Story: Public buildings

In 1964 the government engaged British architect Sir Basil Spence to report on the future of Parliament Buildings. He said the existing building should remain and a new one be constructed alongside it. He came up with a circular concept for the executive wing, which would become known as the Beehive. His idea was adopted by the government and worked up by the government architect. The new structure replicated the older building's columns in the lower floors and was also faced in Tākaka marble. This 1974 image shows the structure beginning to take shape.