The thesis project is a network of civic functions developed within the interstitial space of the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool. The scheme seeks to contest the local plan by supplementing the current housing developments in the area with much needed facilities for the growing community. Furthermore, this thesis draws on ideas regarding the civic economy to explore how community, education and commercial factors can influence a sustainable neighbourhood, whilst mitigating the interests of existing business owners and rising land prices.

The Baltic Triangle is a previous industrial hub that is experiencing a huge population growth. The area is also undergoing a change in use, from its former industrial warehouses to a residential area with fledgling businesses emerging. As a result there is an obvious juxtaposition between the new elements and the pre-existing industrial heritage.

Liverpool city council has earmarked many sites within the area for regeneration however the majority of developments proposed and completed are high-rise residential complexes. The type of accommodation provided has also mainly catered for a young and an often transient population which compromises the future sustainability of the area. As a result, developers are causing rises in land prices that risk the displacement of existing small businesses. Additionally, the absence of civic facilities proposed further perpetuates the unsustainable population growth.

Focussing on just one site within the network this thesis explores design opportunities on a brownfield site formally accommodating industrial buildings despite today being a carpark and an area of green space. The green is largely unused due to the lack of purpose and the way the elevations meet the land gives an unwelcoming experience. As a result the project seeks to frame the space whilst the civic buildings act as an extension to the public realm.

When travelling outwards from the city centre, the site is at the entrance to the Baltic Triangle and the project seeks to make a statement to celebrate the intent of the proposal. It positions itself to act as a signpost to locate yourself within the city. It does this by arranging its programme on a series of grids framing views to buildings of Civic Pride within the city.

Whilst acknowledging the importance of the buildings presence within its context, the proposal is designed in a way to reawaken a historic axis that has been left unused. By reappraising this axis, it highlights an existing route that was once used to travel from Duke Street through to the Docks. Providing a series of civic facilities along this route gives new purpose to the journey and encourages people to move through the Baltic Triangle differently, thus enhancing street activity and vitality.

Thesis Tutors

Aikaterini Antonopoulou
Francesca Piazzoni

Special Mentions

A special thanks to my tutors and Johanna Muszbek