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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. 

Ian in Japan.jpg

Recent Publication

"From Palace to Parliament: How Japan and China moved from Imperial Rule to Representation Rule through the lens of their Parliament Buildings"

Amsterdam University Press

The Twelfth International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS 12), Jun 2022, Volume 1, p.366 - 380

Click on the link and access the full paper by downloading the PDF

https://www.aup-online.com/content/papers/10.5117/9789048557820/ICAS.2022.043

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

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