Cultural Sector Partner: Merseyside Civic Society
HE Partner: University of Liverpool

Liverpool School of Architecture and Merseyside Civic Society

Our understanding of heritage can be broadened by considering contemporary architecture as the heritage of the future. Embracing buildings of historical significance along with new architecture as two integral parts of the continuous evolution of our built environment helps us relate to the provision of civic amenities and the enhancement of a sense of place. By acknowledging and reflecting community-based values in this connection, the cultural value of architecture and heritage and their contribution to the social sustainability of local communities can be explored.

With this aim, the University of Liverpool School of Architecture partnered with Merseyside Civic Society to trace architectural excellence across Merseyside. A selection of buildings from the 1960s that have been recognised for their significance by an architectural award and/or by subsequent listing were studied and their users were interviewed. The main aim of the project was to create resources that will empower communities to engage with their evolving built environment: the protection of their most recent architectural heritage as well as public consultations on new planning applications. The immediate outputs included a symposium, a blog and a short film.

This seed project was funded through the University of Liverpool’s Knowledge Exchange & Impact (KE&I) Voucher scheme which helps the University work with external organisations to achieve impact.