We asked MSc CRESTA student Daize what her favourite Architecture spots in Liverpool are, see below what she says:
When I was asked to write a post about Architecture in Liverpool, my mind wandered back to my first few days in this beautiful city. As an architect, I was thrilled to see my dream of English buildings came true as the city offer a wide range of architecture styles from Georgian style neo-classical to modern contemporary buildings. However, after 6 months living and studying here, I have learned to appreciate these buildings not just by their looks but also by the stories they hold or “the depth of their soul”. So, on a beautiful sunny Sunday, I revisited a few of my favourites.
My first stop was Bluecoat on School Lane. Built in the early 18th century, this is the oldest building in the city centre and arguably the Great Britain’s first art centre. Its symmetrical façade, arched and round windows, iconic blue doors with high front steps make it instantly recognisable. Inside, small independent shops sell plants, antique books and curated goods, and a ground‑floor café opens onto a peaceful garden, perfect for a quiet cuppa. Today, Bluecoat continues its legacy as a creative hub supporting artists and cultural events.
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From Bluecoat, a short walk down Lord street and onto Castle Street brings you to Liverpool city town hall, a significantly gorgeous Georgian architecture. The building’s dome is topped by a statue of Minerva, goddess of wisdom, making it a landmark. Castle Street itself is vibrant with beautiful neo-classical buildings and great restaurants.
Just a few steps further along Water Street stands Oriel Chamber, the world's first building featuring a metal-framed glass curtain walls, which has since become a defining feature of skyscrapers around the world. This design interestingly contrasts to its Victorian era with heavy masonry. This office building is also a structural innovation for its time since it’s built on steel frame, perfectly present Liverpool as an important city in English’s industrial revolution. Visiting the building today, you will not only be facinated by the distinctive architecture but also by the way this building’s glazing reflects the surrounding streetscape.
My final stop was RIBA North on the waterfront. Opened in 2017, it’s the national architecture centre of the Royal Institute of British Architects. The building’s two dark‑glazed blocks, linked by a single‑storey hall, stand out among the mix of heritage and modern structures. It’s both a contemporary landmark and a symbol of Liverpool’s ongoing balance between heritage preservation and innovation.
