Also known as: The Beehive Built: 1969-1981 Cost: NZ$14,000,000.00 Designed by: Sir Basil Spence Type: Government Building Stories: 10 Maximum Height: 263 feet / 80 meters Wellington, New Zealand
O ne of the benefits of being a fairly new country is that your government buildings aren't bound by centuries-old notions of what government buildings should look like. People took a chance settling in New Zealand, and they have taken a big chance with the Executive wing of Parliament. Known affectionately, or sometimes derisively, as "The Beehive" for its rounded cylindrical shape festooned with nooks and crannies, this structure fits in well with its surroundings, even though they are of a more traditional mode. The reason is that it is not out of proportion compared to the rest of the government complex. Still, looks can be deceiving. In addition to the cabinet rooms, and meeting rooms, and the Ministers offices, Prime and otherwise, they managed to put a theater, a swimming pool, a television studio, a number of dining rooms, and even a full-service catering company inside.
The Beehive is mainly decorated in Takaka marble, and Tawa, Rimu, and Mangeao wood.
Though it wasn't fully completed until 1981, it was dedicated for service by Queen Elizabeth II and functioning as early as 1977.
The Beehive has four beer tanks, each holding 612 liters.
steve reed
Monday, June 7th, 2004 @ 4:31am
Rating: Two stars. The ''Beehive'' is somewhat of an architectural embarrassment, some of us think. One story goes it was inspired by an image on a matchbox but this is probably urban myth. What is true though, is that they were panelling the interior in a make-over not long ago and discovered to their horror that non-renewable timber was being used. I believe it was quickly whipped out and replaced with something more guilt-free.
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steve reed
Two stars.