The Scottish Parliament

There are two kinds of great public buildings: those like the Guggenheim in Bilbao which are loved as soon as their construction is finished; and those, like the Eiffel Tower, which are hated momentarily before they are loved. Because great architecture inspires emotion, there is little middle ground, and many fine buildings have been cancelled in their conception because a client has lost his nerve or the press has mounted a campaign to stop construction. In the new Scottish Parliament, a risk-taking politician and the leading client, Donald Dewar, held his nerve; and the architect, Enric Miralles, took as many design risks as he could. The result is one of the most interesting, vilified, costly and marvellous buildings of our time. Charles Jencks gives a fascinating account of this fascinating building and with superb photography and a stylish format, this is a great addition to Scala's prestigious architectural series.