The Hotel Dilemma
After our group returned from a semester studying abroad, we each struggled to find suitable housing for less than 6 months. This medium-long term housing is a gap in the current market and inspired us to try and propose a typology for the gap.
Our monopoly diagram shows the research around the current hotels in Liverpool, and also the gap for a ‘Grand Hotel’ so it can be symbolic of its place and a place with character.
Our Hypothesis
The redevelopment of disused department stores can challenge the traditional shopping arcade and combat the decline of the high street through civic design, mixed-use, and a revival of the ‘grand hotel’.
To deepen our knowledge on the topic…
The methodology includes data collection, a study of the origins of hotels and retail to understand their historical context, and case studies to analyze real-world applications and transformations.
Data Collection
Looking into trends and insights that are related to boost Liverpool’s economy through hybrid retail-hospitality experiences.
Origins of Hotel and Retail
Explored how their historical roles and spatial configurations informed contemporary architectural adaptation.
Case Study
Selected a series of hotel-retail and department store case studies as inspiration for our spatial distribution strategy.
Liverpool Hotel – Retail History
Exploring a parallel timeline of retail and hotel history to uncover connections that willinform and inspire our thesis design.
Project Vision
Re: Defining, Designing, Imagining, Generating – Re:Arcade.
Economy boost
The design aims to stimulate local economic growth by revitalizing underused spaces and attracting diverse commercial and social activities.
Increase human interaction
The project encourages community engagement and social connection through inclusive, multi-functional spaces that promote interaction and shared experiences.
Redefine Retail
It reimagines the future of retail by blending commerce with culture, leisure, and hospitality, creating dynamic environments beyond traditional shopping.
Project Overview
Meet the Team
We are a team of MArch 5 from University of Liverpool that just returned from our semester exchange abroad, pioneering a research-driven approach to urban revitalization through hybrid hotel-retail models. Through an analysis of department stores and hotel typologies, we are designing self-sustaining spaces that fuel economic growth, social interaction, and global connectivity. Our innovative spatial and operational strategies merge hospitality and retail, creating a dynamic urban ecosystem that strengthens Liverpool’s high street for the future.
Bethany Mallard
MArch 5
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia
Carrie Boon
MArch 5
University of Newcastle,
Australia
Suki Fong
MArch 5
University of Technology,
Sydney
