The Beehive - Concept and Function

When I was here in 1974, this new executive wing of Parliament buildings had only been built to ground level. Now although there is still much to be done to it, the bold, imaginative and impressive design is evident.

– Queen Elizabeth II, at the official opening of the Beehive

(Sir Basil Spence) suggested a bold, circular design to act as a focal point for the other Government buildings around it, and from Spencer’s original drawings, the Government architects worked up the details.

– Narrator