What do parliamentary buildings really say about democracy? Are they open, welcoming spaces for citizens – or distant symbols of power?
In a new podcast, Professor Cristina Leston Bandeira (University of Leeds and Chair of IPEN) and Anna-Maria Pawliczek (International Parliamentary Cooperation, German Bundestag) come together to address these two questions.
Timed to commemorate the International Day of Democracy – and hosted by Jessica Benton Cooney at INTER PARES – this podcast explores how parliaments function both as physical spaces and symbolic places that shape public trust, identity and participation.
The podcast launches Parliament as a Space and Place – the fourth in a series of eight Guides on Citizen Engagement Guides created by INTER PARES Parliaments in Partnership (implemented by International IDEA) in partnership with the International Parliament Engagement Network (IPEN), with support from the European Union.
Featuring global experts and real-world examples – from Berlin’s iconic glass dome to ‘mobile parliaments’ that bring democracy to rural communities – this episode shows how architecture and design can either build bridges between citizens and their representatives or reinforce barriers.
Cristina Leston-Bandeira said:
“Parliamentary spaces have huge symbolic importance in shaping perceptions and experiences of parliaments. These can both strengthen connections between citizen and parliament, and hinder these.
“In this podcast, we reflect on this and how small changes can make such a difference.”
Join Cristina, Anna-Maria and Jessica as they unpack how parliaments can move beyond walls to become truly inclusive spaces of belonging, connection and democratic engagement.
Listen to the podcast.
Find out more about the Guide to Parliament as a Space and Place and all other guides in the series.
Feature image
Parliament of South Australia Community Education & Engagement session – demonstrating use of floor mats in outreach sessions. Credit: Parliament of South Australia.
Published on 10 October 2025.