to build the new Parliament building around National Heroes Circle. This method is also an intervention but potentially into a less sensitive urban fabric while still enjoying a hierarchical relationship with the park. That national emotion towards a building of such significance is alive and vibrant is good.

Professional competition

Local architects and planners have, for a long time, looked forward to the professional competition by which the design of a Parliament building will be selected. Architectural competitions have proven themselves to be the most transparent and inclusive method of selecting an architect and an architectural design. Competitions also facilitate useful discourse stemming from the diverse body of solutions submitted and displayed. The spirit of the competition demands excellence and creativity from competing architects.

The Jamaican Institute of Architects (JIA) acknowledges its role in contributing to the discussions as to the location of the Parliament building and look forward to meeting with the Prime Minister to further those discussions. The JIA is also available to participate in organising the professional competition for the design of the Parliament building.

I am, etc.,

CHRISTOPHER WHYMS-STONE

Vice-president

Jamaican Institute of Architects