Royal Albert Dock's Gutsy Reinvention: Maintaining Liverpool's Iconic Spirit
Redeveloped Waterfront Area Named Royal Albert Dock
Words: Marco Iulian | Photos: Jim Stephenson
Sixty years past, British scholar Quentin Hughes penned one of the finest books on Liverpool: Seaport. Illustrated by the captivating photos of Graham Smith and David Wrightson, Hughes wrote that the city was characterized by "the audacity to think and act in a bold, comprehensive manner." He began his vibrant portrait with an in-depth analysis of the River Mersey and the docks. In a cultural climate vastly different from today's, he foresaw a future for the city on the Mersey—one as a tourism hub. Since then, with mixed fortunes, the change in Liverpool and the Albert Dock—the Royal Albert Dock since 2018—has been impressive and enduring.
Presently, the most substantial project revolves around the overhaul of the Tate of the North, initially developed by Stirling, Wilford & Associates in the late 1980s, now receiving a major facelift. Thoughtfully crafted by 6a Architects, this project will be completed in 2027. The Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum are in the process of a parallel revitalization, slated for completion in 2024. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios will design the connection between the two institutions. However, construction abounds across the city, often disconnected from its rich and diverse past, resembling designs and realizations on the waterfront that caused the dock area to lose its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2021.
At a Glance (photo: Studio MUTT)
At first sight, Studio MUTT's design for the Albert Dock exudes a cultured approach—one the city needs to preserve its character as a thread of continuity with its historic past. With the largest collection of Grade I-listed buildings in the United Kingdom, MUTT's intervention has given a second life to the external areas of the Albert Dock colonnade and redesigned the internal workspaces.
A Brief History
Built by civil engineer Jesse Hartley in 1845, the Albert Dock was one of the first enclosed docks in the world. Its unique features consist of warehouses fashioned in brick and cast iron to prevent fires, round corners to lessen damage from ships and machinery, and platforms made of beautifully crafted stone for loading and unloading operations. A network of massive Tuscan columns, cranes, hoists, and pulleys completed the dock's grandeur. Goods were stored at upper floors while merchants resided nearby.
From 1927 until 1981, the warehouses served as storage facilities, although they remained active during WWII for naval operations. Their listing as Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest occurred in 1952, followed by the identification of a Conservation Area in 1976. The Merseyside Development Corporation, responsible for modernizing Liverpool's waterfront and docks, was established in 1981 to implement a £100 million investment plan. The Maritime Museum officially opened in 1984, while the Tate of the North was inaugurated in 1988, the first Tate art museum outside London. The Dock recaptured the public's attention in 2023 with its acquisition by General Projects and an investment company for £40m. The site now attracts over six million visitors annually.
Stirling's Legacy
Stirling – a native of Liverpool intrigued by the docks – reinterpreted the dock's architecture when he designed the Tate. Employing azure and orange metal with round portholes, he honored the dock's presence on the water in a respectful yet playful manner. However, the development of the area lost cohesiveness following Stirling's design. To reinstate the original charm and visual harmony, Studio MUTT was commissioned to help put the pieces together.
MUTT's Makeover
For the first phase, adjoining the Tate, MUTT introduced a Victorian touch to the monolithic warehouses, evoking the contrast found in Liverpool's terrace houses. Dashed across the structures are traces of the nautical language, an essential part of Liverpool's identity. As visitors move under the austere colonnade, a welcoming palette of oxide red, salmon orange, basalt grey, and ivory awaits. A series of maritime symbols painted on the walls guide visitors through the new spaces, optimized for functionality and interaction.
In addition to the visual upgrades, Studio MUTT collaborated with artist Corbin Wood to breathe life into the project's spirit. The practice, known for integrating visual arts elements in their projects, draws from their dedication to craftsmanship and passion for art.
The revitalized spaces within the dock offer flexible, adaptable offices with stunning views of the river. A warm, inviting color palette complements the simple, efficient light beige of the plywood furniture, which pays tribute to the wooden boxes that once carried goods from the docks.
MUTT's Manchester
Studio MUTT, a group of imaginative architects committed to collaboration, leads their designs with a thoughtful, innovative spirit. Similar to other medium-sized practices in Liverpool, such as Shedkm, they contribute significantly to the city's architectural and cultural scene.
Established in 2017, MUTT's first office resided in the Oriel Chambers, one of the world's earliest curtain wall experimentations. Currently based in a converted hat factory, their creative space showcases their previous work, offering an engaging, colorful atmosphere that modernizes what is old. Another project, the Stratford Workshop in London, epitomizes MUTT's ability to work within budget constraints, transforming limitations into opportunities for beautiful, bold design.
Shaping the Future
Liverpool remains a city eager to employ young, innovative architects to shape both buildings and identity. The youthful vigor of practices like Studio MUTT is often met with positive consequences, leaving long-lasting impacts. Furthermore, their empathy for place and community sets them apart, inspiring growth led by culture rather than the other way around.
Added Images
Credits
Client: General ProjectsArchitectural design: Studio MUTTFF+E: Studio MUTTGraphics and wayfinding: Studio MUTTMechanical and electrical design: Walmsley AssociatesProject manager and quantity surveyor: ModeroMain contractor: Planit Interiors
Linoleum: ForboSuspended linear lights: AnsellGlobe lights: Lisilux LightsWorktops: Foresso UKKitchen fittings: RangemasterShower tray, washbasin, and W.C.: DuravitFlush plate and toilet cistern: GeberitTap, shower head, and mixer: CrosswaterStrip light: iGuzzini
- The environmental revitalization project by Studio MUTT on the home-and-garden grounds of the Albert Dock, as seen in the 'At a Glance' photo, integrates a cultural awareness to preserve Liverpool's historic identity and maintain its unique charm.
- With the revival of the Albert Dock's exterior areas and internal workspaces, the lifestyle within these former warehouses now blends harmoniously with their rich history, providing a modern living and working space that embodies Liverpool's spirit yet respects its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
