This year’s third edition of the Malta Architect Awards held earlier this summer broke all records so far in that it drew the largest amount of entries ever registered by any other previous editions of the MAA or other awards on these Islands. This year there were 68 successfully submitted entries of top quality works that were completed since 2013 some of which were submitted in more than one category.. Truly a record in any sense.
Jason Attard, the managing director of the iMNG Group of brands of which Malta Architect Awards forms part, when officially opening the MAA 2018 awards night at Grand Master’s Suite, Malta Hilton, last October, said that since they had dreamed of organising this event four years ago, he has seen an ongoing development that has been spurred by the involvement of so many people.
He said he was amazed at the variety and quality of what our architects and designers are able to come up with. “I can clearly see that you are making Malta and Gozo more beautiful, more efficient and more homogeneous. The Awards have once again clarified that you are not merely erecting buildings but you are leveraging your work to enhance our lifestyle and habitat. You are definitely enriching these Islands,” he said.
there is a big think tank of creatives in these Islands that needs exposing and congratulating
It seems clear that this is now fully confirming the organisers’ belief that there is a big think tank of creatives in these Islands that needs exposing and congratulating. Mr Attard said that this third edition is the biggest one organisd so far and the logistics required of them that “we change and move with the times.” In fact, he said, “we became more digitally oriented which we understand from feedback received, helped immensely in the submitting of works.”
Mr Johann Buttigieg, Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority and the Hon Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius both had words of congratulations on the
high quality of the participating architects’works. This year there were nine different categories in the Malta Architect Awards and from among the 68 entries successfully received, the local and international jury picked the various winners as well as awarded Special Commendations to a number of works which they considered to be of a high standard meriting such commendation.
This jury was made up of Perit Vincent Cassar as chairperson together with architects Jane Duncan; Immediate Past President RIBA, Selma Harrington, former President Architects’ Council of Europe and Prof. Conrad Thake as members of the jury. Assisting them was an expert for each category. Each one was invited to address the jury for their category and express their views on the submissions received. Their role was strictly consultative, to advise the jury on the scientific, technical and architectural merits of the submissions. These consultative experts – whose personal selection was not binding on the jury – were Mr Joe Magro Conti, Ing. Dr Ruben Paul Borg, Ing. Charles Yousif, Dr Charlene Vella, Ms Claudine Cassar, Mr George Micallef, Mr Austin Camilleri and Prof. Denis De Lucca.
This jury was made up of Perit Vincent Cassar as chairperson together with architects Jane Duncan; Immediate Past President RIBA, Selma Harrington, former President Architects’ Council of Europe and Prof. Conrad Thake
…. AND THE MALTA ARCHITECT AWARDS 2018 WENT TO …….
1. Rehabilitation & Conservation
There were nine submissions in this category. The jury decided to award special commendations to two projects apart from the winning project. In fact one commendation was awarded to entry named “Restoration of the Royal Gazebo, Villa Frere” by perit Edward Said since the Jury felt this project deserved a commendation because of its diligent restoration work undertaken in the gardens and structures within the grounds of Villa Hookham Frere. The Jury commented that The Royal Gazebo has been restored in accordance with the highest standards of restoration retaining the original stonework and only replacing the severely deteriorated stone.
The second Special Commendation in the Rehabilitation & Conservation category was awarded to entry named “Restoration of a private residence in Mellieha” by perit Antoine Zammit.
In the Jury’s consideration, this project deserved a commendation because of its sensitive restoration of a small townhouse in respecting the traditional materials and local building systems. The original structure and character of the dwelling was respected and the new interventions were understated and joined seamlessly with the original structure. The design exhibited maturity and brought back to life a derelict building replete with traditional architectural features.
The jury’s choice for the best project winner of this category for the Rehabilitation & Conservation Award for 2018 was awarded to Perit Dr Edwin Mintoff for “Palazzo Zamitello, Valletta”. This was a splendid palatial townhouse in Valletta dating back to the 17th century, which over the years was split into various sub-units and tenancies. The Palazzo is on a landmark corner site along Republic Street and adjoining the old Opera House ruins.
The jury felt that the whole process of converting the property into a family-run boutique hotel in the heart of Valletta was a long and complex one lasting well over a decade. The comprehensive and meticulous restoration of the interiors, the main reception room with the decorative suspended soffit, the courtyard etc is to be commended. The exterior facades were also restored and the new extension was in keeping and respectful of the surrounding urban context. The project was obviously a labour of love for all involved. The boutique hotel contributes in a significant manner to the enhancement and urban renewal of Valletta.
2. Urban Design
There were six submissions in this category and the jury chose a project as the overall winner which in their opinion best contributed in a meaningful way to the historical urban context, a project submitted by Perit Keith Cole for “Binja Laparelli – Central Bank of Malta, Valletta”. The jury’s comments on their choice was that this is a building
complex within a highly sensitive location as part of the 16th century land-front fortifications of Valletta. It required the total demolition and redevelopment of prior structures that had no historic value.
The new building was approached as a sensitive insertion within a very restricted space embedded within the fortifications. It was of prime importance that the new structure would not intrude on the fortification lines as viewed from outside. The building was designed in such a manner as to be “discovered” as opposed to being readily visible from all viewpoints. The choice of materials is also commendable with the ample use of local globigerina limestone, local hardstone and travertine which complement the fortifications.
The project was obviously a labour of love for all involved
3. Public Open Spaces
There were five submissions in this category. This time too the jury decided to also award special commendations to two projects apart from the winning project. A Special Commendation in this category was awarded to the entry named “Xaghra Network of Leisure Parks, Gozo” by perit Edward Scerri. In fact, the Jury commended the initiative of the Xaghra Local Council in pursuing an integrated and strategic vision for the entire village, creating a trail of small public spaces which were transformed into belvederes, play areas and relaxation spots. Although not ground breaking in terms of design, nevertheless the linked projects contribute in a beneficial way to the quality of life of the community.
The second Special Commendation in this category was also awarded to perit Edward Scerri for the entry named “Divine Mercy Cemetery, Nadur, Gozo”. In its considerations, the jury acknowledged the concerns regarding the environmental impact of locating a cemetery complex within an open rural setting.
The jury considered that working within the special constraints of the site the architect nonetheless managed to produce a well articulated scheme. The winning entry – The jury concluded that the best project of this category or works for Public Open Spaces was deservedly won by perit Eric Gerardi for the entry entitled “Triton Square project, Valletta/Floriana.”
this project transformed the area from a chaotic and dangerous bus terminus to a fully pedestrianised open space befitting the entrance to the capital city
The integration of trees at the upper level relieving the orthogonal austerity of the form was also commended
The jury felt that this project transformed the area from a chaotic and dangerous bus terminus to a fully pedestrianised open space befitting the entrance to the capital city, Valletta. The design also comprised the area known as Ta’ Biskuttin and the full restoration of the iconic tritons’ fountain to its former splendour. The jury highlighted the merits of the scheme particularly the recreation of a major public open space, that was articulated by well considered sightlines, a palette of suitable materials and design of street furniture. The scheme is a veritable tour de force in establishing a major public open space.
4. Commercial Buildings
In this category there were four entries. Out of these the jury felt that a Special Commendation should be awarded to entry entitled “Anthea Preziosi, Ragusa, Italy” by perit Daniele Milgiorisi. In their consideration, the jury felt this project deserved a commendation because of its elegant and sophisticated design particularly in terms of its external appearance based on a simple grid-based cubic form, clarity of composition, selection and detailing. The integration of trees at the upper level relieving the orthogonal austerity of the form was also commended.
The jury concluded that the winner’s accolade of this category should go to Periti Joe Cassar and Philip Micallef for their project “Is-Suq tal-Belt” because this project relates to the total rehabilitation and remodeling of the obsolete and derelict Valletta market hall. The regeneration scheme is inspired by the original Zimelli market place from the mid-19th century, transforming it into a thriving commercial hub in the centre of Valletta. The project has generated a considerable number of visitors, locals and tourists alike, to the centre of the city. The project is a highly complex one and has undoubtedly made a major positive contribution to the enhancement of the quality of experience of visiting Valletta.
5. Interior Architecture – Commercial Projects
This category attracted the largest number of entries, no less than 15 submissions. And the jury awarded two Special Commendations in this category. One of them was awarded to an entry named “Bottone outlet, Milan” and another named “Rocksalt, St Julian’s”, both by Mr Keith Pillow. In the Jury’s consideration, both these two projects deserved a commendation because of the way the designer handled the different requirements. The “Bottone” outlet in Milan was a sleek, sophisticated and elegant design while the Rocksalt project in St Julians was handled in a skillful and competent manner and transformed a restricted interior space into an attractive and welcoming space.
The overall winner’s award for the Interior Architecture Award for Commercial Projects went to Perit Adrian Mangion for entry named “Noni Restaurant”. In their comments, the Jury noted how impressed it was with this project since, in spite of the small scale of the restaurant, the architect was capable of creating an appealing ambience that respected the historical authenticity and memory of the place. The felt that the understated interventions and the quality of detailing were definitely commendable.
6. Interior Architecture – Residential Projects
Remaining in the realm of interior design but with private homes as background this time, the jury had to contend with 8 submissions entered for this category. In their opinion, the choice for the overall winner was the entry by Perit Rebecca Zammit for “The Long House, Zurrieq”. In their comments the Jury commented that they chose this project as this section’s winner because it was an excellent design solution that transformed the constraint of a restricted narrow space into an opportunity for a unique design solution.
The jury was particularly impressed with the successful articulation and juxtaposition of different materials as well as the treatment of suspended soffits and the elegant handling of natural light in the interior.
7. Hospitality, Tourism Accommodation and Leisure
We change now to another interesting category in this year’s Architect Awards 2018, one where there were 6 submissions, and where once again the jury felt that a Special Commendation should be awarded to the entry named the INFAME project by perit Simon Grech. In the Jury’s consideration, this project deserved a commendation because it was impressed with the clarity and creativity of the design scheme that shows a clear distinction between the modular historic structure and the new interventions as expressed in a strict modular metal grid. Moreover the concept of total reversibility was deemed to be a highly positive element in the scheme.
The overall winner of this category in the jury’s opinion, was that submitted by Perit Raymond Demicoli for “St Paul’s Boutique hotel, Valletta.” In the jury’s opinion here was a scheme which, whilst respecting the original structure also celebrated the new interventions with a wonderfully streamlined and sculptural staircase.
The restored internal yard is the hub and heart of the boutique hotel. The finishes were very well considered and were conducive to creating a pleasant and hospitable environment. This project is a case study of excellence in the design of boutique hotels favouring quality over the maximisation of rentable internal space.
8. Sustainable Development projects
Although there were only two entries to this category, the jury nonetheless felt that a Special Commendation should also be awarded to the entry “The Marsaxlokk Surface Car Park” by perit Dr Edwin Mintoff. In the Jury’s consideration, this project deserved a commendation because it noted the efforts made by the Marsaxlokk Local Council and their architect in creating a best practice role model for other communities in the reuse of material and water harvesting. The winner of the Sustainability Award was Perit Christian Spiteri for “The Umbrella House” since the Jury noted with satisfaction the holistic approach which was adopted so as to integrate high performance building envelope measures together with energy efficient systems.
“The Umbrella House” integrated high performance building envelope measures together with energy efficient systems
Emphasis was placed on not causing undue physical disturbances to the surroundings, and by ensuring higher comfort levels to the occupants and reducing the need for lighting, heating and cooling which forms the bulk of energy consumption a home. We have come to the ninth and last category in the 2018 edition of the Malta Architect Awards….
The jury was unanimous in awarding the overall award for this category to this “Country home” project
9. Emerging Architects
In this category, there were 10 projects submitted by the up and coming generation of young architects. And therefore the last winner to be announced in this sparkling evening featuring some of the very best works of Maltese and Gozitan architects was Perit Bernard Vella for his project named “Country home”. The jury was unanimous in awarding the overall award for this category to this “Country home” project. From an emerging architect this is a mature and elegant scheme, which demonstrates respect for the vernacular character of the original building envelope and rural context within the scenic countryside. The alterations to the exterior are well considered and restrained permitting full legibility as to the interface between the original structure and the new interventions. The interior spaces are entirely new but well integrated within this existing building envelope. The design produced a well articulated sequence of internal spaces, permeability between inside and outside, clear visual sight lines and emphasis on the introduction of natural light.
ON TO NEXT YEAR…
In the closing of this special evening, a gathering of creatives who were dying to network and pat each other on the back (without spilling their drinks!), many thanks were due to various people who made this evening what it has become, including to perit Vincent Cassar, the chairman of the jury for his hard work. While auguring once again all the winners of this night, compere Valerie Vella encouraged all those whose works were not chosen to continue on providing quality and not to be discouraged. She reminded them of the Olympian motto that the honour’s not only in winning but also in having played the game. “You have all worked well and at your best. Perhaps next year will be your lucky year!“ she added. “We encourage you all – especially those of you here who have not yet submitted many of your work for consideration for the Malta Architect Awards – to continue to design and create good and beautiful buildings to help improve the way people live. And we, of course, look forward to seeing your work at the 4th edition.”
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