The Hague - Binnenhof Second Chamber

The Second Chamber of Parliament is the legislative authority and watches over the activity of the government. From 1815 - when the bicameral system was introduced at the Congress of Vienna - until 1992 the former ballroom (1790) in the south wing was the meeting place of the Second Chamber. Members now meet in the recently- completed new building designed by the architect Pi de Bruijn. In direct contrast to the old- fashioned interior of the former chamber, the new building is designed in line with modern requirements and furnished in an extremely functional manner. No daylight enters the room, which is decorated in blue and green, in an attempt to provide a neutral atmosphere in which to make governmental decisions. A modern communication system replaces the antiquated one used in the old chamber where handwritten messages were delivered by liveried messengers. Behind the seats occupied by the parties are boxes for invited guests and the public galleries. Dutch television takes photographs with computer-controlled cameras and sells them to the various transmitting companies. Live broadcasts are not permitted. Entry to the individual committee rooms is by way of the sumptuously appointed "statenpassage", which boasts Europe's longest cantilever escalator.