Riba North

Designed by Broadway Maylan, the Royal Institute of British Architects opens the new national architecture center RIBA North facing the striking Liverpool Waterfront.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) opens tomorrow the new national architecture centre RIBA North, designed by Matt Brook form Broadway Malyan within the Mann Island mixed use development on the Liverpool Waterfront. The center is a place for everyone to discover more about architecture with exhibitions, talks and tours as well as a café and shop.

The opening exhibition, “Liverpool(e): Mover, Shaker, Architectural Risk-Taker”, praises Liverpool’s long, often maverick, history of architectural ambition, its willingness to take risks and consider audacious schemes. Throughout the year, RIBA North will run a programme of both public and professional events, bringing together everyone with an interest in architecture to promote and share knowledge about the benefits of good design.

Accessed via the covered glazed winter garden within the Mann Island complex, RIBA North spans over 1,350 sqm. A red corian spine wall articulates the project’s volumetric spine, linking the winter garden with the double height entrance lobby and adjoining mezzanine level; creating a visual connection between spaces whilst also defining the kitchen and ordering the vertical circulation. Inside, the double height entrance lobby sets the scene, with three carefully crafted compositions: the stairwell to left, the café and shop area directly ahead and the mezzanine level above.

Upstairs the museum standard gallery (150 sqm) takes centre stage, while a second, smaller gallery (80sqm) can also be used for lectures and debates. These two galleries demarcate a central presentation area which will accommodate a wide range of public facing activities. On the south facing side of the complex, positioned behind the main gallery, an open-plan office, with full height glazing, overlooks Liverpool’s Canning Dock, while on the west facing side, two meetings rooms and a well-sized conference suite enjoy good views of Mann Island’s public realm. Access to this area is given via four glazed door openings.