Senedd, Cardiff

The Senedd building in Cardiff is a notable architectural landmark that serves as the heart of the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru). Located in Cardiff Bay, this building was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on March 1, 2006, which is also Saint David's Day, marking a significant moment in the history of Welsh governance.

Designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Rogers of Riverside following an international competition managed by RIBA Competitions, the Senedd building stands on a site known as Site 1E at Capital Waterside. Its design emphasizes sustainability, featuring renewable technologies and achieving an "Excellent" certification by the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)—the highest rating ever awarded in Wales.

Situated in the former Cardiff Docks, an area once known as the world's largest coal-exporting port, the Senedd building is part of a broader redevelopment of what is now known as Cardiff Bay. The building itself is a striking structure with a glass façade and a distinctive steel roof, designed to be as open and accessible as possible. This transparency and accessibility are central to the building's design philosophy, intended to encourage public engagement with the democratic process.

Inside, the Senedd includes multiple public and private spaces. The main debating chamber, or the Siambr, features a public viewing gallery. The building also houses three committee rooms, the Neuadd (main reception area), the Oriel (second floor area), and the Cwrt on the ground floor. These spaces collectively facilitate the operational and ceremonial functions of the Welsh Parliament, symbolizing both modern governance and architectural innovation in Wales.