Warwick Bar Masterplan

WARWICK BAR MASTERPLAN IN BIRMINGHAM, UK

The Warwick Bar Masterplan project was implemented in 2005-2006 in Birmingham, UK. Liminal, an architect and sound artist, collaborated with Kinetic AIU architects to incorporate the site’s historical soundscapes into the redevelopment plan. The project was funded by the PROJECT fund and the typical audience was local residents.

Warwick bar soundwalk map. Image: Liminal

Warwick Bar existing noise map. Image: Liminal

Warwick Bar proposed noise map. Image: Liminal

Fellows, Morton and Clayton building. Image: Liminal

More images can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/liminal_sound/sets/72157626085309283/

2005-2006

CONTEXT

Liminal, a partnership between an architect and a sound artist/composer, was enlisted to aid in the design process of Birmingham's Warwick Bar cultural quarter redevelopment, along with Kinetic AIU architects. The site has significant historical value for the city's industrial development and is surrounded by water on three sides. Liminal emphasized the importance of the site's sound history, which has been undervalued and lost, in the early stages of the project, in order for it to have an active influence on the masterplan [1].

Present day

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

Liminal takes an approach that involves working with the existing soundscape, rather than attempting to control or preserve it [2]. Liminal conducted research to identify sounds to be amplified and reintroduced from Warwick Bar's past, using old maps and soundwalks with project managers, architects, and visitors. They also created soundwalks for the public, including past and present sounds and interviews. Liminal's proposal involved a 'biological sound design' with plantings, wildlife, and positive soundscapes around the canal [3].

References

[1] Warwick Bar Masterplan. Retrieved 7th March 2023, from https://www.liminal.org.uk/warwick-bar-masterplan/

[2] Warwick Bar Soundwalk. Retrieved 7th March 2023, from https://publicartonline.org.uk/casestudies/regeneration/warwick_bar/description.php

[3] Warwick Bar Interim Report 2006. Retrieved 7th March 2023, from https://www.liminal.org.uk/warwick-bar-masterplan/

Entry submitted by: Xiaochao Chen