Proceedings, 6 th International Space Syntax Symposium, İstanbul, 2007 THE NATIONAL CONGRESS PALACE: Niemeyer’s masterpiece facing a functional conflict 123 Valério Augusto Soares de Medeiros Universidade de Brasília Fabiano José Arcadio Sobreira Universidade de Brasília Frederico Rosa Borges de Holanda Universidade de Brasília Abstract This paper discusses configurational issues at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, in Brasília, rising how configurational issues are collaborating with planning strategies and workplace design. Space syntax tools (visibility and axial analysis) are used to explore form and space patterns, simulating future scenarios and illustrating its usefulness for complex building design. The National Congress, Brazilian legislative headquarters, hosts two houses: Chamber of Deputies and Federal Senate. It constitutes one of the corners of the Three Powers Square (to the West), and is the main landmark of the Monumental Axis, to the East. It represents the monumental scale proposed by Lucio Costa, congregating a strong symbolic and civic appeal. Preliminary configurational simulations point to a clear movement conflict, highlighting a fragmentary impression. Passageways and rooms have been changed, subdivided or interrupted, creating a more labyrinthine pattern. By the absence of intervention guidelines, the building tends to disfiguration, for there is no legislation considering it as a whole and it faces a dilemma: maintenance of its modern features, including the form-space layout, without resulting in an “iron cast”. Efforts towards a solution, such as studies for a Master Plan, are including configurational issues and, based on the first findings, it seems to be a positive track to be followed. Eyes on the Chamber of Deputies This paper is associated to actions focused on built space at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies (Figure 1), aiming at helping architects, engineers and managers in planning routines. The core of the argument refers to flows, accesses and movements, discussing methodological possibilities, through space syntax theory. Intended results are strategic for a Parliament master plan under development, by means of five axes: flow; population/densities; occupation; urbanism and recently acquired areas. Keywords: Space Syntax, Complex Building Design Brazilian Parliament Chamber of Deputies Valério Augusto Soares de Medeiros Universidade de Brasília, SQN 406, Bloco I, Apto. 202, Asa Norte, Brasília – DF, Brasil CEP 70847-090 +55 (0) 61 349-6798 vaugusto@digi.com.br Fabiano José Arcadio Sobreira Architect, Architect/Chamber of Deputies Division for Accessibility and Sustainable Architecture fabiano.sobreira@gmail.com Frederico Rosa Borges de Holanda Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo, Programa de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação em Arquitetura e Urbanismo, Universidade de Brasília – Caixa Postal 04431, CEP: 70919-970 Fax: (+55) (61) 3274 - 5444 Phone: (+55) (61) 3307- 2454 fredhol@unb.br sp