As part of Royal Institute of British Architecture’s (RIBA) Festival 2010, the Liverpool Waterfront Partnership have launched a series of walking tours and guest lectures that throw the spotlight on some of the grandest and most influential architecture in the city.

‘Walk the Front’ tours will showcase buildings that inspired the designs that made Chicago a city of global architectural importance – from the world’s first metal-framed, glass curtain walled building to one of the earliest examples of building using reinforced concrete. And what lies beneath the award-winning Liverpool ONE development, which is adjacent to the Baltic Triangle will also be revealed.

“Liverpool is internationally renowned as a city of culture with one of the world’s most recognisable waterfronts, much of it a designated UNESCO World Heritage site,” said Mushtaq Saleri, Council Member of the Liverpool Architectural Society.

“It is less well-known that Liverpool is also a city of firsts. Many buildings in the city are among the most important in the world, from those that underpin much of the city’s history to those that sparked international architectural movements.”

Walks will take in the ‘Liver Bird Trail’, a discovery tour highlighting Liverpool’s most enduring and iconic symbol. Professional tour guide, Julie Kershaw will take guests around the Pier Head and the commercial district pointing out the many liver birds adorning the buildings round about.

There will also be a series of architectural lectures arranged for the Maritime Museum and Tate Liverpool at Albert Dock. Places are limited and booking is essential.

“‘Walk The Front’ will help visitors appreciate the fine detail of the waterfront and its magnificent buildings, from the award winning Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre to the City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal,” said Pam Wilsher, Head of Tourism Development of The Mersey Partnership, which supports the initiative.

Tours will be hosted by local architects and architecture students. Many events are free but places are limited. For full listings and directions for booking, please go to: Walk The Front

If you’re heading to the Pier Head, climb on board the ‘Architruck’ (pictured); an interactive travelling exhibition that showcases the shortlist of RIBA’s ‘350 Awards’ – architectural designs produced for under £350,000.

You can also vote for your favourite design on the Architectural Festival 2010 website: here where you’ll find all sorts of events and information. It’s open until 26 June.