new British national museum is to be built in Liverpool; the Museum of Liverpool . 3XN envisioned a dynamic, open and democratic structure that grows out of the chosen site.

The Museum of Liverpool is to be built at the city's most prominent site; the listed dock area by the River Mersey, next to ‘The Three Graces'. The Liverpool Docks were inscribed at UNESCO's World Heritage List last year. The building is conceived as inclined or elevated platforms, gradually forming a sculptural iconic structure. All surfaces will be accessible; giving way to the public promenade flow along the Docks. Situated at the Pier Head, the museum will be visible from both the river and the city.

The Museum of Liverpool will be one of the world's leading city history museums reflecting Liverpool 's global significance through its unique geography, history and culture. Hope is that the new museum will attract at least 750.000 visitors on a yearly basis, and that Liverpool , with the Museum as a lighthouse, can be resurrected to new grand times, and that the visionary building will attract creative forces, generate new agendas and along the way create a new and attractive image for the city.

The museum will be an icon. For many periods, Liverpool was among the most important cities in the World, and this history will be displayed in the museum. The city has been selected for European Capital of Culture 2008, in which the new museum will be a focal point. Among other things, this means that the museum must be built in record speed: Construction start is set at April 2006, in order to be able to open the first phase of the museum by October 2008. After the Capital of Culture Year, the Exhibition construction continues, and the museum must be finished for inauguration April 2010.

Adaptation to the site and a clear distinction between new and existing buildings is essential in a sensitive and listed environment. Architecture true to its own time is the only way the area's history stays visible; pastiches that mime the existing buildings will inevitably obscure the picture. The distinction is furthermore achieved by using smaller size, lower height and a formal contemporary language. This makes The Three Graces and Albert Dock stand out and maintain their visual power, while the waterfront maintains its characteristic skyline. Distinction does not rule out harmony. Harmony is achieved by a balanced use of materials such as a natural stone in keeping with what can already be found in the area, and by planning the new building according to existing public flow lines along the promenade in order not to block any movement patterns. The new building creates protected outdoor spaces and indoor view points towards the city's attractions. All planning has taken place in close cooperation with English Heritage, CABE and the planners.

See more information an videos about the Liverpool Museum

Address: Nordhavnen, Copenhagen, DK
Client: SQ Development
Construction: 2007-2009, under development
Architect: 3XN / Kim Herforth Nielsen, Bo Boje Larsen, Kim Christiansen
3XN team: Kim Herforth Nielsen, Jan Ammundsen, Henriette Byrge, Melanie Zirn, Pia Halstrup

The winning 3XN proposal for the new head quarters of the Middelfart Savings Bank is much more than a set of new offices; it has an urban scale impact. It is a notable example of how an enterprise in a relatively small village may operate for the benefit of not only themselves, but for the city as a whole. The building complex consists of both new and transformed buildings that stretch a whole block; from the main pedestrian street down to the harbour front.

The new bank premises will ensure an open, transparent, and comfortable environment for employees and clients, positively integrated into the existing sensitive environment. Being one of the first new developments along the harbour front, it will also prompt demands for a high architectural quality in future developments.

One large roof covers all functions in the building. It’s a wide wooden structure with numerous openings that let in abundant daylight from the North, and allow for the employee’s direct view of the sea from everywhere in the building. In this way, the light and friendly atmosphere, as envisaged by the bank, is achieved.

The new building is carefully fitted into the context. On one side, the village street is respected by adhering to existent dimensions, scale and roof shapes. Towards the harbour, the building retracts and makes way for a new, triangular space embracing the view. From the square, one enters a big indoor ‘market place’, the heart of the building. At entrance level, a bookshop, a café, a real estate agent – and the teller’s window – meet the clients and visitors.

The rest of the bank premises are spread on a series of terraces with open connections to the plaza – and to each other. The terraces are connected by spacious staircases that provide little sanctuaries for the informal meeting bankers in between. With its central position, the building will become a natural meeting point for clients, staff and visitors.