Of the typologies that make up the traditional city – street, square et cetera – one of the most interesting is the arcade. Arcades are attractive for the way they are a special condition of the ‘street’ in which the designer can have greater overall control. Although there are many historical examples of shop-lined arcades, in recent times the dominance of the mall has led the type to drop out of fashion. It was therefore of great interest to have the opportunity to make a new arcade as part of the Liverpool One development.
The type was updated to suit contemporary retail requirements, hence the width of nine metres and the open ends to allow unrestricted movement.
The St Peter’s project comprises a linear arcade with small squares at each end. The facades facing the squares are clad in polished black granite, maximising the contrast with the white arcade interior. A number of factors tended to favour an asymmetrical cross-section to the arcade. In particular the daylighting is via a giant clerestory and quarter barrel vault that introduce light in a mysterious manner (artist James Turrell’s explorations of light and space come to mind). One side of the arcade has bespoke bow-fronted, double-height shops; the other has tenant fit-out alternatives.
The combination of black polished granite, bronze glazing bars and curved glass gives the new arcade a special status within the overall Liverpool One retail district.