Liverpool School of Architecture’s extension ‘tops out’
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The Liverpool School of Architecture has celebrated a major milestone in the construction of its new extension with a traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony, marking the point at which the building reaches its uppermost point.
The ceremony, which dates back 5,000 years, involves placing oil, wine, salt, corn, and a yew branch into a concrete block that is incorporated into the structure. This ancient ritual is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the completed building.
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David Harding, ULCCO, Prof Ola Uduku , Prof Tim Jones and John Tuomey, O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects[/caption]
Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones said: “This ceremony marks a key moment in the construction of a new building. It signifies reaching the highest point of the structure and gives us an opportunity to come together as we push towards the finish line.
“I’d like to thank the design and construction teams for their efforts, as well as our School of Architecture and the architects, for their commitment to high-quality design and their vision for moving this historic school forward.”
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Prof Fiona Beveridge, Prof Ola Uduku, David Harding, Prof Tim Jones and John Tuomey[/caption]
Designed by Irish-based architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, the £23 million extension is scheduled to open in 2026.
The new space will offer students enhanced teaching and research facilities, including virtual reality and digital design suites, collaborative workspaces, and an exhibition area.
In keeping with the University’s strategic commitment to sustainability, the project incorporates eco-friendly materials. Improvements are also underway on the existing School of Architecture buildings, originally designed by Professor Charles Reilly in the 1930s and updated in the 1980s.
This construction project marks a significant chapter in the history of the Liverpool School of Architecture, which was established in 1894. It became the first university in the UK to award a RIBA-accredited degree in Architecture in 1924.
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Prof Iain Jackson, Patricia Al-Fakhri, founder of the Al-Fakhri Scholarship, Prof Ola Uduku and Prof Tim Jones[/caption]
The University of Liverpool is currently ranked 3rd in the UK for Architecture (Guardian University Guide 2025), and in the world top 100 for Architecture (QS World University Rankings 2025).
The build is being carried out by the University of Liverpool’s Construction Company.
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John Tuomey, O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects[/caption]