Imagine a space where creativity meets innovation, where the past and future of architecture collide in a breathtaking new design. That’s exactly what’s happening at Liverpool University’s brand-new School of Architecture, and the first images are finally here to prove it. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just another building—it’s a nearly 3,000m², three-storey masterpiece rising from the ashes of a former car park, complete with a reimagined version of the school’s existing space. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the structure; it’s about the story behind it.
The project, which welcomed its first students just last month, is part of a larger revamp that includes the historic Leverhulme Building—a 1930s gem by Charles Reilly, later overhauled in the 1980s by King and McAllister—and a neighboring Georgian residential terrace. Work is still underway, but the transformation is already turning heads. But here’s the controversial bit: in an era where standardization and financial pressures dominate architecture, how does a project like this manage to stand out? According to Marco Iuliano, the educator who spearheaded the competition, it’s all about resilience and ambition.
O’Donnell + Tuomey’s design was the unanimous winner of a 2019 contest that involved undergraduates, postgraduates, staff, and even the estates department. And this is where it gets really interesting: the judging panel was no ordinary group—it was chaired by architecture critic Kenneth Frampton and included Tate director Maria Balshaw and the late architect Michael Wilford. Out of 18 invited firms, the Irish practice emerged victorious, beating out heavyweights like 6a Architects, Eric Parry Architects, and Grafton Architects. But why them? Iuliano credits their ability to create something of ‘exceptional architectural quality’ despite the challenges.
What’s truly groundbreaking, though, is the role students and staff played in the process. ‘It’s been a constant workshop,’ Iuliano told The Architects’ Journal (AJ). ‘I can’t think of anything comparable in architectural education.’ The new extension isn’t just a building—it’s a living, breathing space with overlapping studios, exhibition areas, teaching rooms, offices, and even a café. Approved by Liverpool City Council in 2022, it’s set to open its doors to the public for the first time at the end of April, hosting the prestigious AJ Small Projects 2026 Award.
But here’s the question that’s bound to spark debate: Can a project like this redefine architectural education, or is it just a one-off success? And more importantly, in a world where architecture often prioritizes function over form, does this building prove that the two can coexist beautifully? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this bold new chapter in Liverpool’s architectural history.
