Parallels
Starchitecture on the Mersey?
As Peel Holdings unfold plans for both sides of the Mersey, there is need to review our policies for the design of these waterfronts. ‘Iconic’ towers may have a place; but the real key to urban vitality is free activity of citizens among and across places resistant to monopoly. Yet, where commissioned with care and consent, there are cases where dazzling works by ‘starchitects’ have made a positive contribution. Starchitecture will address the future of the Mersey waterfronts by considering their prospects in comparison with a presentation of global case studies. The Parallels exhibition presents urban design work from the LJMU postgraduate studio for two highly comparable places. Students have worked in Vauxhall, LIverpool, and a similar indeterminate space in Marseille
