Architectural Photography as Witness: Urban Regeneration and the Sense of Place

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My research proposes to explore and demonstrate how archive architectural photographic material can bring added value - both economic, cultural and social - to current architectural and urban planning practice in the North West, and to our understanding of heritage assets within the built environment in general, at a pivotal time of rapid growth, development and urban regeneration. Interpreted through the lens of the Government's Industrial Strategy (November 2017) and in the light of perceived tensions between progress and conservation, architectural photography will be used as a compelling visual tool to demonstrate how a better understanding of local built heritage assets, embedded within their specific historic and local context and character, is crucial to the successful and sensitive urban regeneration of the North West region of the future. Working on a series of projects in collaboration with industrial partners including the RIBA, I will explore innovative methods in which archive architectural photographic imagery can be catalogued, disseminated and experienced through digital means to create a deeper, multi-layered understanding of our built environment during a time of change and economic uncertainty. In addition, this approach may offer opportunities to link to catalogued material held in other archives worldwide, establishing and encouraging a broader visual and cultural dialogue and impact. Some key points to explore will include: 1 Architectural photography's ability to both visually record the urban environment, and actively shape our perception of it. 2 The need for sensitivity to local identity, collective memory and overarching 'sense of place' if successful, sustainable, high quality urban regeneration is to be achieved. 3 Photography as a visual tool capable of increasing and deepening an understanding and connection between people and the built environment. Specifically, Liverpool's threatened UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) status will be focused upon as a case study, to illustrate the economic value and revenue architectural heritage brings to the region (tourism, business investment etc.), and the need for greater understanding of, and sensitivity to, the particular character and USPs of this 'heritage city' during a period of intense and rapid development and growth. It is envisaged the outcomes of the projects will bring value to urban planners, conservation professionals, business investors, tourists and local residents, as well as to the industrial partners (RIBA) themselves. By digitally linking visual documentation, memory and historic traces to the contemporary urban experience at a pivotal moment in Liverpool's existence, my research will provide value to architectural professionals, place-makers and local communities alike. Archive photographic imagery will therefore be used as a tool to engage with a range of stakeholders, to bring about a greater understanding of the need for sensitive urban development compatible with increased economic growth and progress in the North West.