The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, Romania (known before the 1989 Revolution as the House of the Republic or the House of the People) measures 270 m by 240 m, stands 84 m high, and extends 92 m underground. Built in the spirit of socialist-realist architecture, it has nine levels above ground and nine underground.

According to the World Records Academy, the Palace of Parliament is the third-largest administrative building for civilian use by area in the world, the most expensive administrative building in the world, and the heaviest building in the world. The structure is located in the central area of Bucharest, on the site now known as Arsenal Hill.

It ranks second in the world in the "most expensive, unsuccessful, and shameful architectural projects ever undertaken" according to ArchDaily, the world's most visited architecture website.

 Source: https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palatul_Parlamentului

Unlike the colossal and resource-intensive Palace of Parliament, Cotroceni Palace stands as a true model of sustainability through its adaptability and continuous use for over three centuries. As the only residence in Romania that has been in constant use since the late 17th century, Cotroceni Palace embodies architectural resilience, historical significance, and efficient repurposing across different political regimes.

Originally built as a monastic complex, the palace has served as a royal residence, a presidential headquarters, and a cultural landmark, showcasing its ability to withstand the test of time while maintaining its function and heritage. Instead of excessive demolition and reconstruction, Cotroceni Palace demonstrates how a building can evolve and remain relevant, proving that sustainability is not only about materials but also about intelligent and responsible long-term use.

Thus, while the Parliament Palace represents an unsustainable vision of grandeur, Cotroceni Palace exemplifies an efficient and meaningful approach to architectural longevity.