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Architect had 'beautiful' vision

BBC

The new Scottish Parliament building, due to be formally opened by the Queen, was designed by Catalonian architect Enric Miralles. Mr Miralles, who died in July 2000, said his initial inspiration was drawn from upturned boats. The architect said he wanted to design "a fantastic building, which will be beautiful, in a beautiful location". The 44-year-old was chosen from a shortlist of five in 1998 to design the new parliament at Holyrood. His previous work included a new town hall in Utrecht, Holland, and Barcelona's Olympic archery pavilions.