WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE OF IAN R LEWIS
Current Research
Whether we are in Tokyo or London, Jakarta or Berlin, we identify a parliament building as a parliament building. Besides their similarities (such as their legislative plenary halls and monumental appearance), there are also striking differences. How can we read the specific symbols and usage of these buildings?
This study seeks to interpret twentieth-century parliament buildings in diverse postcolonial Asia. It analyses how their architecture expresses the national ambitions of their respective states by means of the appropriation of various (often European) political models and architectural designs.
Recent Publication
Ian R Lewis. ‘Built Representation Conference Report’,
Built Representation: Parlamentsarchitektur in Europa, International Academic Conference, 4-5 September 2024
Ihre H-Soz-Kult: Dusseldorf, 02.05.2025
ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECT
What do Asian parliament buildings reveal about the appropriation of political and architectural models in the course of the 20th century?
INVOLVEMENT
If you are interested in being involved or are involved in any of these or other parliament buildings in Asia, collaborative research, or wish to discuss elements relating to the buildings from architectural, art, cultural, or political aspects please do contact me at i.r.lewis@hva.nl