Studying architecture is very important to analyze existing buildings and the best way to do this is to see them not just in books or other written resources but in real life. That is why for us was organized study trip to Edinburg, where we had opportunity to explore an outstanding buildings in the city. During the day we visited plenty of buildings, which were build in different times and for different purposes, but the key point of our trip was visit of Scottish Parliament, building which cause mixed feelings among people. Some of them really appreciate the idea of Enric Miralles and his interpretation of how Parliament building should look like, while others think that it was not worth to spend so much money on a building, which even do not look like a place where important for the country decisions are made. I was also surprised with an external appearance of the building; for me it more looks like complex of flats or offices, however inside where was completely different atmosphere. Miralles paid attention to details, symbols and key history points of the country; he managed to create an atmosphere of power and unity of Scottish people. Public space is constructed as a 3 vaults with crusts on the top, which represent medieval Scotland. One of the typical symbols is cross step gable, which is quite repeatable element in interior design. Miralles also used silhouettes of people in chamber room and as a form of ventilation system to show that the opinion of the people is very important in the process of parliament work. Overall I think that the idea of using symbols work very successful and make local visitors of parliament fell themselves as a patriots, but international visitors feel the power and potential of Scottish people. To show that Scotland is rich with building materials he used only these ones, which are produced or manufactured within the country, such us: concrete, Kemnay black granite, from Aberdeenshire, Caithness stone, Scottish oak and stainless steel. All the materials are used very wisely contrasting and completing each other, as an example, could be granite wall with oak panels, which because of material contrast look incredibly. Different parts of Parliament are built from different materials creating specific atmosphere. Debating Chamber is made using oak from all over the Scotland, as a result uniting energy of different parts of the country; oak roof structure, walls, floor, furniture- all of this make the space as an ensemble. Scottish Parliament is a brilliant example of sustainable building, which became an inspiration for all the rest buildings within the country. All the electricity used in the building is renewable, natural springs provide all needed water, Miralles designed the building using as much natural ventilation and light as he can. A lot of glazed roofs and walls make internal space bright and pleasant for work. Some of the roofs are covered with grass, creating a feeling that you are on the ground floor, while actually you are much higher.

Overall I enjoyed this trip very much, it was really worth it to see the Parliament building, and also all other interesting building to compare used materials, interior and exterior spaces, building connection with environment, see symbols and fascinating elements. All of these is practice, which is integral part of education process.