Why is there grass on the roof of Parliament House?
There is grass on the roof of Parliament House because the building was designed to blend with the environment. It also symbolises that the government is never above the people.
Australian Parliament House was built into Capital Hill. This reflects Walter Burley Griffin’s vision for Canberra, which integrated built and natural environment. One million cubic metres of earth and rock were removed during the building process. Once complete, the earth was placed on the roof and covered with grass to recreate the shape of the hill. Visitors can walk on the grass on the roof of Parliament House. This symbolises that the people are above the government.
Aerial view of Australian Parliament House
DPS Auspic
Description
This aerial photograph shows Australian Parliament House, including the curved walls, the Senate wing, the House of Representatives wing and the Executive wing. The design of Parliament House allows people to walk over the grass on top of the building. This is a symbol of the role of the public in Australian democracy – the people are above the government.
Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.