DYNAMIC Liverpool is being celebrated at the launch of a national week dedicated to innovative building design. The city has been chosen as the venue for tonight's north west launch of Architecture Week 2003. Ian Banks, public art and architecture officer at Arts Council England, North West said: "Architec-ture is currently enjoying huge success in the region. "What with Liverpool winning European Capital of Culture and Will Alsop's Cloud chosen as the design for the Fourth Grace, these decisions clearly define Liverpool's and the region's ambitions for the 21st century." Liverpool has always been at the f ore front o f arch itectural innovation. The Liver Building was one of the world's first examples of multi-storey reinforced concrete construction, while the Liverpool Architectural Society, formed in 1848, is one of the oldest societies of its kind. Award-winning projects like the Collegiate apartments, and Match-works in Garston, together with the regeneration of the Ropewalks and Speke are keeping the profile of architectural innovation high. John Elcock, of the Liverpool Architecture and Design Trust said the city is rightly proud of its building heritage, and £2bn of investment will be ploughed into new develop-ments in coming years. He said: "The public has increased access to the people who are going to be shaping the city's future." The city's international standing is also something it should celebrate, with Mr Elcock adding: "In most major practices around the world you will find a graduate from Liverpool's School of Architecture." Liverpool's design champion Beatrice Fraenkel says she is "thrilled" at the way the council and its architectural partners are working together to generate high quality developments. She said: "We want and welcome developers but they have to appreciate that in Liverpool we have high expectations about what they are going to put in our city." The 10-day showcase runs until June 29. | 
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