Restoring the Houses of Parliament is a monumental task fraught with physical, planning and even political challenges. Petr Mitev of Chaos examines the complexity of restoring such a historical site, the role of technology and the reality of building a floating temporary home for the “mother of parliaments” on the Thames
In January 2025, the UK Houses of Parliament marked their 224th year. While the 19th century design is iconic, the buildings have not undergone significant renovation since before World War II.
The structures are national treasures, welcoming around one million visitors each year, alongside the 650 MPs who use the space daily.
However, behind the grandeur, the infrastructure is in serious decline. Leaking windows, outdated electrical networks, failing heating and sewage systems and deteriorating stonework all point to decades of neglect. In addition, the presence of asbestos is a serious health and safety concern for a building so heavily used and loved.
Since the 2019 fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral – caused by an electrical fault – experts have warned that the similarly historic Houses of Parliament also pose serious safety risks. They’ve urged MPs to temporarily vacate the premises so essential repairs can be carried out.
With no clear end in sight due to the extent of disrepair, a long-term solution is imperative. Therefore, the financial impact on Britain’s taxpayers will go far beyond the restoration itself, making it crucial that every decision is carefully considered and responsibly planned.
Project Poseidon
One idea circulating is Gensler’s “Project Poseidon” – a floating version of Parliament on the Thames. This 820-foot barge would serve as a temporary home for the UK’s political hub during renovations. Costed at £60m, it offers a £1bn saving compared with relocating Parliament to existing buildings that would require expensive security and functionality upgrades.
Renders show a bulletproof glass structure set on a steel platform with a wooden frame inspired by Westminster. Built offsite and floated up the Thames, the plan pushes the boundaries of both tradition and innovation.
Given the cost and ambition of both the renovation and temporary accommodation, 3D rendering provides an opportunity to trial designs before implementation.
Preserving the past with 3D visualisation
Restoring Parliament is more than a technical process; it is about safeguarding architectural heritage while enhancing modern functionality. Given the public nature of the project, stakeholders play a key role, making this a complicated and collaborative endeavour.
With a design as complex as Westminster, stakeholders face challenges in understanding the full scope of proposed works. Leveraging 3D visualisation and imagery as a universal language makes the planning process more accessible. It allows the public to understand the intended outcomes before construction begins, reducing costly disputes and delays, which is particularly important given that full restoration could take up to 75 years.
Beyond time savings, careful cost management is essential to reduce overall public expenditure. With repairs projected to cost up to £50bn, renders become integral to evaluating cost-effective alternatives and minimising waste.
Renovating historic buildings involves legal considerations around local building codes and regulations designed to preserve its historical status. Incorporating these into early planning through detailed 3D renders helps identify and address compliance issues early, avoiding disputes.
In a similar vein, maintaining historical accuracy is a primary focus throughout the renovation. The integrity of historical details must be preserved to ensure authenticity, and these details can be captured via laser scans to ensure ongoing accuracy in building maintenance.
Additionally, references from old photographs can be used in renders to ensure accurate depictions of light, colours and materials, mitigating inaccuracies.
In addition, when asbestos is present, its removal may require significant alteration or removal of original materials. Through visualisation, these components can be identified, allowing precise replication or seamless reintegration once deemed safe.
The restoration of Parliament is only part of the larger project. As we move on to the logistics of building the barge, 3D rendering will play a crucial role in overcoming the challenges it presents.
Visualising a floating future
Similar to the renovation process, 3D rendering enhances Project Poseidon by improving stakeholder accessibility, saving time, reducing costs and ensuring compliance.
Given the potential disruption of the relocation, designers must prioritise a smooth transition for MPs to ensure the UK’s political functions remain uninterrupted. 3D renders could be instrumental in presenting plans to those affected, accurately replicating dimensions, lighting and colour schemes to reassure MPs of a smooth transition into temporary accommodation.
Additionally, building a new asset within the allocated budget rather than upgrading existing structures allows the UK to repurpose the building for various uses, whether as additional housing or a landmark. 3D rendering could play a key role in visualising these repurposing options and ensuring the space is optimally used post-restoration.
The secret to success: Accessibility in design
The restoration and temporary relocation of the Houses of Parliament is a monumental task. However, visualisation technology simplifies the process by making planning more accessible for all parties. At Chaos, we aim to democratise design, encouraging collaboration and inclusivity and this project encapsulates how such barriers can potentially be broken down.
While the journey ahead will be challenging, with cutting-edge visualisation tools, the restoration of Parliament is within reach – whether it floats on the Thames or remains firmly on the banks of tradition.
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