Issue no. 53 | July 2010 The official Journal of the Kamra tal-Periti P ost ewspaper N ewspaper contents 12 09

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PRACTICE 04 4 Editorial 10 20 5 KTP News 6-7 People & Projects 8 EU Desk 9 SACES FEATURE 10 10-11 Enzo Eusebi 12 DIS Group 13 Dennis Sharp 14-15 Architecture fit for a pope 16-17 Quo vadis perit? current 18 18-19 ktp events 20 heritage 21 reviews 22 International Events

“As architects we pride ourselves in having a direct role to play in the shaping of our environment and in the process, improving our everyday quality of life.” Dr Conrad Thake (see page 16)

July 2010 the architect 3 THE PROFESSIONAL CENTRE Who's interfering? SLIEMA ROAD GZIRA GZR 06 - MALTA TEL./FAX. (+356) 2131 4265 EMAIL: [email protected] EDITORIAL Revealed a few weeks ago was a heartfelt letter from Prince mented about the “awkward situation” MEPA is placed WEBSITE: www.ktpmalta.com Charles pleading with the Qatari prime minister to abandon in each time government tenders are awarded for large a £3 billion property development in London. Signing his national projects prior to the issue of a permit. Is govern- name in Arabic at the end, the Prince underlined words in ment, therefore, “rubberstamping” these projects before To support members of the profession in achieving excellence in their thick black pen to emphasise his opposition to the modern- even beginning to go through the planning process? Or practice of architecture and engineering in the interest of the community ist design for the Chelsea Barracks site in London. “I only is government using the Authority as the “rubberstamp” mention this,” he wrote, “because, quite frankly, my heart and placing undue pressure on it to issue the respective The Council of the Kamra Tal-Periti for the year 2010 sank when I saw the plans that have been proposed for the permits? Who is really taking the decisions? Walker went as consists of Vincent Cassar (President), David Felice (Past old Chelsea Barracks site, opposite the Royal Hospital, by far as to suggest that in the case of national projects, a sys- President), Simone Vella Lenicker (Honorary Secretary) and Council members Ruben Paul Borg, Jacques Borg Barthet, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment. I am so sorry to have to tem should be devised whereby parliament or government Keith Cole, Philip Grech, Anthony Fenech Vella, Danica write to you on this subject, and thus to be so interfering, would be able to approve such projects. Mifsud, Anton Valentino and Damian Vella Lenicker. but it is a site of great importance in London and therefore Amid this discussion, the proposed MEPA Reform is still The Architect is the official journal of the Kamra Tal-Periti. It is deserves something that is appropriate to its context and ongoing. The official process, which began just over a year published on a quarterly basis and distributed with the Business worthy of its position next to the Royal Hospital.” With the ago with a National Conference held in June 2009, has Today newspaper. The Architect is not to be sold separately. The contents of this journal are copyright. Reproduction in letter, Prince Charles attached what he called “alternative been a long one, and it is hoped that a conclusion is in part or in full is forbidden without the permission of the edi- plans for the site” designed by another architect. Charles’s sight. The Kamra has, on the invitation of the responsible tor. The opinions expressed by writers of signed articles and intervention is alleged to have pushed the Qatari royal fam- Parliamentary Secretariat, been involved in the various letters appearing in the magazine are those of their respective ily into withdrawing the original design for the site. discussions on the matter, and many of its contributions authors, and neither the Kamra Tal-Periti nor MediaToday Without going into the merits of the project, it is interesting have indeed been taken on board. The Kamra notes this Co. Ltd is responsible for these opinions or statements. to note two things: firstly the fact that a person of such high with satisfaction and hopes to be able to contribute further Editor: Simone Vella Lenicker profile and ‘political’ significance has taken the time to speak in ensuring that this process reaps the results it is hoped to Consulting Editor: Danica Mifsud up, whether justifiably or not, on a matter of architectural achieve. Design: Kevin Grech - MediaToday quality and design (and this not for the first time); secondly During the parliamentary discussions on the MEPA Reform, Sales: Adriana Farrugia Tel: 21 382 741 ext. 126 Printed at: Print It the impact that such intervention can have on architectural the issue was raised on whether or not Malta should move proposals. Locally, sadly, this debate on architecture seems from a structure planning approach to a spatial plan- Published by: to be relegated solely to the architectural profession and to ning approach, which latter methodology is becoming the those organisations that have our built heritage at heart. norm in Europe. Following this debate, the Kamra imme- Rarely, however, is such debate initiated or taken up by the diately took the initiative to host, in collaboration with the political class. Perhaps the only instance in recent history Chamber of Planners, a seminar on this topic. Although Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN 4016, Malta that comes to mind is the current Prime Minister’s stance on possibly biased, I feel the need to emphasise that this was Tel: +356 21 382 741, Fax: +356 21 381 992 the ex-Rediffusion Broadcasting Complex where, following possibly one of the most level-headed, informative and Email: [email protected] a plea made by the Kamra tal-Periti, he instructed the Public thought provoking discussions on planning in Malta I have Broadcasting Authority to withdraw a planning application had the pleasure of attending. It was refreshing to be able to demolish and redevelop the building. While commend- to sit in a room with other professionals and to be able to able, this is however one time too little. discuss a matter of such national importance in a calm and Notwithstanding this lack of political debate on the quality non-confrontational ambience. A number of important ISSUE NO. 53 | JULY 2010 THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KAMRA TAL PERITI of architecture in Malta, Chapter 356 of the Laws of Malta points were raised during that meeting, and I trust that (Development Planning Act) makes provision for a call-in those present who are in a position to act upon them will procedure, whereby the responsible Minister may refer an indeed take the various suggestions and comments on application, submitted by a department of government board in the interest of the planning process. or a corporate body, on which an appeal has been lodged, A short report on the discussion that took place during this directly to Cabinet for a decision. On the presumption that seminar is carried in this issue of the Architect, together with the original decision, taken by professionals and individuals a number of other articles that deal with a range of topics. with training and knowledge in their field, was justified, Among these are interviews with the two teams of profes- then the fact that this can be overturned by Cabinet opens sionals entrusted with the design of the temporary stands up the discussion on whether Cabinet is indeed competent that were erected during the Pope’s recent visit to Malta, a or not to take such decisions. The lack of a national debate review of the work of Italian architect Enzo Eusebi, and an

in this regard does not bode well in this scenario. article by Dr Conrad Thake aptly titled ‘Quo Vadis Perit?’. P OST

This topic was indirectly referred to by MEPA Chairman N EWSPAPER Austin Walker during a recent interview conducted by Simone Vella Lenicker Cover: Vanessa Macdonald, editor of www.di-ve.com. Walker com- Editor Architecture fit for a Pope see pages 14-15

4 the architect July 2010 Events Autodesk time, the teams drew 2-2, which meant that Members’ Directory The second quarter of 2010 was another The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti held a the Maltese Team won on aggregate. The One of the features on the Kamra’s web- busy one for the Kamra tal-Periti, and meeting on the 26 May 2010 with Mr Kostas matches were organised as fund raising for site www.ktpmalta.com is a Members’ included two lectures in the series Samaras, the representative of Autodesk inc the Community Chest Fund. Congratulations Directory. A section has recently been Architecture Nights. A new series of events together with their local agent, Learnkey Cad. to all involved! added to include also details of partner-

titled Civil Engineering Encounters was This meeting was prompted by a number of ships of warrant holders. All members inter- KTP NEWS also launched, and aims to address the reports of problems regarding the purchase Mies van der Rohe Award ested in having their details listed on this more technical aspects of the profession. of software from the previous local agent. The European Union Prize for Contemporary page are invited to contact the Kamra for A seminar which debated the pros and Following the positive meeting, Mr Samaras Architecture - Mies van der Rohe Award - is further details. cons of the structure versus the spatial sent a letter to the Kamra, which was sent a biennial prize granted by the European planning approach was also organised by out to all periti, stating that Autodesk inc Union and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe World Architecture Festival the Kamra, this time in collaboration with was ready to address all the problems faced of Barcelona. The principal purpose of this The third edition of the World Architecture the Chamber of Planners. Refer to pages by local purchasers of their products, and to award is to recognise and commend excel- Festival is taking place in November in 18 and 19 for full details. ensure that customers got the products they lence in the field of architecture. In doing Barcelona. As a media partner of the event, had paid for, while ensuring that these were so, the prize calls attention to the impor- the Architect invites all periti to consider Central Registry Act indeed the full versions of the products as tant contribution of European profession- participating in this three day event which Discussions are underway with the purchased. The Kamra notes this outcome als in the development of new architectural showcases a large variety of projects from Department of Land Registry regarding with satisfaction. concepts and technologies and is a means a large number of firms and countries. The the draft Central Registry Act. Members by which citizens as well as public institu- Architect was also a media partner during of Council met with representatives of World Cup and all that! tions can come to a better understanding last year’s edition of the event. This Festival the Department in order to discuss the Now that the frenzy of the World Cup is of the cultural role of architecture in the seems set to become one of the most proposed Act, in particular with respect over, it is time to celebrate a local victory. construction of cities and communities. important Architecture Festivals during the to its impact on the profession and to Following the match held on the 26 October The Kamra tal-Periti has once again been year. Anyone wishing to attend this year’s the duties of the perit in this regard. An 2009 between a team of Maltese periti and asked to participate in this Award by nomi- edition is invited to log onto the website information session outlining the new Act a team of Austrian architects, which the nating projects for consideration. In the and to quote the Priority Code CACEMAL is in the pipeline and will be announced Maltese won with an impressive score of 4-1, coming weeks, members will be informed when submitting their booking. Further shortly. a return match was held earlier this year. This of the details of participation. information in the ad below.

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WAF Ad2 HP_CACEMAL_28 x 13.5.indd 1 7/7/10 08:41:31 July 2010 the architect 5 ICOMOS Malta as a multi-purpose indoor facility with the PMP Genesis, Mott MacDonalds, Cushman The International Council of Monuments capacity of hosting 15 simultaneous train- & Wakefield and Land Use Consultants, col- c ts and Sites (ICOMOS) is an international asso- ing sessions of different sports disciplines lectively experts in sports design, sports

& ciation of people working in the field of including basketball, volleyball, fencing, management, development and con- conservation to promote the conservation table tennis, table football, snooker, bil- struction. White Rocks Holding Company j e pro of cultural heritage sites whilst applying liards, pool, handball, judo and other mar- Limited and Resolution Property plc will scientific techniques and new methodolo- tial arts. The project will further include a fully finance the construction, operation gies. In this light, it acts as an advisory Sports Science Centre to enhance local and and maintenance of the project. Images: Virtual Image Barcelona. body to UNESCO. ICOMOS Malta commit- Architect: Architecture Project foreign athletes’ performance and also to tee collaborates with over a hundred other 2010 RIBA AWARDS

people & national committees, having the constant single point of contact for business, as it will The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) support of the International Secretariat of host the main regulatory and business sup- recently announced the winners of the 2010 ICOMOS that is based in Paris. It strives to port agencies and departments. RIBA Awards. RIBA Awards for architectural increase awareness of the national sites Corporate Village Malta, designed by excellence were presented to 93 buildings in as a tool for improving their protection. It Architecture Project, was voted the best Smart the UK and 9 buildings in the rest of the EU. aims to collaborate with other non-gov- City Europe project in the Real Estate Awards The award-winning buildings range from a ernment organisations in the field, increase held in Milan, Italy, after being shortlisted small circular loo for bus drivers in London collaboration amongst various disciplines together with Moscow's $4 billion Metropoliya to the Neues Museum in Berlin, from a zero- in the field, and above all - sharing knowl- Business District and the Varyap Meridian carbon house to the energy substation for edge. Perit Maria Mifsud has recently been in Istanbul in the category of international the 2012 Olympics. The high arts have done Architect: Faulknerbrowns Architects elected to the post of President of ICOMOS projects. These Awards, known also as the well with galleries, museums, theatres and Malta, succeeding Dr Ray Bondin. The other Golden Brick Awards, were given to the best monitor the rehabilitation of injured ath- auditoriums winning many awards (includ- Committee members are Dr Jevon Vella, Dr projects in different categories across Europe. letes as well as commercial facilities. ing the Ashmolean Musuem, Nottingham Claude Busuttil, Mr James Licari, Mr Anton Amongst others, categories included awards Through White Rocks Sports & Leisure Contemporary and Aldeburgh Music Campus). Catania and Dr David Mallia. for architecture, initiatives in favour of the Village, Government is pursuing the follow- Education buildings have also flourished with environment, as well as best service, best tour- ing objectives: 17 of the 93 UK awards going to schools CORPORATE VILLAGE MALTA ism and best consultancy projects. Corporate • to promote a national sport culture and universities. Another feature of the RIBA The currently vacant and derelict site former- Village Malta was awarded best project for the through facilitated access to sports Awards this year are public spaces - pavil- ly housing the ex-Dowty factory in Mrieħel creation of future cities built on sustainability events and sports programmes for all ions, monuments, Liverpool Pierhead and the is set to house a new venture: Corporate and urban integration. The project was also sectors of society, irrespective of age, Infinity Bridge in Teesdale have all picked up Village Malta. Carrying an investment that shortlisted in the World Architecture Festival sex or ability; an award. is estimated to range between €150 and 2009 held in Barcelona in the Future Projects • to promote a healthy life style in a Amongst the architects there are some mul- €200 million, this urban regeneration proj- category. sport oriented family park comprising tiple winners, with the highest number of ect intends to achieve the Government’s Malta Enterprise issued a call for expressions of landscaped parklands, pedestrian RIBA Awards going to Rick Mather Architects vision of excellence by becoming the focal of interest for the detailed design, develop- areas, outdoor gym, adventure park, a (4 awards). Many of the UK’s prominent archi- point within the central business district ment, operation and marketing of Corporate walking and jogging track and a cycling tects are awarded this year for their work in Malta. It seeks to respond not only to Village Malta in June, with submissions being track; outside of the UK with Zaha Hadid, David Government’s strategic vision, but also received up to the 3 September 2010. Further • to accommodate the increasing Chipperfield, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners to the window of opportunity that arises information can be obtained from www.cor- demand for facilities being made by from the demand for high quality office poratevillagemalta.com. Maltese sporting organisations; and commercial space in Malta. With Malta • to create a sports village of an interna- envisaged to take over the European Union WHITE ROCKS SPORTS AND tional standards to better exploit the Presidency in 2017, Corporate Village Malta LEISURE VILLAGE economic potential of sports tourism is expected to be one of the main hubs of Another project recently launched by through the hosting of competitions, activity for the events taking place dur- Government is the White Rocks Sports and training camps & sports related confer- ing the six months’ tenure, when it will be Leisure Village. Comprising and investment ences; at the centre of European and worldwide of €200 million, the project will provide a • to enhance the performance of local attention. It will also serve as Government’s venue for a wide range of local sporting athletes through the provision of inter- activities (rugby, tennis, beach sports, BMX national standard facilities and a sport outdoor track, etc), hosting of international science centre; sporting events, commercial and leisure • to set up a sports college geared facilities, a hotel to support sports tourism towards both the academic and sport- and a multi-ownership complex to comple- ing needs of promising athletes. ment the sporting activities. The project will also feature considerable landscaped White Rocks Holding Company Limited parklands and pedestrian areas which will (WRHCL) has set up a project team made also serve as a family leisure park as well up of Faulknerbrowns Architects, Gleeds,

6 the architect July 2010 that old buildings can be successfully restored Natural Heritage Award may refer to any and converted to modern use whilst retain- aspect of Malta’s natural environment and ing their character and intrinsic value. Eligible landscapes. c ts

projects include the restoration or conserva- The Awards are open to all journalists work- & tion of buildings, the adoption of buildings to ing in the written or broadcasting media in

new uses, building additions or alterations, or Malta and Gozo. To be eligible for inclusion j e pro new building projects in conservation areas. the work or series of works or productions Sustainability snaps The projects can relate either to a single build- must have been published or aired in Malta Keeping in touch with the jargon and ing, a complex of buildings, or historic urban within the twelve months period up to 31 what’s going on environment or townscape. The project will be August 2010. Submissions are received by

judged on the quality of the work executed, Din l-Art Ħelwa up to 30 September 2010 Water shortage and droughts are a grow- people & its historic, cultural, educational and social and the announcement of the winners will ing problem in many parts of Europe. relevance, the preliminary research conducted be made in November. The Din l-Art Ħelwa Climate change and increasing water and the aesthetic and visual merit. The project Built and Natural Journalism Award Scheme demand, if not properly addressed, will may be on a scale ranging from small to large, is organised with the support of the Malta make matters worse. The Environment and should display a standard of work which Institute of Journalists. Council on 11 June urged all member would be outstanding in a Maltese context. states at risk to set up water scarcity and The Din l-Art Ħelwa Award for Architectural AIA GOLD MEDAL drought management plans. It called for Heritage has now established itself as a wor- Peter Bohlin has been named the 66th recip- stepping up water efficiency in all sectors. thy and prestigious annual event which brings ient of the AIA Gold Medal by the American Fresh water should no longer be taken for and Tony Fretton all winning an RIBA Award well-merited recognition not only to the archi- Institute of Architects, an award that has pre- granted. Ministers supported the further for buildings in the EU. First-time winners tects rewarded, but also to their parent firms viously gone to such prominent architects development of the European drought include Carmody Groarke who have won two and the architectural profession more widely.” as I.M. Pei, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Santiago observatory, now at the prototype phase. RIBA Awards this year. RIBA President Ruth In a statement, Din l-Art Ħelwa stated that “in Calatrava. Unlike many of his predecessors, It will be tasked with forecasting, assessing Reed said about the 2010 RIBA Award win- the course of the last year there has been a Bohlin's body of work does not fit into any and monitoring droughts and promoting ners: “The RIBA Awards reflect not only the most encouraging increase in conservation single style or other simplistic characterisa- the exchange of best practices. They also state of British architecture but also that of its and restoration of old buildings and monu- tion. In fact, his supporters praise him not stressed the need to promote water saving economy. In the midst of the deepest reces- ments in Malta - both in the private and the only for his sensitivity to site, materials, and water demand management through sion in the 45 year history of the RIBA Awards, public sector. The heritage organisation there- and clients' needs, but for avoiding stylistic a suitable mix of tools. These include water this year’s awards demonstrate that although fore feels that these greatly deserve encour- disputes. In Bohlin's low-key and charac- pricing, smarter irrigation, water efficien- times might be hard for architects, there are agement and public recognition.” teristically non-confrontational manner, he cy in buildings, agriculture, industry and still great buildings being built throughout downplays the issue by describing himself tourism, as well as awareness campaigns. the country and overseas. The RIBA Awards as a soft modernist. Bohlin cofounded the Where preventive measures prove insuffi- always give an opportunity for gem-like small firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ) in Wilkes- cient, it may be necessary to resort to addi- projects and less established practices to shine Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1965. Educated at tional water supply infrastructures, such through and this year is no exception. Far Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then as desalination and rain water harvesting. from being a size prize, the RIBA Awards are This year the Din l-Art Ħelwa award scheme Cranbrook Academy, he returned to Wilkes- Investment in the development of new for buildings that offer value to people’s lives. I for Built and Natural Heritage Journalism Barre, the place of his upbringing, to prac- sustainable technologies to supply clean am looking forward to seeing an exciting RIBA will also be accepting entries from television tice. His father had been president of the water should be encouraged. Climate Stirling Prize shortlist.” More information can and radio as well as from on-line publica- pencil manufacturer Eberhard Faber — how change is likely to magnify regional dif- be obtained from www.architecture.com. tions. This scheme consists of two awards: appropriate for an architect (and Bohlin still ferences. More frequent and more severe the first will deal with written articles or tele- draws using colored pencils)! BCJ has since droughts can be expected, particularly in Din l-Art Ħelwa Awards vision or radio broadcasts regarding Malta grown to 200 architects lead by 12 princi- southern Europe. Some member states Din l-Art Ħelwa has announced the launch and Gozo’s built environment including his- pals. Four additional offices are located in have begun to suffer permanent scarcity of its 2010 Award for Architectural Heritage toric buildings, monuments, archaeological Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and across the whole country. As many rivers as well as the Built and Natural Heritage sites and the vernacular character of the Seattle, and none of the five is designated and lakes in the EU cross borders, risks and Journalism Award Scheme for journalistic work towns and villages. The second award will the headquarters. In nominating Bohlin for challenges are shared and solutions need that has made an outstanding and significant be for written articles or television or radio the Gold Medal, Andrew L. Metter, FAIA, of to be coordinated. contribution to the better appreciation of the broadcasts dealing with the natural heritage Epstein/ Metter Studio praised him as an built and natural environment of the Maltese covering the appreciation of Malta’s natural "original American architect" who is "not Source: MEUSAC Islands within the last year. environment and landscapes, including its married to any one style." “The Award for Architectural Heritage has been open spaces, maritime heritage, flora and designed to encourage better architecture by fauna and natural resources. Letters to the Editor rewarding any building project which made Journalistic entries for the Built Heritage Letters from our readers to be considered for publication are most welcome. Letters for an outstanding and significant contribution to Award may refer to a single building, a inclusion in Issue 54 are to reach us by the 25th September 2010. Please write to: The Editor, "the Architect", Kamra tal-Periti, The Professional Centre, Sliema Road, Gzira GZR 1633 or architectural excellence in a Maltese context complex of buildings or a historic urban send an email to [email protected]. All contributions will be acknowledged. and that the project sends a clear message environment or townscape. Entries for the

July 2010 the architect 7 Architecture and Sustainability &

EU DESK – ACE Policy

In a recent publication entitled “Architecture Pressures for change include security of sup- a common European energy policy to enable also proposed a new international agree- and Sustainability,” the Architects’ Council ply, fuel prices, environmental considerations Europe to face the energy supply challenges ment on energy efficiency. Since the adop- of Europe (ACE) declared it position on the and consumer demands. This is resulting in of the future and the effects these will have on tion of these binding targets, progress has relationship between Architecture and more stringent and more extensive building growth and the environment. The Commission been made by the re-casting or revision of Sustainability. In the previous issue of “the performance standards, among other respons- asked the Member States to do everything in several key EU Directives on the energy per- Architect” the full text of the Declaration es designed to ensure that the EU will meet their power to implement a European energy formance of buildings, on the eco-labelling of was reproduced. What follows is a synop- international treaty obligations to limit green- policy built on three core objectives: energy-related products and on the ecodesign sis of the ACE Policy on Architecture and house gas emissions and for other reasons of • sustainability - to actively combat climate of energy using products. Furthermore, the Sustainability (freely copied from the origi- public policy. change by promoting renewable energy European Economic Recovery Plan, adopted nal text). The design and construction of a building sources and energy efficiency; in December 2008, foresees substantial invest- which takes optimal advantage of its environ- • competitiveness - to improve the efficiency ment in the construction sector and specifical- Introduction and Background ment need not impose any significant addi- of the European energy grid by creating a truly ly in the energy efficiency upgrading of exist- The building industry has a key role to play tional capital cost, and although it may require competitive internal energy market; ing buildings. In this context all the actors from in any agenda for sustainable development somewhat increased resources to design com- • security of supply - to better coordinate the the construction sector have come together for the 21st century. The built environment pared to more highly engineered ‘convention- EU’s supply of and demand for energy within to establish, with the European Commission, a European Initiative in the form of a Public- represents a substantial and relatively stable al’ buildings it should be significantly cheaper an international context. Private Partnership that will steer investment environmental resource. Most buildings sur- to operate. in research and development in the field of vive for several decades, and many survive for The present environmental and energy situa- The first is of special relevance to architects energy efficiency of buildings. centuries. As the community’s principal physi- tion and the need for sustainable urban devel- and the construction sector. cal asset, getting good value requires that the opment demands an approach to planning Architect’s Council of Europe building’s full life cycle be considered, avoiding and architecture that addresses both the city The adopted package of the European The ACE committed itself, in terms of that and the individual building as complex inter- short-sighted attempts to merely minimise Union is based on three central pillars: which concerns it directly, as well as in con- initial cost. A strategy on sustainable develop- active systems which have symbiotic relation- 1. A true Internal Energy Market: The aim is to junction with other interested organisations, ment will seek to prolong the life of existing ships with their wider surroundings, and which give real choice to EU energy users, whether to an active promotion of the principles of structures, and indeed to prolong the utilisa- utilises methods such as ecological footprint- citizens or businesses, and to trigger the huge sustainable development and to the formula- tion of the materials with which they were ing to make explicit the relationships between investments needed in energy. The EC argues tion of proposals for concrete action, and to originally constructed. Adaptation is usually urban resource use and the available support- that the single market is good not just for contribute to the implementation of agreed preferable to new building, and upgrading of ing productive land. competitiveness, but also for sustainability and proposals. Spheres which will be addressed by performance usually represents an efficient security. such actions will include deployment of resources. The Context for European Architects • At the institutional level European Buildings impact on the environment at sev- For several years the ACE has been actively 2. Accelerating the shift to low carbon energy: Commission, the European Parliament eral levels. It is important to consider the full involved in a process of analysis and action at The Package proposes the maintenance of the and Member States (joint actions at the life-cycle dimension. A sustainability ethos the European level that, among other things, EU’s position as a world leader in renewable European level), including through the in building will require the consideration of has been aimed at promoting architecture as energy, by setting a binding target whereby Council environmental implications associated with an important part of European citizens’ qual- 20% of its overall energy mix will be sourced • At the level of the building sector design, construction and operation of build- ity of life, through diverse economic, social from renewable energy by 2020. This will • (ECF) European Construction Forum ings. The appropriate use of local construction and cultural elements. Another purpose of require a massive growth in all three renew- • (ECCREDI) European Council for materials will be indicated as first choice. The these actions has been to reassert the central able energy sectors: electricity, biofuels and Construction Research, Development and logic at the macro level lies in the conservation role of architects in helping to ensure sustain- heating and cooling. This renewables target Innovation of fossil fuels and the avoidance of associ- able, high-quality construction that satisfies will be supplemented by a minimum target • (ECTP) European Construction Technology ated pollution and global warming. At the the aspirations and needs of clients while pre- for biofuels of 10%. Research is also crucial to Platform local level, favouring indigenous production serving the public interest. Among the key lower the cost of clean energy and to put EU • (E2B-EI) Energy Efficient Buildings – helps to sustain livelihoods, crafts and trades. messages of the ACE policy book ‘Architecture industry at the forefront of the rapidly growing European Initiative Generally speaking, the use of local resources and the Quality of Life’ is: The sustainability of low carbon technology sector. To meet these • Cooperation with related professional also contributes to a regional expression of public and private buildings and the security objectives, the Commission proposed, and organisations (town planners, engineers...) buildings, thus fostering a sense of place in the of public spaces strongly influence the well Council adopted, a strategic European Energy • At the level of the Member Organisations built environment. being of citizens and thus the social structure Technology Plan. The European Union will also Member architects and students. Energy is a key part of the sustainability issue. of society. It is therefore necessary to ensure increase by at least 50% its annual spending Specific early measures will include the inclu- Buildings account for close to half of all energy that all aspects of sustainability – socio-eco- on energy research for the period 2007-2013. sion of energy and environmental perfor- consumption in the EU. Considerable oppor- nomic, cultural and environmental – are taken mance information as an assessment criterion tunities exist to improve the energy perfor- into account in the development of the living 3. Energy efficiency: The Commission reiterat- in all architectural competitions and competi- mance of European buildings. Many of the environment. ed the objective of saving 20% of total primary tive selection processes, the encouragement opportunities will not be exploited (especially energy consumption by 2020. If successful, this of similar information to accompany all pub- in existing buildings) if primitive market forces The European Context would mean that by 2020 the EU would use lished architectural reviews, and a recommen- alone are relied upon to determine the opti- In its Green Paper of 2006, “A European strat- approximately 13% less energy than today, dation that such information form an addi- mal investment in energy saving and the full egy for sustainable, competitive and secure saving 100 billion euro and around 780 mil- tional criterion in selection processes for public costs of external impacts remain unstated. energy” the European Commission proposed lion tonnes of CO2 each year. The Commission architectural awards.

8 the architect July 2010 & SACES updates SA C ES As the summer months drag on, SACES is gearing up for a number of activities culminating in the October workshop which will open the next academic year.

Following elections in April, the new we know we can rely on SACES board consists of David Camilleri over the coming year. as President, Cheryl Ann Bonello as Vice Following the gradu- President, Francesca Chircop as Secretary al increase in activi- General and Sarah Jane Bilocca as the new ties over the past Treasurer. Emma Warrington is the new few years, where Activities Coordinator, Nicolo Bencini is SACES has veered the Public Relations Officer and first years its focus away Kurt Vella and Kim Cassar Toreggiani are from the October KPS Representative and Cultural Activities workshop and tried Officer respectively. It was most encourag- to engage students ing to see a great deal of interest by the first more actively through year students, several more of which con- a series of smaller events tested in the election, and whose support spread throughout the year, we’ve certainly got our hands full ensuring that the year’s upcoming events will all go off without a hitch! Images from the last SACES workshop An extension of last year’s debate and lecture ued throughout the summer months with series will certainly help to reinforce SACES’ the aim of having construction plans ready cultural and educational policy which seeks and the projects built at the university. to enrich academic life at the faculty while Relations with KSU have improved greatly bridging the distance between students at over the past year and SACES is striving to the faculty and professionals, periti or oth- remain active at inter-faculty level. It is with erwise, in the field. Anybody willing to offer great pleasure that we announce that for their assistance in this regard is kindly asked the second year in a row, an architecture to contact SACES at [email protected] with student is sitting on the KSU board, and suggestions for future lectures and debates, while fifth year Samaria Bezzina leaves her as well as expressions of interest in leading post as KSU’s culture and entertainment sandsculptures event and a host of social or participating in discussions. co-ordinator, Francesca Scicluna, previously events continue to bring students at other a member of the SACES board has now faculties and those at the Faculty for the The now well established Easter workshop settled into her role as the KSU international Built Environment together for a good time. will hopefully continue to grow in its scope officer. Anybody wishing to be kept informed about and impact. The last edition produced pro- upcoming events is more than welcome to posals for projects which are being contin- The relationship between architecture stu- join the SACES Facebook group, member- dents and the general public has seen an ship of which is not restricted to students increase through the continuation of the at the faculty. Designs exhibition and by always doing our best to exhibit and promote student work to Finally, as it is always our aim to involve as the best of our ability. It is also heartening to many students as possible in the events see that for the second year in a row the fac- which we hold, we would like to encourage ulty has, independently of SACES, exhibited any students wishing to participate in the a number of student projects and that the organisation of any events, or who would number of exhibitions has increased over like to suggest new events, to contacts us the previous year. on [email protected]. In the meantime, we would like to wish everybody a well Furthermore, summer activities such as the deserved restful summer!

July 2010 the architect 9 E use b i

MakinNg new oacquaintanctes is alwaysh an enrichinig ng … or Something? experience, more so when the person one meets is one who speaks passionately about their work, their life and their outlook on society and where the world is heading! Simone Vella Lenicker met with Italian architect Enzo Eusebi, who was in Malta putting the finishing touches on this first local project.

I met Enzo Eusebi a couple of months ago - high quality contents, while at the same time immediately he came across as one of those speaking out as an architectural work in its people with whom you could chat for hours own right. on end, on anything from food to architec- Eusebi may be a new name to Malta, but he is ture to the meaning of life! His relationship certainly not a new name on the international with Malta began when the Berloni family scene. In 2000, he founded ‘Nothing studio’, introduced the Italian architect to the Vassallo an architectural studio which is engaged in Cesareo family, who then commissioned him exploring different fields of design including to work on the design of the new Domestica information design, graphic design, lighting, showroom in Msida, which aims to celebrate furniture design, interiors, architecture and the traditional craft of carpentry while at the urban design. With offices in Italy and China, same time looking to the future with new Eusebi spends most of his time commuting materials, trends and technology. between the two, often working in transit, like Working with a team of Maltese periti, namely a bird which never stops for a rest. In fact, the Christian Spiteri, Pierre Farrugia and Mark name of the studio is inspired from just that Camilleri, together with an interior design – the idea of flying through, not touching any- team led by Carlo Schembri, Eusebi proposed thing, but stopping only to insert a building in the architectural theme for this 3,000sqm the landscape which nature eventually takes showroom which incorporates extensive dis- over and embodies as part of the landscape. play areas, a show apartment and parking Oddly, he muses, he must have flown over the quake of the 6 April 2009, this structure the unenviable role of acting as a catalyst facilities. A glass structure which is based on Malta hundreds of times, never stopping, until is made of fibreglass, reminiscent of the tem- for the regeneration of the disaster stricken the concept of integrating indoor and out- the Domestica commission landed him here. porary structures that emerged as part of the region, and of serving as an icon for the social, door living provides the perimeter for the new One of his more recent projects is the relief efforts after the quake. Commissioned by economic and spiritual rebirth of the commu- showroom, which is home to a number of ‘zero impact’ structure for the Chiesa della the Ecclesial and Local Authorities of L’Aquila, nity. Extensive research was carried out into exclusive brands. The design concept revolves Resurrezione in L’Aquila, Italy. Designed in this church is conceived as a memorial to the the availability and properties of the materials around accommodating and celebrating its homage to the 307 people who perished in lost members of the community. It also has proposed to be used in this building, together with the integration of passive environmental design aspects. The church is also conceived as a structure that can be replicated in other communities requiring relief following similar disasters. One of his most precious furniture design ven- tures is the ‘NOT for food’ concept he created for the kitchen manufacturer Berloni. ‘NOT for food’ is designed to be placed in the centre of a large open space and aims to satisfy the needs of those who want a 24-hour piece of furniture, serving the daily functions that the The ‘zero impact’ Chiesa della Resurrezione

10 the architect July 2010 Nothing … or Something? E use b i

The new Domestica showroom in Msida Kunlun Towers exterior view

San Benedetto del Tronto (Ascoli Piceno) – extension of school space is intended to be used for. It is really a the sea, creating a link between the urban domestic ‘piazza’, where food and its rituals fabric and open marine space. Constructed attract the users, while at the same time acting mainly in lightweight materials, the organic as a living area, dining area, and workspace. forms deliberately confuse the user, allowing The piece incorporates what one would expect one to explore the interior spaces fluidly and to find in a kitchen (sink, cooking surface, etc) without inhibition. This project was selected to Inside the Kunlun Towers together with other commodities such as I-pod participate in the first “Festival dell’Architettura ect was the creation of new urban spaces, plinth clad in stone and glass which imitates a port, LCD screen, computer ports, and internet di Parma” in 2004, and also received a mention and the safeguarding of the landscape and rocky mountain face. connection that could allow one, for example, in the International Section of the Barbara streetscape. “In China it is difficult to have a On being an architect, Eusebi has no hesita- to research recipes online while cooking. The Cappochin Prize. human scale – everything is larger, and there tions: “Architecture allows me to create a con- piece weighs less than 100kg, providing a total The Kunlun Towers in Beijing, China, is prob- is more quantity.” The challenge remains the tainer to explain what is beautiful. Architecture of 35sqm of surface area. ably his largest project to date. I asked him creation of internal spaces which allow people allows me to exchange ideas with the people I Another of his more recent projects is the about the main differences he sees in design- to interact within – “Our first mission (as archi- meet and work with. It also allows me to get to extension to a school in San Benedetto del ing for a client in Italy and for one in China. tects) is to confront social issues with sensitiv- know about contemporary society.” Tronto (Ascoli Piceno) in Italy. Located on the “Of course the cultures are different”, he says. ity.” Freely inspired from the Kunlun mountain coast, it consists of four volumes that emerge In the design of the award winning Kunlun range, sacred in China, the two towers reach For further information on Enzo Eusebi and from the original structure, and which frame Towers, an added dimension to the proj- a height of 115m, rising above a four-storey Nothing studio visit www.nothing.it.

July 2010 the architect 11 & dis g roup

DIS Group factory in Kordin Steel Structures – increasing design flexibility DIS Group talks about its experience over the years The use of steel as a construction material Following an international tender, DIS Group Steel structures offer many in the heart of Tripoli, the 351 has seen phenomenal growth in the last few was brought on board to supply and erect advantages. They are usually room InterContinental Tripoli will years. Although steel buildings have typically the steel structure. With over 50 years experi- constructed much faster than offer attractive views across the been used in the commercial and industrial ence in metal works with their original brand buildings using other materi- city and the waterfront. With its sectors for a long time, they are increasingly Dolphin Forge, ten of which included experi- als and the construction costs prime location close to Tripoli’s gracing the skylines of countries worldwide. ence in large scale heavy duty metal works are usually lower compared to central business district, the prop- Modern technologies have also influenced the and steel construction, the DIS team kicked off traditional building methods. erty will appeal especially to those growth of the steel building systems industry works on the project towards the end of 2009. They are lighter in weight; they visiting the city on business. since they can be used for better and more Together with their engineers, DIS worked on are easier to maintain; and they Intercontinental is the first over- flexible design and fabrication. It offers quality, the architects’ plans and put forward the tech- carry a reduced risk of fire. seas steel construction project DIS cost and energy efficiency, as well as speed of nical drawings and specifications. Within two As in the case of the Tripoli hotel one of the most have successfully completed in Libya. Locally, erection for both residential and commercial months the steel was sourced and delivered important benefits of steel is the increased one of their largest projects has been their buildings. to the site, following which a team of about 20 design flexibility it offers as clear large spans, new state of the art factory in Kordin. The fac- The new Intercontinental Tripoli is set to open people began works on erecting the massive cantilevers, skewed walls, sloping surfaces, tory, which was constructed entirely of steel, its doors later on this year. The hotel was steel structure. curved framing, atria, floor openings, special opened its doors in 2009. The 1,650 square designed by InterContinental Hotels Group With over 650 tonnes of steel supplied and aesthetic features, and unusual loadings are metre building was completed in a year, the International’s architects who put forward the more than 4,000 metres of steel decking, it all easily and economically accommodated. erection of the entire steel structure taking design for a breath-taking tower that included took over 65 trucks to transport the material Moreover, steel columns are smaller than con- only two months. 220 tonnes of steel were a large scale open plan area on both the from the port of Misurata to the construction crete columns, which results in more useable used. ground and first floor. In order to cater for the site in Tripoli. By April this year the enormous space and less visual obstructions. Steel also The company started off producing brass mas- large clear span required, a steel structure for steel frame was in place, complete with fire allows for simple modifications and renovation cots for ships at its Brass Foundry at the turn of the two floors was an obvious choice. protection coatings. so if additional loads are added to the structure the twentieth century. Since then, metal and some time in the future, steel can be easily steel fabrication have been the main pillars of reinforced to handle the weight. Likewise, new DIS Group’s business and over the years, the floor openings for elevators, stairwells and Group have established a brand and house- architectural or mechanical requirements can hold name across Malta for the quality of be easily accommodated. work it has provided its customers with prod- Steel is 66% recyclable, which makes it an ucts ranging from ornate wrought iron works, especially cost-effective and environmentally gates, railings and spiral staircases, as well as sound alternative to any other construction wood and aluminium works for both domestic material. Strength is a major plus for steel. and industrial requirements. Steel structures can withstand unfavourable Over the last 10 years, the DIS Group has weather conditions such as hurricanes, high undertaken a number of overseas projects in winds, and even earthquakes. metal works and finishings, including projects Intercontinental Tripoli Situated on the waterfront near Green Square in Germany as well as Palm City in Libya.

12 the architect July 2010 & DENNIS SHARP c iation APPRECIATION appre and architect, and most of all as a friend, I am DENNIS SHARP, internationally acclaimed author, proud to have had the privilege of sharing DIS Group factory in Kordin pedagogue, critic and architect recently passed precious time with him. Always, I emerged from our meetings, intellectually enriched and away at the age of 76. RICHARD ENGLAND who shared enlightened. a close friendship and long association with Prof. One of the fondest memories which I particu- larly cherish was the time we spent together as Sharp pays tribute to his memory. visiting tutors for the IAA at the splendid Santo The death of Dennis Sharp on 06 May 2010 tor of fifteen issues of World Architecture, Kiriko Monastery in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in 1991. It has robbed the architectural world of one of The International Academy of Architecture was then that we were both elected full time the most eminent and prolific authors, critics Journal, between 1990-1992, he introduced Professors of the Academy. Dennis’ scholarly and commentators of the 20th century archi- to an international audience the work of many cognizance and pedagological expertise was tectural scene. Born in 1933 into a family of outstanding practitioners such as Clorindo highly appreciated by all who attended his I last saw Dennis in hospital only two days building contractors, architects and surveyors, Testa, Giancarlo de Carlo, Gustav Peichl, Reima lectures and seminars. It was during this period before his demise … a touching and diffi- he initiated his architectural studies at the Pietila and others. For his qualitative writing, that I discovered his passion for Jazz and the cult occasion, yet immensely satisfying and AA in London and later at the University of he enjoyed a world-wide reputation which old 78 recordings of that genre’s great expo- rewarding. Even then, although weak, he was Liverpool under Dr. Quentin Hughes. Dennis earned him many prizes including the Silver nents. Often we spent hours discussing our dif- still enthusiastically talking about future publi- Sharp’s writing was particularly impressive, not Medal of the French Academie d’Architecture ferent musical tastes, mine being a penchant cations, typical of his fervour and enthusiasm. only for the scholarly approach he gave to and the UIA Jean Tschumi Award. One must for the operatic tenor voice on recordings of his material, but also for the clear and erudite also highlight his cogent contributions to CICA the same era. To Yasmin Shariff, his wife and professional language with which he expressed his ideas (The International Committee of Architectural Among other personal recollections, particu- partner, and his family, I offer my sincere con- in the many areas of his expertise. In con- Critics) and DoCoMoMo, and his valued input larly gratifying, remain the many literary and dolences. As a final goodbye Dennis, I pay trast to much of contemporary journalistic and as Vice President to RIBA (1991-1993) and the critical articles he devoted to my work. Of tribute to your unique talents as author and woolly archispeak writings, his contributions AA (2007-2009). specific significance is his BookART publica- pedagogue and above all thank you for the stood out for their lucid, articulate and clear Sharp was also an outstanding lecturer. His tion Richard England Architect as Artist (2007). privilege of your friendship. vocabulary, constantly producing intelligible, commanding physical presence combined The collaboration and interchange during the coherent and comprehensible texts. Always, with the knowledge of his subjects made working period on that book with him and Editor’s Note: he approached his tasks with total dedication him a particularly impressive and imposing graphic designer Malcolm Frost were among The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti joins Richard and commitment and his cultural baggage speaker. A never tiring and over-enthusiastic the most pleasant encounters of my whole England in paying tribute to Dennis Sharp and on the 20th century architectural scenario workaholic, he leaves behind him a unique tes- architectural career. in extending its condolences to his family and remains unsurpassed. tament of architectural writings. Students and Also much valued was the Foreword he con- friends. Dennis’s love for Malta is clear in a His rich and vast bibliography demonstrates future architectural historians will surely ben- tributed to the Charles Knevitt Monograph letter he wrote to the Council after joining in his scholarly command of the subject. His efit from his legacy and, for this, his place in the on my work Connections (1984) and later that the Time for Architecture events of 2005: “It many books include Modern Architecture history of architectural literature is secure. He same year his opening of my Exhibition at was great to be back in Malta! My trip last and Expressionism (1966), A visual history of was without doubt, one of the leading evange- the Building Centre in London. I also appreci- October was soon enhanced by a quick jaunt 20th century architecture (1972, 1991, 2002); lists of architecture of the 20th century. ated his presence as a speaker at the 100 at by helicopter to Gozo in the early evening light a sort of illustrated Bible of the new testa- Dennis Sharp was also a successful practicing 70 Celebratory Album and Richard England and then back in total blackness – I sat on the ment of architecture, and in conjunction with architect who, through his firm DSA produced Architect as Artist local book launch in 2007. In wrong side of the helicopter! But what a glori- Sally Rendel, a comprehensive survey of the a number of notable buildings. He was par- his Foreword to the Quentin Hughes – Conrad ous experience confirming my view that there work of Connell, Ward and Lucas (2008), the ticularly proud of the conservation work car- Thake Malta War & Peace (2005) publication he is more architecture per square metre in Malta Modernist British practice of the 1930s, a peri- ried out on the London Chandos House by wrote “my own interest in the (Maltese) islands than anywhere except Rome!” Sharp was instru- od on which, without doubt, he was the lead- Robert Adam and the restoration of a number was later reinforced by a long and fruitful asso- mental in the setting of the local Docomomo ing authority. Apart from other books such as of works by one of his favourite Modernist ciation with the architect Richard England…” (International Committee for Documentation The Picture Place (1967), Sources of Modern practices Connell, Ward and Lucas. DSA were In my case, I shall always remain grateful for and Conservation of Buildings, Sites and Architecture (1981) and The Bauhaus (1993), also involved in many other projects, including not only what Dennis, as an ever flowing font Neighbourhoods of the Modern Movement) he also produced publications on the work the renovation of the listed buildings at Ascot of knowledge, has contributed to the world of section in Malta, which unfortunately seems of Manfredi Nicoletti, Kisho Kurokawa and in collaboration with HOK Sport. architectural literature, but more so for over to have met its own demise. Sharp’s passing Santiago Calatrava. My own first encounter with Dennis took place four decades of association and friendship. I away should serve as an impetus to revive the With close to 50 published books to his credit, in Malta in 1968 through our mutual friend feel it is appropriate to express my gratitude organisation again and to achieve its aims of his bibliography also includes innumerable Quentin Hughes, who at the time was run- to him for the information and wisdom he acting as a watchdog for important modern contributions to international and UK publica- ning the architectural school at the University has passed on to me, not only through his movement buildings, exchanging ideas relating tions. The 1968-1982 AA Quarterly Journals of Malta. Dennis had been invited as a visit- extensive publications, but more so during to conservation technology, history and educa- which he founded and edited remain to this ing lecturer and it was then that I was first our many personal encounters. I therefore take tion, fostering interest in the ideas and heri- day an outstanding reference series with introduced to him. Soon, he became not only this opportunity to thank you Dennis for your tage of the modern movement and in eliciting valid contributions from many architectural an invaluable mentor, but also a close and didactic influence, encouragement, guidance responsibility towards this recent architectural luminaries of the period. As executive edi- cherished friend. As a historian, critic, teacher and advice …memories I shall long treasure. inheritance.

July 2010 the architect 13 I nstallations Architecture fit for a Pope In preparation for the visit of His Holliness Pope Benedict XVI to Malta, Carlo Schembri was appointed Art Director for the event. For the stage that would host the mass to be celebrated at the Granaries in Floriana, Perit Joseph Bondin, director of JBarchitects, was approached by the representatives of the Archbishop’s Curia to assume The stand at the Granaries in Floriana. Inset: concept sketch. the role of project architect. Stage at the Granaries, Floriana elements of the design were focused. Vision reversibility, this due to the fact that the struc- The design of the stage at was also another factor which greatly influ- ture was a temporary one but even more due Floriana was then developed What was your brief? Did the client have enced the design, vision in the sense that we to the historical importance of the site on any specific requirements? How deep was gave particular importance to the view which which it was constructed. Another challenge through collaboration the client’s involvement? the people standing at various point on the was that of budget - the structure would only between Carlo Schembri Initially what we were provided with was a Granaries would have of His Holiness. In fact, be used for a couple of hours but would host and the architects and basic scheme of how the stage should be the shape of the stage depended greatly on such an important event - which had to be laid out and minimum areas required so as the results obtained when studying various considered throughout the development of draughtsmen at JBarchitects. to function properly. Subsequently we had to lines of view. the design. These issues were tackled by look- On the other hand, the design formulate our own brief. After the basic con- ing at the design in detail and working closely of the stage at VISET, Valletta cept was developed, this was presented to What were the main components of the with contractors and suppliers. the client and consequently the client had to design proposal? What materials were Waterfront, was developed seek approval from the Vatican. Throughout used? Buildings are built to last – this structure by Perit Daniel Darmanin, the design process a number of meetings With the every growing awareness towards lasted only a few weeks. How did it feel to were held in which the client would be briefed our environment we felt that it was important see the structure being dismantled? Perit Herman Calleja and on developments. Once the design was fina- that when choosing the materials for the Definitely strange. After all those months of Eng. Jeremy Spiteri, once lised and prior to commencing construction, design we would use materials which were hard work which we had put into the design again in collaboration with we also had a meeting with representatives either already recycled or which could be and construction of the project so as to finally from the Vatican who came over to ensure reused after the event. We felt that this was an see the end result, after the mass was over it Art Director Carlo Schembri. that everything was up to standard, with the important factor to consider especially since felt awkward walking away and thinking that Throughout the project, main focus being functionality, safety of His the event would only last a couple of hours. in a couple of days time nothing will be left progress meetings were held Holiness and symbolism. With this issue in mind we chose materials on site. such as the OSB boards as the main cladding on a regular basis, both What inspired you and what drove the material which is made from strands of wood, Besides the opportunity to design such a between the three design concept of the design? recycled cardboard for the furniture, the flow- structure, what other experiences do you teams as well as with the There were a number of factors which ers were arranged in such a way so as to be feel you have gained from this opportuni- inspired us, the main one was probably that able to sell them to separate buyers after the ty? What did you learn from this experience? contractors involved. Here of trying to strike a balance between keep- mass and various other considerations. It was definitely a great honour to be able to ‘the Architect’ speaks to both ing things simple in order to have every- contribute to the success of such an important one’s attention focused on His Holiness the Designing a temporary structure is very event. We have definitely also gained a lot of teams involved in the design, Pope whilst designing an environment which different to designing a building. What experience in the process - amongst other to learn more about their would enhance the experience of the visitors. were the main challenges you faced and things, this opportunity has taught us a lot experiences in designing for Another important factor in the design was how did you overcome them? about the co-ordination and effort involved the Pope. the use of symbolism around which many An important issue to consider was that of in the organisation of national events.

14 the architect July 2010 Architecture fit for a Pope I nstallations Stage at Valletta Waterfront parameter was the orientation and the sun’s path - we wanted to protect his Holiness from What was your brief? Did the client have the strong sun or possible rain. However since any specific requirements? How deep was the span was enormous we could not cover all the client’s involvement? the stage, without an expensive structure. Thus Our involvement was quite strange, as origi- the canopy was formed. This canopy embraces nally we started off as client representative. the stage and shields it from the setting sun. From the beginning the KDŻ (Kummissjoni It also prevented people looking towards the Djoċesana Żgħażagħ, the organiser of the Pope from being annoyed by the sun. The youth event) wanted youths to be involved in concept was driven by the values of the event: the process. Perit Daniel Darmanin, a member dialogue, Christian celebration, a spiritual jour- of the KDŻ organising committee, was asked to ney and inclusivity. Thus in the relationship form a team composed of two architects and between the various elements of the stage we The stand at Valletta Waterfront during the Pope's meeting with youth an engineer, to oversee the creative aspects tried to embody these values. only covers part of the stage. The cross is at the something dissolving was surely overrid- of the event. Carlo Schembri extended the centre, as it is Christ who is at the centre of this den by all the positive and pleasant emo- opportunity by delegating the actual design What were the main components of the whole activity rather than the Pope. Finally a tions brought about by the event and of the stage to this team. The brief evolved design proposal? What materials were ramp which made the stage fully accessible, by seeing one’s work serving its function and was actually put together by the team used? emphasises that this is an ever ongoing jour- as foreseen and being appreciated by its itself. This was no easy feat as apart from the When discussing with the teams from Carlo’s ney everyone present was experiencing. users. requirements for the actual meeting with the studio and JB Architects, we agreed that all the Pope which included a choir and an orchestra, stages for the pope’s visit should form part of Designing a temporary structure is very dif- Besides the opportunity to design such a number of live acts were to happen on stage the same family. The palette of recycled materi- ferent to designing a building. What were a structure, what other experiences before and after the meeting. To further com- als and the presence of a white cross reminis- the main challenges you faced and how did do you feel you have gained from this plicate matters, space was very limited, and cent of the logo’s cross were to be this unifying you overcome them? opportunity? What did you learn from there were a number of security issues. We also factor. The main components of the stage were Being a temporary structure, it had to be total- this experience? decided to keep expenses as low as possible. the cross, the canopy, the Papal seat, the youth ly reversible, however challenges were pretty First of all, it was a unique experience. We themselves (on the steps) and the ramp. It much the same as other projects. Perhaps would like to thank all those who had faith What inspired you and what drove the con- was decided to put the Papal Seat to the right our main challenge was to convince all those in us, even though we are quite young and cept of the design? rather than in the centre as one would expect involved that although this was a temporary inexperienced, and who continued to sup- The design is very site specific. We also wanted on such occasions, as we wanted to create structure, everything still had to be detailed port us throughout the process. It was also the space to be as functional and work as effi- a balance between the Pope and the youth, carefully, and that the design intent to be fol- an experience to deal with a number of ciently as possible. The quay is long and narrow symbolising the dialogue between the two. All lowed carefully. professional people with expertise in their - we wanted to maximise space for the par- this is embraced by the Church (canopy) but field. The Architect many times ends up ticipants both on stage and the quay. A major not necessarily fully within; hence the canopy Buildings are built to last – this structure taking on the role of bringing all aspects of lasted only a few weeks. How did it feel the design together, and it is at this stage to see the structure being dismantled? that the Architect has to be confident and From the onset we knew this was a tem- strong enough to achieve the consensus porary structure. The emotion of seeing required to push the project forward.

Dwarfed by a cruiseliner during construction 3D impression

July 2010 the architect 15 & Quo Vadis Perit? 16 take thchaIr–KarnMoye r Architects belivthat not only do theysitat theri cracy of the MEPA bureauthe- processcracyof ultimate thewith myriad the through application an facilitate to efficacy his/her of basis measured the is on architect local a of success the a with more that complex times our and legalistic of reflection sad planning a process, is It law.of points metamorphosis gurus, legalinto arguing finest technical the complete almost an gone under have who architects certain by baffled been times at have I Board, Appeals Planning Commissionand an outgoing member of the formermemberDevelopmenttheof Control a as experience personal own myFrom client. beinconflict with the vested interest ofone’s socialmoralandobligation thattimesatcan argue that the architect also has would an important I gains. advantageouseconomically willing be extremeto and go tolengths secure tomost client the his to costs all at loyal architect whether the should be to asrages development. debate of The tainable forms in morepioneering values sus- and a visionary moral professionalhigh a with as architect the in confidence public undermined and has eroded This speculators. ruthless to henchmen perceived professional being are we as time many-a- that and developers relationship property a with cosy too developed has tect archi- local the that is perception public The consumerism? mass- by conditioned so society con - temporary a of context the in mentis forma this is relevant realistic and how mindset. But our in inculcated been has mission noble and principles.studentmoralSincethisourdays environmental sustainable embrace that and arepleasant and stimulating, accessible toall, createlivingworkingandenvironments that spaces,architectssocialobligation ahave to residences, schools, publicopen offices, and everydaydesigningourlife.qualityingIn of niomn ad n h poes improv process, the in and our environment of shaping the in play having to role in direct a ourselves pride we architects As by DrConradThake Quo Vadis Perit? the architect - - 'The City' by Scott Facon ee t h forefront formulating the in policies atwere design, urban urban conservation in andregeneration specialised who architects infancy, WhenthenPlanningthe Authorityits in was time. possible shortest developmentof andsecuring permit ascale thein sheer the maximising in is one capable withenvironmental issues butrather howon abilityas asensitive designer or being in tune one’s on rest commissioned not does today facilitators. being success of measure ofThe andityvision andbecame glorified creativ technical our suppressed process, the in have objectivebeing that ofsecuring permit.a We - ght handofGo,butthat ifGodevrgets up, they JULY 2010 & adis P erit ?

Quo Vadis Perit? Q uo V and preparing development briefs for regen- eration projects. There have been a few suc- cess stories with the most high profile project being the Valletta Cruise Passenger Terminal and Waterfront, where both the develop- ment brief and the actual design project were undertaken by qualified and experienced local architects. This is not always the case today. In many instances, local architects have been side-tracked. Large-scale mega projects such as Smart City and the recently launched White Rocks Sports village have had little or no input by local architects. One even notes a recent government decision to appoint an estab- Image from 'We love to build' by Paul Hollingworth lished interior designer to act as a sort of infor- urban designer/planner just because one is have mega-projects which satisfy all the deemed unsuitable to assess applications. mal design guru to oversee the implementa- exalted by political patronage. checklists of the planning process but then The presence of experienced architects on tion and design of public capital projects. An The recent MEPA reform in responding to is an abysmal failure in terms of design and the commissions is critical to the proper interior designer might be quite capable of eco-populist sentiment has continued to does not contribute anything to the qual- assessment of an application. The argument designing a penthouse in an exclusive upmar- bypass a number of issues raised by archi- ity of life of the community. A deceptive advocating that architects should not be ket residential enclave, but designing a prime tects. The urgent need to have an inde- impression was disseminated in the local key players is ludicrous and is analogous to historic square in our capital city requires a pendent design review board composed media that architects sitting in a part-time having a legal case being judged by some- totally different spectrum of skills. An interior of qualified and specialist professionals has capacity on the various commissions, were one without any knowledge of the law. designer does not automatically become an fallen on deaf ears. As in the past, you could subject to conflicts of interest and hence, The nature of our profession has changed significantly during the last decade. As architects we spent a disproportionate period of time navigating through the planning process to the detriment of dedi- cating more time on the actual design and planning, and on-site supervision to ensure that the highest standards are being upheld. We are not blameless. Many- a-time as architects we have failed to chal- lenge the powers-that-be and the policy makers responsible for a planning system riddled with over-regulation and bureau- cracy. We excel in criticising the system with its intrinsic structural deficiencies but we have failed to act and offer constructive alternatives. Ultimately, we are being con- strained to operate within a planning pro- cess that is progressively becoming more alien and rigid. It is a planning regime that is anathema to the values espoused by the modern architect and where issues relating to design creativity, social inclu- sion and environmental factors have been subordinated to mundane matters.

Dr Conrad Thake is an architect, urban planner and architectural historian. The views expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author. Image from 'We love to build' by Paul Hollingworth

JULY 2010 the architect 17 & & EVENTS

KTPArchitecture Nights 2010 EvCivil Engineeringe EncountersnRubent Paul Borg, wass officially launched and The first Architecture Nights event for 2010 The Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) recently launched a presented during the event. was held on the 14 May 2010 and addressed new series of events and activities addressing The areas addressed in the publication and dis- the theme Architecture and Sustainability. themes in Civil Engineering. The KTP Mission cussed in the seminar are of great importance Luca Maria Francesco Fabris PhD, the guest Statement states its objective “to support due to the effects of catastrophic events and speaker, is a journalist, architect, and assistant members of the profession in achieving excel- earthquakes on buildings and also on people. Professor in Architectural Technologies and lence in their practice of architecture and engi- Recent catastrophic events and earthquakes Environmental Design at the Department BEST neering in the interest of the community.” The in various countries have led to the destruc- of the Politecnico di Milano, Italy, where he has Kamra addresses both architectural design tion of property and loss of lives. In the early been teaching since 1997. He is coordinator and civil engineering and has been a full mem- morning (03:32 local time) of 6 April 2009 of the Project section of the monthly review ber of the Architects’ Council of Europe for the an earthquake of magnitude MW=6.3 struck Costruire and is the technical editor of the Luca Fabris last ten years, while two years ago it was also the Abruzzo Region in central Italy. The his- Environscapes series published by Maggioli dents, and discussed thesis projects with the accepted as a full member of the European toric city of L’Aquila was devastated. The dead Editore. He is a visiting professor at European, students of the Faculty. Council of Civil Engineers. amount to ca. 300 and the homeless to ca. American and Asian Universities, including the On the 22 May 2010, the second in this year’s The first in the Civil Engineering Encounters 50,000. The key-note speaker Dr. Ing. Maurizio University of Malta. His research and activ- series of Architecture Nights featured Lebanese series took place on the 30 April 2010 and Indirli, from the Ente Nazionale per le Nuove ity focuses on environmental sustainability architect Nabil Gholam. Gholam, who started consisted of a seminar on Seismicity and Tecnologie, Energia, e Sviluppo Economico and compatible technologies related to con- his practice in 1994 after spending several Earthquake Engineering and the L’Aquila Sostenibile, (ENEA) Italy with his lecture The temporary built environment and landscape. years in the practice of the Catalan architect Earthquake of April 2009. The seminar took 6th April 2009 L’Aquila earthquake; From Ruins His latest book is Tecnonatura: progetti per la Ricardo Bofill, studied architecture in Paris, place at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in to Reconstruction discussed this earthquake, rivoluzione ambientale, published in Italy by before reading for a Masters in Urban Planning Valletta, and was officially opened by KTP its effects, the destruction that took place and Maggioni Editore, in the series, ‘Environscapes’. in New York. The practice is based in Beirut, President Perit Vincent Cassar, the Italian the aftermath leading to the reconstruction During his lecture Fabris addressed the theme with a European base in Barcelona. Ambassador to Malta Paolo Andrea Trabalza, of the devastated area. He also addressed the Architecture: from sustainability to environ- Gholam’s lecture, cheekily entitled Keeping it and the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute reconstruction of the damaged buildings, in scape. He presented and carried out a critical Cool, captivated a small but earnest audience, in Malta Dott. Bruno Busetti. A publication enti- particular the situation of the historic centre of review of various case studies of buildings and and dealt thematically with issues of the skin tled Seismicity and Earthquake Engineering L’Aquila and its heritage, with a particular focus design projects proposed by different interna- as a thermal mediator in the Mediterranean cli- – L’Aquila Earthquake April 2009, edited by on the state of important churches and monu- tional and Italian architects and architecture mate. Gholam introduced each of his projects the event coordinator, Council Member Perit ments. In addition the damage in modern studios. He discussed how sustainability and through a simple wall section which detailed the environment can be addressed and inte- the critical elements of wall thickness, sun grated within the design process and building protection and internal section. He then went construction and execution. Fabris addressed on to explain the development of each design the sustainability issue in design from a broad solution from the formal brief to the final solu- perspective, discussing how the energy effi- tion, adding richness to each of the presenta- ciency analysis and the environmental perfor- tions with anecdotes which displayed a deep mance aspects of buildings can be addressed, practical sensitivity to the realities of client taking into consideration also place and the and context, the practical elements that give surrounding environment. This leads to a new the architectural brief true meaning, and, are design approach, and results in a new way the true challenge of many a commission. The of considering architecture. The presentation honest practical approach to the projects was was followed by a discussion on sustainability, at once engaging, recognisable and amusing the environment and architecture with those and the architectural results portrayed a distin- present. guished elegance, often of an unpretentious Fabris visited Malta as a visiting lecturer at nature, contemporary in language as well as the Faculty for the Built Environment of the contextual in approach, with a strong element University of Malta. During his visit, he present- of tactility. ed lectures there on the theme Architecture Both events took place at the Aula Magna in and the Environment. He participated in Valletta. Special thanks go to event sponsors design studio sessions with architecture stu- JMV and G4S. Publication cover

18 the architect July 2010 reinforced concrete buildings, infrastructures and lifelines was also presented. During the seminar, Dr. Indirli also reported on the field activities following the Chile earthquake ear- & & lier this year.

Dr Pauline Galea from the Physics Department EVENTS of the University of Malta, gave an overview of the Seismicity and Seismic Hazard and Risk in the Maltese Islands. Dr Galea, together with Mr. Alex Vella, also presented the results of a seismic site response survey for the Maltese Islands. They reported that the Maltese islands are generally perceived as being subject to zero, or very low risk from earthquake activ- ity. This perception is probably not justified. A historical catalogue of felt earthquakes in the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture District and Irani Oxy Engineering Complex, American University of Beirut, Lebanon by Nabil Gholam. Winner of an international limited Maltese islands, dating back to 1530, shows design competition for the master plan proposal of the Engineering and Architecture District and the new Irani-OXY Engineering Complex at AUB, 37,000m² for the urban plan that, although no fatalities have been officially age assessment of structures after an earth- Planners organised a public debate on the to Local Councils, though this of course recorded during this time as a direct conse- quake provides important information for the applicability of these two planning approach- entails an element of training and knowl- quence of earthquake effects, serious damage understanding of the response of the struc- es to the Maltese context and their particular edge of the planning process and policy. to buildings has occurred several times. In the tures to the seismic event. The evaluation suitability to the requirements of the Maltese Former minister Michael Falzon stated that catalogue time period, the islands have expe- needs to be based on criteria and methods built environment. The seminar Structure planning is a discriminatory process, but is rienced EMS-98 intensity VII – VIII once (11 that can guarantee an objective evaluation of Planning and Spatial Planning: What benefits mostly based on common sense. Applicants January 1693) and intensity VII, or VI-VII, five the damage. The paper presented refers to the for Malta? took place on the 26 June 2010 at expect flexibility from MEPA when it comes times. The northern segment of the Hyblean– AeDES survey methodology, and the MEDEA the Aula Magna in Valletta. to their own application, but expect rigid- Malta plateau is the source region which tool for the damage assessment of structures. Keynote speaker Perit Dr Paul Gauci gave an ity when it comes to adjacent proposals for appears to pose the greatest threat, although The AeDES level I survey of damage, emer- overview of the history of planning both local- development. Perit Magri argued that the large Greek events and lower magnitude Sicily gency action and usability for ordinary build- ly and abroad, and explained the evolution of only measure of good planning is the quality Channel events have also produced damage. ings in the post-seismic event, is intended the two planning approaches. The main prob- of space that results, and not the number More recent instrumental seismic monitoring for the post-earthquake intervention. It has lem with a structure planning approach plan- of permits that are processed. He urged for is also revealing new information about the been developed for the data collection of the ning is that by the time a plan is researched more training of planning officers. Planning seismic activity of the Sicily Channel Rift Zone, damage of the structure, and is used to deter- and prepared, it is already outdated. The pres- consultant Bjorn Bonello also discussed the and mapping out the sources which appear to mine the emergency action required, and the ent structure plan has in fact been criticised for issue of training and knowledge, since it be more active than others. Estimates of return usability of the structure after the event. The being outdated and requiring review. Many is important that when one departs from periods for intensity ≥ V were presented, and scope of the damage assessment tool MEDEA, European countries have abandoned this policy, the outcome and its justification need it is shown that expected peak ground accel- is to carry out an objective evaluation of dam- approach to planning in favour of spatial plan- to be able to be quantified. erations justify the implementation of, at least, ages, in particular with respect to masonry ning. Perit Gauci spoke on the pros and cons The seminar, which turned out to be a fruitful minimum anti-seismic provisions. The rapid and reinforced concrete structures. The tool is of the two systems, and outlined the various morning for all those participating, came to and continual increase in the local building intended to assess the damages in structures scenarios that could arise under each system. a close with comments from Dr Leo Brincat, stock on the densely-populated islands war- and associated mechanisms. Perit Borg also Parliamentary Secretary Mario De Marco, who Labour Party Shadow Minister, who stated rants the implementation of an appropriate referred to the field investigation and damage is responsible for the ongoing MEPA reform, that the spatial planning approach has as its seismic building code to be enforced. assessment of structures following the L’Aquila stated that the process had begun for forming basis a comprehensive and holistic approach Dr. Galea and Mr. Vella reported that earth- earthquake of April 2009. a national policy on the environment, and con- that also ensures greater synergy between all quakes like the one which struck Loma Prieta, The publication of the book, and the semi- tinued to state that MEPA did not always react government entities, agencies, ministries and San Fransisco on the 17 October 1989 show nar were supported by Steel Structures and quickly enough where policies were not clear departments to avoid duplication of work that areas having different types of subsurface the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Valletta Malta. or not giving appropriate results. He however while providing for maximum input from all conditions will experience different ground The publication Seismicity and Earthquake confirmed Government’s intent to discuss and stakeholders to ensure that the most sustain- motion due to the local site conditions. A Engineering – L’Aquila Earthquake of April to be open to suggestions, in particular on the able way forward is adopted. He noted with seismic site response survey is fundamental 2009, ISBN 9789993208792, can be obtained issue of the approach to be adopted. satisfaction that the latest draft of the MEPA in such situations to predict which areas are from the Kamra tal Periti. The ensuing discussion was vibrant and stim- reform Act does not mention either of the more at risk than others. Such a study has been ulating. The Kamra had previously invited two approaches, thus opening the way for carried out for the first time on the Maltese Structure Planning and Spatial Perit Michael Falzon, Perit Vince Magri and a discussion to ensue on the introduction of islands and reported during the seminar. The Planning planning consultant Bjorn Bonello to air their the spatial planning approach instead of the results obtained and presented show clear Further to the recent parliamentary debate on views on the contributions made earlier, current structure plan approach. correlation between the underlying geology the merits of Structure Planning and Spatial together with reactions from the floor. One and frequency/amplitude characteristics. Planning with respect to the Maltese Islands, debate that was picked up was whether The event, which was well attended, was Perit Ruben Paul Borg reported that the dam- the KTP in conjunction with the Chamber of some planning decisions could be devolved sponsored by MEPA.

July 2010 the architect 19 g e h erita White rocks complex One of Malta’s most important Modernist monuments likely to be demolished by Perit Edward Said Architectural and historical Malta’s Independence in 1964. The complex significance designed by British architectural consortium For the umpteenth time, a scintillating vision So important are the architectural and urban Austin-Smith, Salmon and Lord Partnership has been announced for the former White design merits of this complex that it featured comprises a series of clusters of three-storey Rocks complex in Baħar iċ-Ċagħak. This time together with other buildings in Malta and apartment blocks rising above low-rise dwell- however it looks like it will be the real thing. Gozo in none other than the Architectural ing units. The layout of the units is staggered An exciting multitude of much needed sports Review only a few years after construction. and follows the undulating rocky terrain. facilities will be built as well as (predictably) The journal had focussed on the architectural Following the closure of the British military hundreds of residential units to boot. The site and urban planning situation in the Maltese base in 1979, the complex was for a time is being portrayed as dilapidated and infested Islands which were undergoing radical devel- referred to as the White Rocks complex and with all imaginable kinds of anti-social activi- opment as a result of the building boom. served as self-catering apartments for tourists. The boiler chimney acting as a discreet vertical The complex was recently closed down and element, perhaps inspired by a village church ties. And rightly so. Although it must be said The articles are undoubtedly regarded as steeple that crowns the old barrack complex that such a state of affairs could have been one of the most important texts (some very since the government announced plans to (Photograph by Nicholas Farrugia) prevented if the owner, that is the govern- prophetic) in this sphere which concern our re-develop the area the vacant buildings have ment itself, did something about it earlier. It Islands. Here is what was said about White been targeted by vandals and ransacked to oped. The bungalow area is considered the may be early days, however the authorities Rocks: “The Bahar ic Cahaq (sic) army mar- their bones. With the impending demolition best example of 1960's development on site.” must realise that this site is, despite scepti- ried quarters (by the Austin-Smith, Salmon, of the complex, another noteworthy example cism, of significant historical and architectural Lord Partnership), built just before the islands of modern architecture will be irretrievable What must be done? meaning besides its major environmental attained independence, have a simple dignity lost.” (2) The historical and architectural importance of importance. which makes them stand out, not only among In the opening speech of the exhibition, Prime the site must be acknowledged. Being the last other military buildings, as a group that pays Minister Gonzi spoke these significant words: military barracks built by the British services careful attention to the landscape. Especially “…architecture, like other forms of art, is a it holds EQUAL importance to for instance when looked at from the seaward side, this is reflection of society in the social, cultural, eco- Fort Tigne’ being the last fortification built by a project of taste and quality.” (1) nomic and political contexts of that time”. No the Knights of St. John. The sensitive massing Exactly 50 years later, in January of last year, truer words could be said about the old White introduced by the architects and lauded by the Modernist Malta exhibition was opened Rocks buildings. AR together with the emphasis on discreet highlighting, under the auspices of the Prime low-key landscaping is historically one of the Minister, the architectural importance of this Condition first of its kind in Malta. and other building projects. The historical Ransacked and pillaged, the buildings appear Government/ MEPA must ensure that these publication that was launched at this seminal to stand as skeletal shells. It is clearly vis- buildings and their context are preserved exhibition states the following: “A more tangi- ible that they still maintain that structural and if necessary the new project integrated ble contribution to local modern architecture integrity with which the British administration around them, NOT vice-versa. Keeping one were the former Army Married Quarters serv- constructed their buildings in Malta through of the buildings, facades, etc is completely ing the British services later to be referred to as their high standards. Apart from patches of non-sensical as the serial regimentation of the the White Rocks complex in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. spalling concrete, much of the structures still rows and blocks positioned along the slope, This was the last major project to be under- stand strong. The beautifully patinated stone- now enhanced by mature Aleppo pines, is an View of Baħar iċ-Ċagħak Barracks in 1969 (The taken by the British war office on the eve of work of the outer skins is still pristine. Given entire composition not to be mutilated. Architectural Review) the countless conservation projects that the If this sports complex is seen to be of national government has undertaken on much older, importance then by all means accommodate larger, more decayed and complex edifices, it nearby, but the barrack blocks, bungalows restoring the fabric of the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and the hierarchy of open spaces in between barracks should be quite petty. and around them must be preserved.

MEPA References: The ‘White Rocks development Brief’ issued (1) Malta: Past, Present and Future’ Special issue by MEPA in 1995 states: “The existing com- of The Architectural Review, no. 869, vol. cxlvi, plex is considered to be a good example of July London 1969, p.47 1960's development and the future owners (2) Thake, Conrad, Modernist Malta: The will be encouraged to retain some, if not all Architectural Legacy, edited by Alberto of the existing buildings. This is not however Miceli Farrugia & Petra Bianchi, Malta 2009, Today, with the limestone exteriors so well weathered, the buildings are at one with their garigue a requirement and the site may be redevel- pp. 26-27 surroundings (Photograph by Nicholas Farrugia)

20 the architect July 2010 www.architecturelab.net www.world-architects.com

”A great architect is not made by way of a world-architects.com is a network of out- brain nearly so much as he is made by way standing architects, landscape architects, of a cultivated, enriched heart.”- Frank Lloyd engineers, interior designers, lighting con- reviews Wright sultants, and architectural photographers. It Architecture Lab is an architecture and aims to bring together designers, clients, and urban design magazine dedicated to every- contractors together in the goal of advanc- thing related to architecture, urban design, ing quality in architecture. In addition to research studies, and sustainable design. the over 2,000 offices profiled from over 35 This magazine is also a tool for promot- countries, job listings, a showroom of quality ing young artists, architects and designers products, and an events calendar help sup- around the world, focusing on the Middle port architects and others in this goal. City branch, and in all of the countries for East region. Architecture Lab is edited by Selected according to criteria of profession- which national pages are maintained. Via Aline Chahine, architect and designer work- tectural theme; and Publications, which alism, uniqueness, and quality of design, the linking of the different disciplines and ing and living in Beirut, Lebanon. features comprehensive reviews of recent offices are profiled on easy-to-navigate countries to one another, a reference work The website consists of five main sections: architectural publications. An archives sec- pages that allow the firms to present them- has been produced in which over 18,000 Features, where new projects are featured tion allows users to browse through earlier selves and their work, and to provide easy buildings by established and emerging on a regular basis; News, where the latest editions of the magazine, while an Image access to important information: What have offices can be searched according to themes developments in the industry are reported; Gallery appears to still be under construc- the architects built? Which competitions or regions. Videos & Interviews, which includes vari- tion. Architecture Lab also has a fan page on have they won? Which honours have they world-architects.com is an important com- ous interviews with well known architects Facebook, with close to 4,000 fans. received? Where have their buildings and munication tool for building professionals and architecture critics; Competitions and Overall this site is a good way to keep up projects been published? and the leading medium for those who WEBSITES Events, where one can find the latest news with what is going on in the architectural Founded by Zurich-based PSA Publishers, want to create and promote good architec- on competitions around the world as well sphere around the world, and especially in world-architects.com utilises a network of ture. More than 350,000 visitors each month as events taking place that have an archi- the Middle East. editors, critics, and designers in its New York are witness to this! www.solarpower.com This is a US-based website, and constitutes In simple, understandable terms, and with tion that is relevant to his/her situation and a mini glossary on solar power, its applica- clear illustrations, it guides the user through queries. tions and its advantages. How does solar the various aspects of solar power and The site also includes a blog, where visitors power work? How are solar panels installed? energy generation, giving a comprehensive are invited to post articles and comments What are the environmental benefits of solar overview on the subject. related to solar energy. It also includes links power? What is concentrating solar power? If Although it is aimed primarily at an American to solar calculators through which one can you have ever asked any of these questions, audience, the principles are universal and estimate the amount of power generated by the www.solarpower.com is the site for you. therefore any visitor should find informa- one’s PV system.

Can you identify the building subject of these two original drawings? Drawings from the Archives of the Works The winner of this competition will be enti- Sliema Road, Gzira, or by email on thearchi- Editorial Board and their families are not

COMPETITION Department, Floriana, courtesy of the tled to a copy of the book “Modernist Malta: [email protected]. The first correct entry eligible to participate. Director General, Works Department. The Architectural Legacy.” Send your entries drawn on the 30 August 2010 will win. Photographic credits: Mr Joe Borg, MidSea to: The Editor, The Architect Competition, Only residents of the Maltese Islands are The winner of the competition carried in Issue Books Kamra tal-Periti, The Professional Centre, eligible to participate. Members of the 52 was Kevin Caruana. Congratulations.

July 2010 the architect 21 On permanent display; Now to 29 August 2010; Now to 12 September 2010; Barbican Art Gallery, London, UK New London Architecture, Arkitekturmuseet, The Surreal House London, UK Stockholm, Sweden Step inside a labyrinth of chambers, designed by acclaimed London 2012 00-TAL – The 00’s young architects Carmody Groarke, and experience – Olympic and What has the 21st cen- The Surreal House - its haunted rooms, delirious forms, events Paralympic Games tury looked like with regard blasted architecture and cinematic dreamscapes - featur- The Olympic Park to interior design, buildings and landscape? The Museum ing a host of artists, architects and film makers including is the defining element of the London 2012 Games. of Architecture sums up the decade now past, essay- Salvador Dali, Marcel Duchamp, Alberto Giacometti, During the Games it will provide a central circulation ing a conspectus of what has been important, typical René Magritte, Man Ray, Joseph Cornell and Maya Deren spine and parkland setting for the sporting venues, and interesting over the past 10 years. Supplemented through to more contemporary figures, among them; It’s time for new ideas and after, it will be transformed into the largest by critical commentaries, this call-over is also an Rebecca Horn, Edward Kienholz and Rem Koolhaas. urban park created in Europe for more than 150 attempt at understanding the present day and age. www.barbican.org.uk years. This permanent exhibition displays plans for The exhibition features 50 projects selected by a jury the Olympic Park and the Olympic and Paralympic for their good qualities, their innovative character or Now to 01 October 2010; international venues, and will be updated as plans progress. their novel approach to the architectural process. Phase 2, London, UK www.newlondonarchitecture.org www.arkitekturmuseet.se Constructing Realities Constructing Realities showcases work from the new Postgraduate On permanent display; Now to 29 August 2010; Certificate Course in Advanced MoMA, New York, USA Arkitekturmuseet, Architectural Research, set up at Stockholm, Sweden What Was Good the Bartlett School of Architecture, Design? MoMA's Design S 2010 UCL, to give students with Masters degrees the opportunity Message 1944–56 The Design S award singles out to take their work to a further stage development. The At mid-century MoMA creative and innovative solutions to problems in all imagi- programme is supported by the Economic Challenge played a leading role in the nable product areas regardless of their design discipline. Investment Fund. This exhibition shows how some of the definition and dissemination The exhibition shows 31 entries. The award has been best Masters portfolios and theses contain the seeds of of so-called Good Design, a concept that took shape presented every second year since 2006 and is intended serious design research proposals, and how these might be in the 1930s and emerged with new relevance in the for professional designers and manufacturers. The award taken forward to create new types of place, novel interactive decades following World War II. This installation presents is administered by Föreningen Svensk Form (the Swedish building elements and new façade and structural systems. selections from MoMA's design collection that illuminate Society of Crafts and Design) in collaboration with the www.arup.com the primary values of Good Design as promoted (and Swedish Industrial Design Foundation (SVID), the Swedish disputed) by museums, design councils, and department Museum of Architecture and the Centre for Business History. stores. Iconic pieces by designers like Charles and Ray www.arkitekturmuseet.se Now to July 2011; V&A Museum, London, UK Eames and Hans Wegner are shown alongside more Aestheticism: Beauty in Art unexpected items, such as a hunting bow and a plumb and Design 1860-1900 bob, as well as everyday objects including an iron, a Now to 03 September 2010; This will be the first international exhibition to explore the hamper, a rake, a cheese slicer, and Tupperware. Design Museum, London, UK unconventional creativity of the British Aesthetic Movement www.moma.org Urban Africa – David Adjaye (1860-1895). Featuring superb artworks from the traditional One of the leading architects of his high art of painting, to fashionable trends in architecture, generation, David Adjaye has stepped interior design, domestic furnishings, art photography and Now to 09 August 2010; Centre out of his regular line of work to new modes of dress, this exhibition traces Aestheticism's Pompidou, Paris, France photograph and document key cities in Africa as part of an evolution from the artistic concerns of a small circle of avant- Dreamlands ongoing project to study new patterns of urbanism. Often garde artists and authors to a broad cultural phenomenon. Occupying the Grande Galerie, regarded as a continent defined by underdevelopment, www.vam.ac.uk the exhibition Dreamlands poverty, war and tourism, through this exhibition Adjaye considers for the first time the presents Africa in a different light, examining the buildings 22 September 2010 to 30 January question of how World's Fairs, and places which have a special resonance with his preoc- 2011; Design Museum, London, UK international exhibitions, theme cupations as an architect. This detailed survey will reveal John Pawson - Plain Space parks and kindred institutions a unique snapshot of life in Africa today, documenting the The Design Museum presents a have influenced ideas about nature of urban life in a developing continent, a unique geo- major exhibition of the work of the city and the way it is used. cultural survey profiling the African city in a global context. British architect John Pawson. Duplicating and reduplicating http://designmuseum.org Often labelled a Minimalist he is reality through the creation renowned for a rigorous process of reduction to create of replicas, embracing an designs of simplicity, grace and visual clarity. At the heart aesthetic of accumulation and collage that is often Now to 05 September 2010; Design Museum, London, UK of the exhibition is a site-specific 1:1, full-sized installa- close to kitsch, these self-enclosed parallel worlds have Sustainable Futures tion designed by Pawson to offer a direct contact with frequently afforded inspiration to the artistic, architectural From the world’s first carbon neutral city to a refrigerator his work - the first such installation at the museum. Plain NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN and urbanistic practices of the twentieth century, and which doubles as an aquarium, this exhibition explores a Space celebrates Pawson's career to date with models, may even be said to have served as models for certain range of products, concepts and projects that address film, photographs and architectural elements and includes contemporary constructions. This multidisciplinary exhibi- issues of sustainability in their design. Through prototypes, some of his most important projects including the Cistercian tion brings together more than 300 works: modern and samples, products and film, you can find out more Monastery of Our Lady of Novy Dvur in the Czech republic, contemporary art, architecture, films and documents Kitchens / Living Rooms / Dining Rooms Valley Road, Msida about your impact on the world and how to change it. the Sackler Crossing at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew drawn from numerous public and private collections. Tel: 2144 7604 Email: [email protected] http://designmuseum.org and the Calvin Klein store on Madison Avenue, New York. www.cnac-gp.fr Bedrooms / Accessories / Lighting / Garden http://designmuseum.org www.domestica.com.mt

22 the architect July 2010