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Home , Fourth Grace, Liverpool, Will Alsop

Liverpool: Mover, Shaker, Architectural Risk-Taker?

2 Map of the 4 The Metropolitan Cathedral 6 The Anglican Cathedral 8 St George’s Hall 10 12 Future 16 Debate and Discussion 19 Our Experience

This magazine was produced by 20 young people aged 13-18 in August 2016 to mark the launch of RIBA North.

It provides their interpretation, responses and insight of the opening exhi- bition ‘Liverpoole: Mover, Shaker, Architectural Risk-Taker.’

The magazine has been designed to support a visit to the exhibition, or to be read and enjoyed as a magazine in its own right.

The group produced the magazine in just four days. It includes a wide range of drawings, photographs and text produced by them.

We hope you enjoy it.

Jo Harrop Director of PLACED

1 4–5

8–9

The RIBA exhibition features buildings that were never realised. However, different designs for some of these were built. Our map shows where these buildings are located in the city, and 10–11 where you can read more about them in our magazine.

2 6–7

10–11

3 The Metropolitan Cathedral

If you’re from Liverpool, we’re sure you have heard about the Metropolitan Cathedral. If the name doesn’t The feature that would ring a bell then it’s the cone like building in which a define this building would tower rises from the centre. You would think from the look of it that is has a very brief history, but there is be a 91 metre high dome more to it than what meets the eye. The conception of the Cathedral goes back over 100 years before the which could hold the building we know today was even designed! largest organ in the world A building of two halves The Cathedral as we know it today was completed in at the time. 1967. But beneath the modern façade of the Cathedral lies Lutyens crypt. As soon as you enter the crypt after walking through the futuristic interior of the Cathedral above, you notice how different the two spaces are. On top it is light and airy, with windows all around while the crypt is darker and more closed. TIMELINE: The story before the Cathedral

1933 1944 Sir Edward Lutyens was recruited to design a second Cathedral People started building the Cathedral by first constructing a crypt for Liverpool. Lutyen based the now Metropolitan Cathedral on to go below it. The building of the crypt was postponed during St. Peter’s Basilica, which is a completely different design to the World War 2 when Lutyens sadly died. After the war the crypt Cathedral today. Building started for the design of the first was completed but further construction halted, due to Lutyen’s Cathedral on the 5th of June 1933. death.

4 What if things had gone differently? How much has this design impacted our city? One thing everyone can agree on, is that if one of Has it given architects working on buildings in the these failed designs had actually been used, then the surrounding areas opportunity to take risks? We city would be very different. In our opinion the city think that the design of the Metropolitan has had a would have another historical building, which would direct effect not only the surrounding area, but also not have been as risky architecturally but would have on architects themselves. It feels like the building has provided more heritage. The Cathedral would have allowed architects to push the boundaries of design also fitted in better with a traditional Cathedral design beyond the usual comfort zones and create a bolder which may have tied the area together and provided future. another architectural landmark for the city. On Hope Street there is a diverse range of buildings, As you can see the Cathedral today is more modern such as the Prize winning Everyman Theatre compared to its surroundings, but is this a thing? and the Philharmonic Hall. However, there is also a range of more traditional buildings nearby, such as Rising to the surface Liverpool University’s Victoria Building. This means Today the Cathedral stands as one of the city’s that the immediate area has a balance between the landmarks and tourist attractions. The design old and the new, which we think adds culture and challenges the normal conventions of a Cathedral variety to the city. due to its’ creative flair and modern edge. If the Luytens design had been built, this may have Most Cathedrals are easy to spot. They use traditional restricted future development in the area. It could construction and a crucifix plan. The Metropolitan have been very overpowering. When coupled with the is different. When approaching the building we felt Anglican Cathedral at the other end of Hope Street it the only thing that identified it as a Cathedral was may have intimidated and restricted other architects. the cruciform detail on the front of the building. With We believe the modern design of the Metropolitan has bright colours and a very geometric concrete structure allowed the area to have more variety. it’s difficult to not become immersed in the beauty of its intricate design. We think that this design is architecturally stunning, complicated and vibrant.

1953 1960 Dr William Godfrey, the in 1953, kept Heenan then held a competition, in which Sir ’s the £4 million budget and stayed with Lutyen’s overall ideas, but design was chosen. Building began in October 1962 and the reduced the scale of the building. However, Godfrey faced heavy Cathedral we know today was completed in 1967. criticism and, when John Heenan took his place as leader of the project, he decided the design should be scrapped.

5 The Anglican Cathedral

We think it would have been better if the design by Charles Herbert Reilly (above) had been built instead of the Anglican Cathedral building we have today. We like the current Catherdral building but we feel it would have had a different impact on Liverpool if we had built this alternative design.

When we first saw the RIBA exhibition we were really Our opinions: surprised to see there had been other designs for the We thought the exhibition was very interesting and Anglican Cathedral. unique. The buildings are different and special in their own way, with all sorts of shapes and sizes. We Building a Cathedral in Liverpool was never easy and thought most of the buildings look exclusive and there were many decisions made before the current memorable. Anglican Cathedral was built. “It was interesting and made you think how our The original idea was to build a gothic style city could have been different.” Cathedral in the location of the current St Georges – Christina Hall. The money was not able to be raised and the project collapsed. “The architects are really creative, thinking about creating these amazing design plans for the buildings” Years later, a competition was held for a new design – Nimisha and a new location was selected where the current Anglican Cathedral is now. Three entries were “Fascinating, different to any other building I ever saw.” submitted. The one that was chosen was a design by – Amy Giles Gilbert Scott and is the Cathedral we have today.

6 The Cathedral now … The Cathedral that could It was a hot day in August. We were have been … making our way to the Anglican It was a hot day in August. We were Cathedral. We were only a short walk trudging the long slope path away from the Cathedral and already d before us. The hot summer sun you could see it overshadowing burning our slouched backs. The the city. We didn’t realize it was on such a steep hill. When we all got to domineering cathedral could the top of the n e v e r – e n d i n g be seen from miles away, but it was hill, we were quite exhausted. Well, different up close. It made us feel some of us were. We stood in front special. The building itself was beautiful and of the entrance of the gigantic grand. It was a treat and an honour building. As we looked up, it to enter the palace, it felt like royalty appeared as if it was going to fall lived there. because of how tall it was. A huge shadow hovered over us. As The entrance was enormous; it was magical, very detailed and we walked into the building an instant cool breeze hit us. The space made you feel important. Inside it was massive. Walking around, we was stunning! We felt like the noticed little things. There were Queen would be preparing our doors with small balconies. They afternoon t e a! looked tiny because they were so Inside the sights were unbelievable. high up. There were stunning Looking up at the dome at stained- glass windows that each huge the top with the beautiful patterns, had a different story behind them. colours and shapes of all kinds. There was writing and numbers carved in the walls which were The whole experience was awe- interesting and we wanted to find inspiring but at the same time we felt out what they meant. the building was tranquil and We found out lots of things from calming. our visit. Why don’t you visit and find out things that you didn’t

know?

7 Keeping the Culture

It’s one of the finest neo-classical buildings in Liverpool. It’s the face of the city’s culture. Can you guess? It’s St George’s Hall!

St George’s Hall has represented Liverpool’s culture Hall. The eager youth decides to take part. Surpris- for about 160 years and the Grade 1 listed building is ingly, he manages to win both competitions. Success. still standing proudly today. Its austere simplicity on However, before the builders start working, he comes the outside contrasts with the luxurious interior. up with the idea of bringing the two buildings together to make one – St George’s Hall. After the idea was You probably know what St George’s Hall looks like. accepted, the architect works on the new design which But do you know what it was going to look like? is what we see today.

From Two to One Harvey Lonsdale Elmes changed this imagination into Imagine a young 25-year-old called Harvey Lonsdale reality and earned the title of ‘Young Prodigy Architect’. Elmes who is in love with architecture. Two exciting competitions are taking place; one for designing 1839 become the year of hard work, success and new Assize Courts and another for designing St George’s cultural beginning.

8 View from St John’s Garden

Majestic, Grand and elegant: that’s how we describe it What’s on? From our visit to St George’s Hall, we think it’s the Before, St George’s Hall used the hall for music and perfect place if you are looking to see something the lower levels for prisons and courts. that will take your breath away. However, that is not the case anymore.

St George’s Hall is in the best place. On one side, you St George’s Hall is used for a wide range of things have the busy railway station taking people to and including: from places. On the other side, you have the tranquil St John’s Garden. • Exhibitions • Tours From the outside, you can see the neo-classical style • Talks with the rows of columns, narrow stairs, collection of • Concerts statues and the design at the top of the building. • Corporate events • Weddings, Winter Art Markets and many more! This contrasts to the inside. Reviews: gaining more stars? At first, you feel like you are in another world. We looked on Trip Advisor and here are some The decorative ceiling above astonishes you. It is people’s views on St George’s Hall: supported by the scarlet granite columns that sparkle in the distance. The delicate and detailed designs on “Entry is free, the hall, roof 665 the polished 30,000 tile floor captures your attention. and the mosaic floor is great” 240 Figures from all angles have hidden meanings. 38 Chandeliers glow in the room, making it lighter and “Fabulous building, 13 brighter. In the concert hall, 7000 pipes are waiting to spectacular venue, 9 be played on the stage. It’s bliss. magnificent hall” Trip Advisor

9 Illustration by Connah O’Neill (Age: 17) No Mann is an Island

“It looks like a spaceship.” Are our heads still stuck in The Cloud? — Adam, 9 You may never have heard of The Cloud, or even know what it looks like. We couldn’t blame you as it never made its transition from the screen to the street.

The design was controversially chosen as the winning submission in a competition led by Liverpool City Mann Island, a £135 million development, seems to Council in 2002 for the ‘’. But in 2004 pop up out of the blue. Surrounded by large neoclassic it was cancelled. But why did the bold and ambitious buildings it certainly does give off an alien impression, design that was supposedly ‘perfect’ for Liverpool not like it fell straight out of 2001: A Space Odyssey – the get built? monolith has returned! Okay, that is a little far-fetched, but isn’t that the whole premise of this project? Quite simply, money. The cost of The Cloud spiralled. Instead, the Mann Island that we see today stands The risky style of the building – the jaunty angles and there. the intense black exterior – is what makes the build- ing. Without that, it would just be a block of flats with a good view. Instead, we have a building which screams “I’ve always preferred The modernity; it’s no wonder RIBA North chose this as Cloud over Mann Island. their new home. It’s wacky! I mean, where But why this version of Mann Island, you ask? Why the dark, black buildings instead of ’s radical The else do you see a building Cloud? The exhibition headed by RIBA, poses the very questions we ask: what could have been? like that?” — Emma, 60

10 Illustration by Juliana Mohamad Noor, (Age: 17) What Does the Architect Have to Say?

An interview with Matt Brook, architect for Mann Island, about his design and why ‘The Cloud’ may not be all it seems. How do you think your design compares with The Cloud design by Alsop? What inspired your design? The site context, both current and historic was the key My approach to the site context was very different to inspiration behind my design. I had 3 key aims/ideas Alsop’s. Without seeing both schemes completed it’s which drove the design; hard to make a proper comparison.

• To help reconnect the city to its historic waterfront Why and how do you think your design was better • To preserve/frame key views of the Three Graces than The Cloud? • That the idea of the site being seen as a Fourth Grace was not appropriate. The Mann island site I think that’s a question best answered by the public, was historical and still needed to be, a different it’s their opinion that’s most important. part of the city with a different purpose. It should not be seen as an extension to the but What is your opinion on architecture competitions a different urban condition, a fulcrum point which and allowing the public to vote on a design? re-connected the Pier Head, the Albert and the City Centre together again. I think if managed in the right way architectural competitions can help drive innovation and provide How did you feel when the project was completed? opportunities for younger architects. I think it is vital that the public are more engaged in a debate about From producing the first sketch to seeing the building design quality, why it is important and how the built completed took ten years. I was 29 when I produced environment effects everyone’s quality of . Voting the initial ideas for the scheme and 39 when it was on competitions is one way to engage the public in finished. Over that period of time the project took a lot the debate. However, often I don’t think the public are of thought, so I was very proud to see it finished but given enough information to properly inform their also conscious that I was going to miss working on it. decision.

“The Cloud is a bit exces- sive. I’m glad it’s the way Illustration by Connah O’Neill (Age: 17) it is right now with Mann Island because it comple- ments the environment” — Ashraf, 21

11 Visions of the Future

12 It’s now time to leave the past of the city behind and venture deep into the waters of what could be Liverpool’s most ambitious architectural future… 13 Concept designs for

The Future Risk-Takers?

The buildings featured in the exhibition were estimated a £5.5 Billion project with a potential 50 ambitious, risky and bold – but never built. We feel years of construction. ambition is good. It inspires. It helps to create identity. It can bring in investment. But is also carries risk. The scale of the development means it could reinstate Liverpool as the ‘Mover, Shaker, Architectural Risk Schemes can be too big and costs spiral – such as Taker.’ Lutyens’ Cathedral or the Cloud.

Critics have reported that buildings in recent years What do you think should be the future for Liverpool’s aren’t achieving the same greatness. Architects seem skyline? to be scared away by the big major landmarks in . Perhaps they feel they could never live up to China today has strongly influenced and impacted our the greats. In recent years, the rise in buildings across perception of . Architects from Liverpool in general shows great ambition for the city around Liverpool have built upon this to create our and its future. new and improved . But do we really need it? We spoke to Blok Architects who told us about their plans for Chinatown and the importance of involving Blok Architects, the designers behind the project say communities if you want an ambitious design to that this is “An extremely important regeneration succeed. We have featured their interview on the next project”. 9 Buildings are to be constructed in an area page. Another example is Liverpool Waters, a scheme near the Anglican Cathedral with an investment of which could shape the future of our waterfront. £200 million.

Proposed by Peel Holdings, the scheme makes use With the old Chinatown looking a bit run down and of derelict, abandoned spaces along the dock wearing away, is it about time we redevelop regenerating up to 60 acres of land across four sectors of Liverpool’s docks. Peel’s scheme has been

14 Interview with John Carney – BLOK Architecture

Q. What would you advise upcoming architects with a strong concept with a strong idea. We have about taking risks? collaborated it with a really strong design team and a good client who’s really keen on design. We have a really A. Risk is inherent in the industry. As you are good relationship with our client and trust- which is key. spending millions of pounds of other peoples money, risk should be factored into everything you do. YOU’RE Q. How confident are you that this project will be NOT BUILDING LEGO BLOCKS YOU ARE BUILDING a success? REAL BUILDINGS- but it is not something that should deter you away from the industry, its more of the A. Because it is such a big and ambitious project challenge. which is city shaping, we decided to take an internal public consultation ourselves to demonstrate we was Q. What would you advise upcoming architects keen on doing it for the people. We put together our about being ambitious? own exhibition with our own ideas, and presented that to the seven elders of the community first and A. You can be ambitious with designs but you have foremost, and out to the public to see if they had any to be realistic and take into consideration budget and ideas and to have their output for the outset. We told practicality. Liverpool Waters is a massive ambitious them this is our idea this is what we want to do and scheme, and is not something that happens every day we want to engage you. We have community support, in terms of its scale and ambition. You should always we haven’t kept our cards close to our chest. We be ambitions in everything you do- that doesn’t just have been given the confidence from the outset that relate to architecture, if you don’t have ambition you’re through doing these extra consultations that we will just going to float in the same place, and who wants to have everyone on our side, not only that if they have be in the same place? You want to do the biggest and input into a design it’s not just us doing what we want best thing you can do. to do and little things like that. This project is for the people which will make it a success. Q. Would you say your project is high risk—if so why did you choose to take the risk? Q. What the future should look like for Liverpool?

A. Yes very. With ambition comes risk. In terms A. The future is very bright for Liverpool. Liverpool of ambition and risk it is something that is given to Waters may be in 50 years but it is a catalyst. Me you and it all goes down to what you do with it. This personally I like contemporary buildings, designing in project is an opportunity to put Blok on the map an old way is lost slightly so I’d like to have as much you’re not going to get recognised by designing one contribution to the city as possible, I don’t think the of the same, which is a risk in itself so we came up identity in Liverpool will ever be lost.

15 Interview

As a group, we had a lot of different opinions about the exhibition and buildings featured in it. We decided to put a few questions to a small panel from our group.

We also asked Suzy Jones from the RIBA the same Otherwise, once people have visited they wouldn’t questions, and we’re grateful for her taking time out to have interest in returning. share her views. TH It could be – for people who like architecture. Do you recommend visiting the new RIBA architecture exhibition? YA Yes because there’s been a huge amount of money put into the project. Also with all the support OK People who like architecture are often born into it. received it will be successful.

CR It’s not only for people who are interested in architecture. It’s also interesting to see how the future SJ I hope so. We have tried to put together an could’ve looked. I would recommend it. exhibition which celebrates the city, its architectural ambition, and the people who helped shape it. I hope YA Yes, definitely. it makes the people of Liverpool proud and provides a platform for them to think about how it might evolve TH No, because I don’t know anyone who likes and how they can influence that evolution. architecture.

SJ I would. It offers a great opportunity to explore Do you think the RIBA exhibition will interest young Liverpool – past, present and future. people in architecture?

CR Yes because it makes architecture more Do you think the RIBA exhibition will be a success? accessible to younger and less experienced people. Why? It explains architecture in a more approachable way. CR I do. However I feel the content of the exhibition should be changed in order for it to be sustainable. OK I think they would have to be interested before

16 they go. But if there was things like Lego so they can design when they’re there then it would make it more interesting.

YA Yes because the main target audience is younger people so hopefully it will attract them to the exhibi- tion. They’re able to learn more about how architecture has affected Liverpool.

SJ I hope so. But I also hope it encourages young people to think radically about their environment and be ambitious about what they demand from future developments.

Do you think that the RIBA exhibition is ambitious and risky?

CR Parts of it are ambitious and some of the works are risky. This may explain why they were never built.

TH Yes, because I have never seen one like it before.

YA A little. The history part is ambitious. It would be good if it talked more about the future as that’s also what people want to know.

S Not very. I think some of the content is but not the exhibition itself.

Will today’s buildings such as Mann Island stand the test of time? Yasmin Al-Zuhairi Age 14, Belvedere Academy, Liverpool JM Yes. I believe that modern buildings are good and help to bring more tourists to the city and also Chloe Roberts there are older buildings that have stood the test of Age 17, Bellerive FCJ Catholic College time. Oliver Kent CR It depends on how they’re looked after and Age 14, St Margerets Academy how the space is used. Compared to other modern architecture I feel it has a really good chance of being Thomas Hallam sustainable. Age 14,

YA Yes, because whilst it’s one of the modern build- Juliana Mohamad Noor ings of our time it will become a piece of history in Age 17, St Hilda’s C of E High School the future. Suzy Jones SJ Yes. RIBA

17 How We Created Our Magazine

18 What We Thought About the Week

Oliver Kent, 14 Sarah Jawad, 15 “An experience” “At first I was unsure whether to join this workshop. After given some thought, why not? I’m glad I Yasmin Al-Zuhairi, 14 attended because it has given me an insight into “The workshop was enjoyable and I learnt a lot. It was architecture. I may consider going into it further in fun and I made new friends. One of the best weeks!” the future.”

Amy Nguyen, 14 Jenson Saito, 15 “This experience was educational, as well as that I “I found this workshop enjoyable because I got to socialised.” learn not just about architecture but also that there is more behind the building such as heritage, risk and Hannah Nguyen, 14 also context.” “Enjoyable, educational, super sociable.” Matty Carr-Millar, 17 Jordan Ainsworth, 13 “I’m glad I joined PLACED again, the staff and “Drawing.” volunteers are always lovely and helpful!”

Brellaine Borbon, 17 Rebecca O’Brien, 16 “It was a fun experience. I got to listen to others’ “I always enjoy PLACED courses and this one has opinions and work together to affix these perspectives, been no exception! Everyone is always lovely and which improved my confidence in building happy to help!” relationships.” Connah O’Neill, 17 Nimisha Bompally, 13 “This week has been brilliant; I have really enjoyed “The experience was great, working together and working with so many amazing people!” making new friends. Also, we learnt new things.” Penelope Ruddock, 18 Christina Gutteridge-Teso, 13 “The course has been amazing! I found the group “The workshop has been an enjoyable 4 days that I work very rewarding and inspirational.” thought at first would be different. I have learnt a lot of things also as well as having loads of fun!” Juliana Mohamad Noor, 17 “I got to experience how it would be like in an actual Chloe Roberts, 17 architecture/design firm.” “The workshop has been a unique experience that has inspired me to pursue my dreams of becoming an Thomas Hallam, 14 architect.” “I learnt about the original designs for buildings and how they changed.” Shola Akinyele, 17 “The workshop has been an exciting experience that has opened my eyes to the world of architecture.”

19 Producers

Producers 20 young people aged 13-18 from across Liverpool have worked together with PLACED and RIBA to create this magazine. Together, we have explored, designed, analysed and worked with professionals to produce a document reflecting the exhibition themes.

20 RIBA PLACED

When we first started this project, we did not know PLACED delivers hands-on, creative programmes much about the RIBA. However, during this process, that excite, empower, enable and engage the public, in we have learnt about them and now we understand particular young people, about the built environment. who they are and what they do. Our Consultation services support clients, developers The RIBA are the Royal Institution of British Architects. and designers in undertaking meaningful engagement, They believe that anyone who has dreams of being an whilst giving people a voice in local developments. Architect should have opportunities to achieve their dreams. They support architectural education and Working with schools and universities, our Education have many opportunities and possibilities for all ages. programmes give young people the opportunity to The RIBA are based in but decided to have a learn about the built world, whilst supporting access centre in the North and guess which city they decided into professional careers. to come to? Liverpool! This will be good as they will be able to give more opportunities for people in As a , we are committed to having Liverpool. a positive impact on local communities. The development of skills, increasing knowledge, raising aspiration and inspiring change are core to everything Events for us we do. The RIBA want the public to interact more with architecture. As part of the new centre, they will be running a wide range of public events for all ages. To find out more go to https://www.architecture.com/ WhatsOn/WhatsOn.aspx?city=liverpool

21 Producers

Participants With thanks to the RIBA for their Amy Nguyen support, input and direction on the Beth Fitzpatrick magazine and the opportunity to Brellaine Borbon produce the magazine. Chloe Roberts Connah O’neill Funded by a grant from the Cristina Gutteridge-Teso Heritage Lottery Fund. Hannah Nguyen Jenson Saito Jordan Ainsworth Julianne Noor Mohamad Keiryn West Matty Carr-Millar Nimisha Bompally Oliver Kent Penny Ruddock Rebecca O’Brien Sarah Jawad Shola akinyele Thomas Hallam Yasmin Al-Zuhairi

Editor Jo Harrop www.placed.org.uk

Design Consultant Joe Gilmore www.qubik.com

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