words Carol Eid

Architecture practice Fashion Architecture Taste (FAT) has unveiled its Liverpool Pavilion for the 42-acre retail and residential development Liverpool ONE.

The pavilion is intended as a landmark entrace to the retail complex at the renovated Church Yard Arcade site, marking the transition from the old streets to the new structure on a popular route.

"It's a giant piece of public sculpture, an exotic, spatial event with fragmented references to Liverpool which are not instantly recognisable," says FAT partner Charles Holland.

The pavilion, which includes retail units and a cafe, is narrow and unusually shaped to fit the awkward positioning and space of the site. Approaching the complex from the street, the pavilion is seen side-on, confronting the viewer with a series of rippling screens that peek out along the length of the structure.

With its striking coloured tiles and cut-out patterns it continues FAT's style for decorative pattern and ornament. This complex disjointed surface is broken by the regular doors and windows.

images Timothy Soar