So, was this model for corporate good-society sustainable? Maybe in the good times, but as darker economic clouds rolled in, out went the pool and the crèche, replaced by more office space. One of the main criticisms of this project was that the social aspect of the building failed in the long term.

It has been widely castigated as very ugly and like 'Lego-land' in contrast to the urban village proposed for the site. However, security was (and still is) the chief purpose of this building. Judging by the way it survived an attack in 2000, the building at least fulfils this purpose.

People feel the openness and are drawn to the central chamber and want to look down into the debating chamber. Its combined renewable energy systems halve its running cost. But the build went five times over-budget and, of course, a nice view is not actually real participation in government.