The blocks were specified by architects at BDP - masterplanners of the 42-acre city regeneration project, concept architects for five of Liverpool One's new buildings and executive architects for a further nine.
An anchor building in the £1bn development, and one of the tallest, the new cinema consists of 14 screens on two levels stacked on top of three levels of retail space below. Whilst structural glazing has been used on the south elevation to enclose the main cinema foyer area, a different light enhancing solution was required for the east and west ends of the building which are predominantly back of house circulation areas.
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BDP Associate Chris Hernon said: "Large format glass blocks provided us with an attractive and cost effective way to achieve a visual connection between the cinema and the immediate streets below and the rejuvenated Chavasse Park beyond.
"They provide a controlled degree of transparency which not only enhances the interior environment but also opens up numerous branding opportunities for the cinema tenant. "The scope for visual promotion on a cinema building like this is obvious and by using these large format blocks we've paved the way for various kinetic lighting effects to be effectively incorporated in the future, especially on the west elevation which is clearly visible from miles around."
BDP selected the 30 x 30mm block from Shackerley’s Technology range, a specialist collection of glass blocks manufactured by Seves which have all been designed to meet specific performance criteria such as light control, fire safety, impact resistance, thermal insulation and soundproofing.
(GK/KMcA)
