Design process
An international design competition was held with a brief setting out a functional specification for the building, and expressing a clear desire for an open and democratic building, appropriate for the twenty-first century. The competition jury considered designs from a short list of six architects, and recommended a concept design from Richard Rogers Partnership. The jury described the new design as a symbol of Wales looking with confidence to its future, and as a new form of democracy of which the whole of Wales could be proud.
The specifics of the brief included the stipulation that the building be an exemplar for access, that sustainable strategies and renewable energy systems be implemented throughout, that the building have a minimum 100 year life span, and that, wherever possible, Welsh materials be used. Other elements included a 610 square metre (6,566 sq ft) debating chamber for 60 to 80 members, three committee rooms, offices, a media briefing room, tea room, members' lounge, public galleries, and a main hall to act as reception, orientation and exhibition space. At the architect's suggestion, the site, which is located directly facing Cardiff Bay, was expanded to take advantage of the opportunity to complete the 'jigsaw' of development in the immediate vicinity and to create an important new public space for the city.
Unsurprisingly for a publicly funded building, cost certainty was seen as one of the most important criteria. Originally, a project management contract was employed, however this did not give adequate certainty as to the cost or the schedule of the building programme. Following a review of the procurement possibilities, RRP was re-commissioned under a Design and Build fixed price contract so that the total cost of the development could be assured from the beginning. In light of this approach, prefabrication techniques with off-site assembly were maximised. In addition, natural materials including timber, slate and stone were chosen for their life cycle cost, including value, durability and maintenance regime, with each element specified to achieve a 100 year design life in the marine environment of Cardiff Bay.
RRP employed the idea of openness and transparency as the driving factor in the design. The building was not to be an insular, closed edifice. Rather it would be a transparent envelope, looking outwards to Cardiff Bay and beyond, making visible the inner workings of the Assembly and encouraging public participation in the democratic process.
