Albert Docks-Liverpool

 During my visit to Liverpool I visited a very beautiful and interesting place which is Royal Albert Dock.

It is a complex of dock buildings and warehouses designed by Jesse Hartley and Philip Hardwick, and it was opened in 1846. There is something special in this project, as it was revolutionary in the construction, as it was built from cast iron, brick and stone, with no structural wood. Moreover, the design was also innovative, because ships were loaded and unloaded directly from the warehouses. The warehouses were fireproof, secure and hydraulic cranes were built to hauled heavy cargoes.



                                                           Royal Albert Dock Liverpool


The place suffered during the second world war, when bombs were drop on the buildings of the dock. After the war the importance of the dock began to decline, as it became too small for modern large steamships, and whole area start to loosing its role. Slowly the place began to be empty and abandoned. Looking at this place today it is hard to belive, but there was a moment when people thought about demolishing the entire complex. By 1981, the entire Albert Dock complex is abandoned. Shortly after that, the Merseyside Development Corporation set up with a mission to regenerate Liverpool's waterfronts and docks. In 1982 the Arrowcroft Group present the ambitious vision to regenerate abandoned complex, and develop there a mix of commercial, leisure and residential uses. Today it is a big attraction of Liverpool, here every year over six million visitor coming to enjoy Albert Dock. 



                                            Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, birds eye view.

I see many common features between Albert Dock in Liverpool and Port Praski in Warsaw, both visually and historically. Albert Dock became one of the new symbols of the city, and Port Praski is going in similar direction. The visit to Liverpool inspired me and led me to the Port Praski which became the location of my project.

References:

Historic moment as Albert Dock Liverpool receives Royal approval Available on: Historic moment as Albert Dock Liverpool receives Royal approval (marketingliverpool.co.uk) Accessed: 30/08/22

Albert Dock-Liverpool World Heritage Available on: Albert Dock - Liverpool World Heritage Accessed: 30/08/22

The Royal Albert Dock Liverpool / National Museum Liverpool Available on: The Royal Albert Dock Liverpool | National Museums Liverpool (liverpoolmuseums.org.uk) Accessed: 30/08/22


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