Design for democracy: How interior design shapes political spaces

Political spaces are far more than functional places for debates, votes and press conferences. They are built democracy - visible and tangible expressions of our political self-image. They manifest not only power relations or institutions, but also values: openness, transparency, sustainability, participation.

Winston Churchill already made it clear how deeply spaces shape our democratic coexistence with his famous sentence:

„We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.“ 

When he called for the faithful reconstruction of the House of Commons, the British parliament building destroyed in the Second World War, he was not only interested in architecture - but also in a symbol of political culture and trust.

At a time when democratic processes are under pressure and trust in institutions is increasingly being challenged, the interior design of political buildings is also gaining new significance. Because design has an effect. It can create closeness or distance, promote or prevent dialog, open up the future or preserve history.

Current examples - including the Brucity administrative complex in Brussels, the baroque hall of the Tyrolean state parliament and the Schleswig-Holstein state parliament - show how modern interior design not only functionally renews political spaces, but also charges them with content.

Many parliaments reside in historic buildings - with everything that goes with them: impressive halls, listed elements, architectural pathos. But at the same time, these rooms have to meet today's requirements - technically, ergonomically and socially.

The baroque assembly hall of the Tyrolean state parliament has achieved precisely this combination. The tradition-steeped hall was equipped with modern furniture and meeting technology that consciously enter into a dialog with the historical substance.

The Sola conference chair designed by Justus Kolberg blends harmoniously into the baroque splendor and at the same time offers a striking contrast with its modern design. The room was also equipped with an oval table arrangement that ensures equal seating arrangements for the parties.

This creates a tension that can be experienced in the room: between representation and pragmatism, between heritage and renewal.

An example of how design can not only “beautify” political spaces, but also consciously relate them to their history.

The situation in the Brussels administrative center Brucity is completely different: a completely new building was created here - with the clear aim of making democracy tangible. The focus is on accessibility, transparency and identification.

Open floor plans, lots of glass, natural materials and intuitive wayfinding ensure that citizens find their way around and feel welcome. Flexible furnishings and multifunctional zones promote exchange, collaboration and participation. This makes the building not only a place of administration, but also a social meeting space - a symbol of politics that communicates at eye level.

Wilkhahn furniture also plays a central role here: AT office chairs support mobility and dialog on the open office floors. In the council chamber, flexible Versa-Tables (design: Wolfgang C.R.Mezger) and mobile Intra-Chairs (design: PHOENIX DESIGN) enable different modes of use and underline the claim to openness with their design language.

If the council chamber needs to be furnished with mass seating, the Versa tables and Intra chairs are removed and replaced with Aline-Chairs (design: Andreas Störiko). The compact, stackable skid-base chair also provides a relaxed and comfortable seating experience thanks to its elastic construction.

The interplay of attitude, sustainability and symbolism is even more impressive in the Schleswig-Holstein state parliament. After more than 20 years in use, the previous Modus chairs were replaced - they no longer met the desired representative standards. The decision for new chairs was not only motivated by functionality, but also by design.

One particular detail immediately catches the eye: the new Intra Conference Chairs bear the embroidered national coat of arms in the backrest. What at first glance appears to be a decorative element is in fact a profound symbol of political identification: this is not just a place for debate - this is a place where responsibility is borne.

At the same time, a sign of sustainable action has been set: The previously used Modus-Chairs, which had been in use for over 20 years, were refurbished in a comprehensive refurbishment process. Mechanics, upholstery, covers - everything was checked, replaced or renewed. Reusing instead of throwing away - a strong statement for responsible design.

Whether new or existing, historic or contemporary: interior design in political buildings is never purely functional. It is an expression of attitude - and decision-makers, architects and designers have a shared responsibility.

Spaces can create closeness, convey values and strengthen trust. And this starts on a small scale - with the furnishings, the choice of materials and the question: how can spaces promote openness, participation and sustainability?

Because those who design political spaces today also set the course for the political climate of tomorrow.

Find out more about our projects in political and public buildings - and how design contributes to living democracy.