We Need to Put a Stop to Those Who Are Resorting to the Law to Delay Matters.” Minister George Pullicino People & Projects, Page 6 Contents

12 In every issue 4 Editorial 5 KTP News 6 People & Projects 8 Letters 9 Current PRACTICE 10 EU Desk 11 SACES

12 Magħtab 15 Landscape Seminar 16 Urban Spaces FEATURE 19 Interview

20 Peter Lorenz 21 T4A3/AN07 22 EC8 CURRENT 24 Heritage 25 Reviews 26 International Events 24

16 25

“We need to put a stop to those who are resorting to the law to delay matters.” Minister George Pullicino People & Projects, page 6 contents

September 2007 3 20 THE PROFESSIONAL CENTRE SLIEMA ROAD GZIRA GZR 06 - MALTA TEL./FAX. (+356) 2131 4265 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.ktpmalta.com Recent decades have seen a dramatic change in the Maltese ment has every right to directly appoint professionals of its own environment. In the post-war period, the built-up area of the choice, the awarding of contracts for architectural services must To support members of the profession in achieving excellence in their Maltese Islands has grown more than four-fold. The rapidity of focus on the quality of the service being provided. The use of practice of architecture and engineering in the interest of the community these changes has been such that their effects are still being design competitions is one of the best means to provide for The Council of the Kamra Tal-Periti for the year assimilated, culturally, socially, environmentally and economi- quality, demonstrating the skills of the profession and empha- 2007 consists of David Felice (President), David cally. As pressures on land and open space remain high, the sising on quality based awarding criteria. Competitions could Pace (Past - President) and Council members built (and unbuilt) environment has become one of the princi- also be employed for the creation of the briefs for such projects, editorial Keith Cole, Anthony Fenech Vella, Alberto Miceli pal topics of public debate, concern and negotiation. and could be open or offered to a selected list of participants. Farrugia, Danica Mifsud, Antoine Zammit, Damian The environment within which we carry on with our daily lives There is no doubt that such an approach would benefit these Vella Lenicker, Vincent Cassar, Malcolm Sullivan, Ruben Sciortino and Philip Grech. includes the natural landscape, the built environment and projects immensely, with a proliferation of ideas and design urban spaces which have been specifically designed to provide philosophies being proposed and exposed to the public for The Architect is the official journal of the Kamra planned landscapes within built up areas. The well being of a discussion. Tal-Periti. It is published on a quarterly basis and nation, and thus the social structure of a society, depend to a Following on from this debate of the need for quality in the distributed with the Business Today newspaper. high degree on a well-designed environment that is pleasant built environment one cannot but question the recent amend- The Architect is not to be sold separately. to live in. In recent years the number of projects initiated by ments to the Development Notification Order regulations The contents of this journal are copyright. government and, to a lesser extent, by private individuals to whereby it is now possible for the installation of certain street Reproduction in part or in full is forbidden with- provide such environments has increased noticeably. This issue furniture to take place without the need to even inform the out the permission of the editor. The opinions of “the Architect” takes a look at some such projects that are MEPA of such additions to the urban fabric. Waste receptacles, expressed by writers of signed articles and letters currently in the pipeline, and that augur well for the betterment lamp posts, public benches, bollards, barriers and similar items appearing in the magazine are those of their respective authors, and neither the Kamra Tal- of our urban, and not so urban, spaces. can be erected, subject to certain condition, without so much Periti nor Newsworks Ltd is responsible for these While all these projects are well worthy of praise, the overall as a by-your-leave. No consideration is therefore given to the opinions or statements. general impression is that the approach to these proposals is design of such items, or their suitability within the context somewhat piecemeal, with contained projects being proposed within which they are placed. for specific pockets of land. One may well ask whether there An integrated, all encompassing and all inclusive approach Editor: Simone Vella Lenicker is an overall strategy for all this, or whether these projects are is needed if we are to see a true rehabilitation of our urban Design: Zvezdan Reljic a result of whim. The same may be said, for example, for the spaces. Sales executive: Joseph Zammit recent proposal by government of no less than twenty projects for the Grand Harbour area ranging from a cruise liner terminal Published by: in Senglea to a hotel on the site of the Sir Paul Boffa hospital This issue of “the Architect” should reach your coffee table in to the closing down of the Marsa power station. While each time for you to read about the exciting activities being organ- proposed project may be discussed on its own merits, and be ised in the coming months by the Kamra tal-Periti. Time for found to be a valid one, one must question whether the totality Architecture is back with its third edition, and the Architecture Vjal ir-Rihan of the proposal has been studied in depth. What will the effect Nights series are still ongoing. Surely one of the more interest- San Gwann SGN 02 of these projects be on the transport networks within the Grand ing events will be the exhibition of works by local Architects Malta Tel: +356 21 382 741 Harbour region and on the already existing parking problem and Civil Engineers that will be showing at the Auberge d’Italie Fax: +356 21 385 075 in the area? How will they affect the social fabric within which in Valletta. It promises to be a true breath of fresh air, demon- Email: [email protected] they will be introduced? Has MEPA been involved in the studies, strating that the building profession is not just the picture of and do the proposals fit within the approved Local Plan policies gloom, inconvenience and disrespect for the environment it Printed at: Union Print for the area? Will any of the proposed projects be subject to an is often painted to be, but that there is a lot of good design EIA? These are but some of the questions that come to mind going on; design which is certainly worthy of note and which when taking a step back and looking away from the individual can provide a good basis for discussion on the way forward for projects to the overall scenario. architecture in Malta. Another point of note is the virtually inexistent recourse to design competitions for such projects, with the notable excep- Simone Vella Lenicker tion of the Magħtab project featured in this issue. While govern- Editor

Cover: Winning proposal for editorial4 Magħtab September design competition 2007xx QUALIFICATIONS DIRECTIVE related disciplines in members who wish to be enlisted in the KTP directory are The KTP Council’s concern about the Europe-wide rec- the respective regions. to email their details to [email protected]. Members ognition of the Bachelor degree in Architecture and Civil This is done by means are also encouraged to set up the site as their homepage. Engineering conferred by the University of Malta, due to of activities such as the lack of notification of the course as required following exhibitions, events, MEMORIES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN Malta’s accession to the EU, led it to write a letter to the guided tours, discus- BASIN Rector of the University of Malta. This letter was copied to sions and lectures. The The UMAR member countries launched an exhibi- the Prime Minister, Minister Ninu Zammit, Minister Louis KTP delegation also tion together on the 14 of July to commemorate the Galea and Dean Joseph Falzon. As a result, a meeting was visited AIR, AORTA and organisation’s birthday. Titled “Khans, Foundouks and KTP News called in order to review the course description, which ARCAM, which are the regional architecture centres for Caravenserails”, this exhibition looked at examples of the was then forwarded to the relevant authorities in Brussels Rotterdam, Utrecht and Amsterdam respectively. particular building typologies found in these forms on the for notification. Other member states can challenge the The Kamra is actively working on setting up such a caravan routes. These can also be compared to other typol- course content, and should this be the case such challenge centre in Malta. It tendered for the lease of a government- ogies, although in different forms and with different func- will be discussed at the next meeting of the Advisory owned property in Valletta, but was outbid by a couple of tional priorities through- Committee on Education and Training in Architecture hundred Liri. In the coming months, the Council will be out the Mediterranean (ACETA). Should the course content go unchallenged, or working on drafting an organisational setup and will start basin. As a member of should any challenges be unsuccessful, students following to hold discussions with government and other entities to UMAR, the Kamra tal- the course at the University of Malta can rest assured that establish possible routes of collaboration. Periti also participated in their qualifications will be acknowledged throughout the this event. Due to its lim- European Union. MID YEAR STATUS ited financial resources, In addition to the regular fortnightly meetings, the KTP a full-blown exhibition ACE ELECTIONS Council held an extra meeting on the 20 July. The main could not be set up. The elections for the President and members of the aims of this meeting were to carry out an evaluation of However, further to the Executive Board of the Architect’s Council of Europe (ACE) the first six months of Council’s term in office as well as to MEPA’s immediate posi- will take place in November 2007. Following the ACE’s update, amend and consolidate its short and long term tive support to host this call for nominations from Member Organisations, the KTP goals. Besides reports by each Chairperson of the various exhibition, a relatively Council has nominated Council Member Perit Vincent Standing Committees, a number of other issues were dis- innovative manner of setting up this exhibition by using Cassar to contest this election. Over the last few years, cussed, such as the setting up of the Architecture Centre modern technology of image projection, a very close alter- collaboration between the KTP and the ACE has greatly and the preparation of a financial plan for the Kamra. Also, native to the ideal, was setup in the MEPA foyer. The digital increased and it is felt that the ACE has a lot to offer the the KTP Organigram was confirmed, establishing lines of exhibition included a panel prepared by Perit David Mallia Kamra especially in terms of issues concerning Professional communication and procedures. This is further detailed on an 18th century architectural complex in Rabat, similar Practice. KTP President David Felice has already served on on page 9. to the principle of a fondouk, where a number of spaces the Executive Board in 2006 as vice-coordinator for Culture are grouped together with different families occupying and Communication. KTP WEBSITE different rooms, and used for the purpose of allowing Last August, www.ktpmalta.com was migrated from farmers to store their produce close to the market. Seminar & AGM a local to a foreign domain. This change allows for bet- This year the Kamra tal-Periti will be combining its Annual ter graphics and GIVING NEW LIFE TO ARCHITECTURAL General Meeting with a Day Seminar, where a number of enhances com- HERITAGE THROUGH LIGHT topics that will certainly interest the whole of the profession munication. It Apex Interiors Ltd in collaboration with iGuzzini and the will be discussed. The also allows for the Kamra Tal-Periti organised a seminar at St James Cavalier, event will also include creation of a “KTP Centre for Creativity, Valletta on the 21 June. The aim of this a trade exhibition. Members Only” seminar was to delve into how professional illumination More details will be cir- section which will can give a new dimension to architectural heritage to max- culated in due course. serve as an archive imise its potential. This was achieved through reference In the meantime, mark of important doc- to the theoretical concepts as well as iGuzzini projects in your diaries! This will umentation for this field. Special attention was also given to conservation surely be a day not to Periti, as well as of areas to be illuminated as well as to energy efficiency. be missed. the possibility for A number of case studies were presented through short an active forum documentaries. CENTRE FOR ARCHITECTURE for discussion. Council Members Vincent Cassar, Keith Cole, Danica Mifsud Work on the site MEETING WITH ECCE PRESIDENT and Antoine Zammit were guests of the Netherlands is ongoing, thanks Earlier this year KTP President David Felice, together with Architecture Institute (NAI) last June. The purpose of this to the input by Council Members Danica Mifsud and Damian Vella Lenicker visit, which was made possible by the kind collaboration Perit Saviour Borg. met informally with European Council of Civil Engineers and sponsorship of the Dutch Ambassador to Malta Mr In the meantime, (ECCE) President, Richard Coackley, who happened to be Jan Heidsma, was to better understand the workings and KTP members are in Malta for an ICE Conference. The possible membership functions of an architecture centre, in view of setting up encouraged to of KTP in ECCE was discussed. The outcome of this meeting a similar centre for Malta. The NAI is the national institute log on to the new will serve as a basis for discussion within the KTP Council for the Netherlands, but many Dutch towns also have website and send since membership of a European Engineering body is their own centres, which offer information about develop- in their comments. deemed to be an important step that must be undertaken ments in the field of urban development, architecture and In addition, those in the near future.

September 2007 5 New Warrants day architecture. "The problem we need involved in this project developed an envi- Splash; Alain de Botton, author and phi- Congratulations on obtaining their warrant to solve is the urgency of media to have ronmental performance review on their losopher; Louisa Hutton, architect; Kieran to practice as an Architect and Civil Engineer something new to look at and talk about own country. Next in line is the develop- Long, Editor of The Architects’ Journal; to Rosanne Asciak Muscat Azzopardi, Lisa all the time. Our need to be in the news all ment of the Training e-Tool based on the and Sunand Prasad, architect and RIBA Aquilina, Antonella Caruana, Simon Bernard the time… The slowness required to find priority themes set in the Commission’s President-Elect. Grech, Deborah Grech, David Mifsud Parker, and understand meaning in architecture Communication on the Thematic Strategy This year’s short list includes the follow- and William Privitera. Good luck with your no longer has any attraction," he said. In for Urban Environment. The e-Tool will then ing buildings: professional careers. his opinion, whether you're looking at the be tested through a series of pilot trainings America's Cup Building, Valencia, Spain by people & projects work of "star" or "B-movie" architects, we of local officers. The training sessions will David Chipperfield Architects; Market vs Meaning are witnessing the late period of modern- be evaluated and the e-Tool will be adapted Casa da Musica, Porto, Portugal by Office for In June, internationally renowned archi- ism - its "death rattle" - and are in too much according to the recommendations made. Metropolitan Architecture with Arup-AFA tects Rem Koolhaas and Peter Eisenman a hurry to get out of it, but with no new To fulfill the EU publicity requirements, this Dresden Station Redevelopment, Dresden, shared their often-conflicting opinions on paradigm to replace it. project will disseminate and promote the Germany by Foster + Partners; what they consider to be the most pressing Training e-Tool to the broadest audience Museum of Modern Literature, Marbach issue in architecture today, during a discus- Urban Sustainable possible. All the activities in which MEPA am Neckar, Germany by David Chipperfield sion entitled "Urgency" at the Canadian Development is involved are being carried out by the Architects; Centre for Architecture (CCA) in Montréal. Earlier this summer, the Malta Environment Development Control Unit, with the assist- The Savill Building, Windsor, by Glenn Koolhaas discussed the death of the icon and Planning Authority explained the work- ance of the EU and Multilateral Affairs Unit Howells Architects; - "partly due to ridicule, partly to overdose ings of an EU funded project in which it is of MEPA, which helped to secure EU funds Young Vic Theatre, London SE1 by Haworth and certainly [connected to] money" - and involved and which is seeking to develop for this project. Tompkins. the dilemma this represents for architects. an e-based training tool on the promotion The Barajas Airport in Madrid, designed by "If you look back over the past 2,000 years, of sustainable urban development. The RIBA Stirling Prize Richard Rogers Partnership, won last year’s architecture dignified civic and public life. project started last October when MEPA The RIBA Stirling Prize is given for the RIBA edition of the Stirling Prize. Then the market economy happened, signed a partnership agreement and joined Building of the Year. It is run in association replacing all former values and erasing a consortium of partner organisations with The Architects' Journal and is pre- ODZ almost all ideology over the entire world. from Greece, the Czech Republic, Spain, Illegal structures built What it represents for all of us today is an the UK, and Hungary. The project is led outside development invitation to simply be extravagant and by the Research and Development Centre zone could be demol- spectacular. It will not be subtle," he said. within the Intercollege of Nicosia, Cyprus. ished within days He questioned the curious situation archi- It is part-funded by the Leonardo da Vinci thanks to legal amend- tects find themselves in: an ambiguous Programme (2004-2006) and MEPA’s share ments approved by of the budget amounts to EUR43,000. All the Cabinet last July. project activities are expected to be com- Malta Environment and Planning Authority pleted by September 2008. inspectors will be empowered to take MEPA said that around 80 per cent of the EU direct action against illegal buildings con- population live in cities and towns. Urban structed since May 2007, the date when areas were, therefore, the places where aerial photography clearly established the environmental problems most affected the legal parameters. This important amend- quality of life of European citizens. Due to ment gives MEPA inspectors the right to the high density of activities in urban areas, seal such buildings and call in the demol- a number of environmental problems ishers, with the offender being given no result in significant implications on human right of appeal or the chance to regularise health, impacts on the wider environment his status. The simulated desert rendering with OMA's own and climate change, the quality of life and "We need to put a stop to those who Dubai Renaissance project in the foreground. the economic performance of the cities are resorting to the law to delay matters," Image: Courtesy Office of Metropolitan Architec- ture. themselves. The project aims at increasing sented to the architects of the building Environment Minister George Pullicino told awareness of the need for sound environ- which has been the most significant for the a news conference. These amendments will status of not being taken seriously, but hav- mental management in urban areas, in evolution of architecture in the past year. be submitted to Parliament for endorse- ing unlimited amounts of media attention. line with the EU Thematic Strategy on the The winning architect receives a cash prize ment, and include a proposal to raise the "It is not always clear whether we are using Urban Environment. The strategy aims at of £20,000. The prize is named after the maximum fine Lm1,000 to Lm10,000. our position to engage in an intellectual improving the quality of the urban environ- great British architect Sir James Stirling discourse or an incredible ego free-for-all. ment and reducing the impact cities have (1926-1992). The short listed buildings, New building for the AF Unfortunately, we have not been able to on the environment. chosen from winners of the RIBA National The Architecture Foundation is one of the provide any dignity to the profession due The first activity of the project involved an Awards and selected RIBA European UK’s leading independent architecture to our complete technical inability to con- assessment of the current situation regard- Awards, are visited in September by the centres. It will soon have a new home, quer market pressures and our willingness ing urban environment and sustainable RIBA Stirling Prize jury, who reconvene on a purpose-built venue for communicat- to be totally manipulated," he said. development and also an assessment of the afternoon of the RIBA Stirling Prize ing architecture to a wide public, through Eisenman, for his part, stated he felt no the role of the Local Authorities in the Dinner to make their final decision. exhibitions, events and other activities. sense of urgency; rather, he claimed that EU. Subsequently each partner organisa- The jury for the 2007 Stirling Prize com- Designed by Zaha Hadid, this will be her urgency itself is the problem in present- tion from the four new EU member states prises Tom Bloxham MBE, chair of Urban first public building in London. Responding

6 September 2007 eration cannot be done without consider- in April 1942 and what remained standing representing the Planning Directorate ing the cultural heritage of the city as a was dismantled since it was considered before the Planning Appeals Board, pros- whole or that of one of its districts, and to be dangerous. The hands of the clock, ecuting breaches against the Development a city’s cultural baggage should even be as well as parts of the clock works, were Planning and Environment Protection Acts, the starting point for urban regeneration salvaged. and tendering internal advice. He has also initiatives. ‘‘Cultural heritage, in the widest occupied the post of senior legal procura- sense of the term, is an important tool for World Monuments tor at the Mepa legal office. getting and keeping citizens involved in Watch List

changing and developing their own neigh- The 2008 World Monuments Watch List of Energy & Waste people & projects bourhoods’’ explained Mayor of Valletta, the 100 Most Endangered Sites announced Figures published in August show that Paul Borg Olivier, in the introduction to the last June shows that human activity has more than 80 per cent of people in the UK to the brief’s request for a building “with SURCH network’s report. ‘‘Cultural identity become the greatest threat of all to the believe they have a “duty” to recycle house- the qualities of a billboard and a chapel”, and community spirit are key factors that world's cultural heritage. This year's list hold waste. The survey also found that 81 it combines a powerful relationship to the should be retained in urban regeneration highlights three critical man-made threats: per cent of street with more contemplative exhibition projects so as not to develop faceless political conflict, unchecked urban and people say spaces inside. Hadid won the commission projects that give no consideration to local industrial development, and, for the first they have following a competition that attracted over citizens’’. time, global climate change. at least one 200 entries. The building will include exhi- Valletta was the SURCH network’s lead part- Announced every two years, the WMF low-energy bition space, space for events, a cafe/bar ner. In concrete terms, the SURCH network’s Watch List acts as a call to action, drawing light bulb at and offices for the AF. It is conceived as a partner cities came to the conclusion that international public attention to threatened home com- centre of energy and a social place, as well the issues surrounding cultural heritage cultural heritage sites across the globe. pared to as an exhibition space. Once installed in must be central to all urban regenera- The Watch List is assembled by an inter- just over 30 per cent a few years ago. The the new building, the AF will continue to tion projects. The network’s members even national panel of experts in archaeology, findings also indicate that public opinion deliver off-site projects and events in vari- believe that identifying cultural heritage architecture, art history, and preservation. may be ahead of the Government on the ous locations as well as a rich programme should be a prerequisite for all projects as For many historic sites, inclusion on the List environment following the disclosure that in the new building. A planning application otherwise projects may have the opposite is the best, and sometimes the only, hope officials have warned ministers that the was submitted in July 2006. The building is effect to the one desired, resulting in the for survival. So far, more than 75% of Watch European Union 2020 target for renewable due to open to the public in 2008. social exclusion of the very local citizens sites – from the famous and familiar to the energy is not achievable. It would be inter- who should be involved in the decision- unexpected and remote - have been saved esting to have a similar survey carried out Ta’ Qali Crafts Village making process. or are now out of danger, thanks to timely in Malta, even in view of the government’s Last July, Minister Jesmond Mugliett and intervention. recent proposals on the implementation Parliamentary Secretary Edwin Vassallo Vittoriosa clock tower of a new waste separation scheme, which launched the new Ta’ Qali Crafts Village At the end of 2004, “the Architect” had will be in place by the end of the year, Project – a four-year project that will cost reported on plans to rebuild the Vittoriosa that will give people the choice of having around Lm8 million (EUR18.63 million) and clock tower. A full development permit their recyclable material collected from create 400 new jobs. The total area covered was submitted their doorstep rather than having to take it by the project will be of approximately to the MEPA themselves to bring-in sites. 75,000 square metres and will include three in June for the car parks that can hold up to 450 cars. reconstruction Pieta’ Customs Verandah The project will also include an incubation of the tower and An application for the conversion of the centre that will be run by the Malta Council the upgrading of dilapidated Old Customs verandah at Pietà for Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) Victory Square. to an up-market restaurant has been sub- and the Education Ministry. The archaeo- In Malta, Fort St Elmo is the only site mitted to the MEPA following a call for ten- logical project at inscribed on the current list with the pri- ders issued by the local council. The build- SURCH Victory Square mary justification being: exposure to the ing, for a long time used as a boathouse, The SURCH (Social Inclusion in Urban is the result elements, vandalism, limited resources. has been neglected for years and needs Regeneration through Cultural Heritage) of a close collaboration between the Searching the global map at www.world- extensive restoration. Part of the roof has network united five cities from northern Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the monumentswatch.org brings up details collapsed and the masonry on the sides to southern Europe to study how urban Cottonera Rehabilitation Committee and of all sites and their threats. is crumbling. A notice affixed to the wall regeneration can be tackled through cul- the Vittoriosa local council. Originally, the tural heritage. Participants included the tower reached a height of approximate- MEPA Board Secretary Grand Harbour of Malta, the Irish dock- ly forty meters, consisting of five to six Mr Joe Catania is the new board secretary lands in Cork, Western part of Nicosia, and floors, with a quadrilateral plan. Towards at the Malta Environment and Planning the working- the top, a balcony with stone balustrades Authority. He has worked as a law clerk at class districts of ran around the tower, but the balustrades the Attorney General's office and graduat- Athens in Greece were replaced by wooden railings during ed as a legal procurator in 1992. Following and of Kaunas the 19th century. Framed squares and dia- three years with a law firm, Mr Catania in Lithuania. The mond patterns decorated the first floor and joined the then Planning Authority's legal study concluded a flower design decorated the 1549 date office in 1995. His duties included han- that urban regen- incription. The tower was hit by a bomb dling the authority's court registry work,

September 2007 7 urged boat owners to vacate the building into different modules, each slightly rotat- buildings have an impact on their context decreased by 1.4 per because of its dangerous state. In the initial ed to the next. Each module is meant to that is far wider than most other types cent when compared phase after the setting up of local councils, signal a change in function of the tower, of building,” says CABE Chief executive to the same quarter in the verandah was at the centre of a con- one being a hotel, the next residential Richard Simmons. “It is essential that they the preceding year. There were three fatal troversy between the Pietà and Floriana units, next a retail area and so on. In terms are planned well, designed well and meet accidents at work during the period under councils, with both claiming jurisdiction. of green features, the structure would the highest standards in terms of sustain- review. Many work-related accidents occurred When eventually the verandah fell under integrate everything from common-sense ability.” The Guidance can be downloaded in the economic sectors of manufacturing the Pietà council, it was incorporated in green strategies like shaded windows, from www.cabe.org.uk (33.4per cent), construction (15.2 per cent), people & projects plans by the council to develop Sa Maison natural ventilation, and proper site orienta- transport, storage, and communication (9.9 into a major public recreational area. tion and zoning to green technologies such Accidents at work per cent), and wholesale and retail trade (9.3 as rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly The NSO published statistics on accidents per cent). Accidents at work mostly concern Green Skyscraper materials. at the workplace for the second quarter of people employed in elementary occupations Green skyscrapers seem to be all the rage 2007. At 1,079, non-fatal accidents at work and craft/trades work. these days, and now India is jumping on CABE – Guidance on Tall the bandwagon with FXFowle Architects’ Buildings India Tower, currently being built in South The Commission for Architecture and the Court Watch - Spoliation Mumbai to house a new Park Hyatt Hotel. Built Environment (CABE) and English According to the designers, India Tower Heritage have published strengthened On July 27 in the case “Estelle Azzopardi that no actual structural damage was will be the Guidance on Tall Vella and John Azzopardi Vella vs Michael caused to the building, the building was Muscat,” the Court of Appeal, composed of weakened in such a way that prevents the g r e e n e s t Buildings to support Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano, Mr Justice construction of additional floors by the skyscraper planners, developers, Albert J Magri and Mr Justice Tonio Mallia, overlying owners, who claimed to have in the entire architects and local held among other things that by carrying been despoiled in their enjoyment of c o u n t r y , authorities in evaluat- out alterations in his property, their property. b o a s t i n g ing proposals for tall buildings. As cities the owner of the ground floor This ruling is a breakthrough one rainwater and their skyline evolve upwards, it is vital tenement prejudiced the own- in that it overrides the common harvest- that tall buildings are properly planned ers of the overlying tenement, perception that each owner had ing, green and that proposals are informed by a clear and despoiled their possession. practically absolute right over materials, long-term vision. The updated document is The owners of the overlying tene- his property and could alter it and a pos- capable of being a material consideration ment suffered an act of spoliation without any need to take into sible US in the determination of planning applica- as their possibility to construct additional consideration the effect on the potential LEED Gold tions. It supports a pro-active approach floors had been restricted. development of the overlying properties. By excavating under the building, a block In this case, as the property could not be rating. The to planning for tall buildings in cities and of apartments, the defendant weakened restored to its original condition, the First 60 storey, emphasises the need for environmentally the foundations of the block of apart- Court condemned the defendant to carry 301 metre sustainable, high- ments, according to the technical experts out repairs to strengthen the foundations tower is quality design. “By appointed by the court. Despite the fact within two months. subdivided their nature tall

letters

Muxrabija-windows to our shores during the The other artifact is the Medieval Islamic occu- roundel carving, that is and roundel carvings pation of Malta. These carvings on stone, found I am a third year University student reading architectural features are mainly on farmhouses, for a B.A. (Hons.) in History of Art and cur- now being lost to progress house facades and in rently working on a thesis entitled ‘A gazet- and hence becoming very private courtyards or teer of Muxrabija-windows and Roundel rare. interiors. These carvings carvings in the The muxrabija-window contain abstract patterns Maltese Islands’. was and is still in use in which recall the dismissal My assignment North Africa as a device for of representations of is to find, study, women to keep a watchful human beings in Islamic Roundel carving photograph eye on the streets with- Art due to their respective muxrabija-windows and roundel carvings and document out being observed from religion without reducing in the Maltese islands which I have not yet specific archi- the outside. One has to their significance of faith documented. tectural ele- take into account that the Wooden Muxrabija and of the spiritual dimen- Yours Sincerely, ments which Koran restricts women from sion of what the Muslims Robert Galea in all prob- having contact with the outside world, call the perfect universal religion. abilities were therefore such a window with perforated I hope that readers of ‘The Architect’ Editor’s Note: Contributions can be forwarded to “the Architect” on Stone Muxrabija introduced screens suits the context well. could direct me to find examples of both [email protected].

8 September 2007 KTP Organigram The work carried out by the Council of the as the need arises, but is currently felt to and expenditure and keeping management in different forms by the Communications, Kamra tal-Periti varies greatly and involves encompass all the work that the Kamra is accounts among others. Education and Events Committees, while liaising with various other bodies as well currently dealing with. The right hand side of the chart classifies most of the statutory work of the Kamra as carrying out work aimed directly at its On the left hand side of the chart one the work carried out by the Kamra into five is spread out among all the committees members or at the public at large. While finds the various Committees and Working distinct sections: work directly related to except for the International and Events this variety of tasks has always existed in Groups, starting off with the Council itself the Kamra’s members, items related directly Working Groups.

the past, it was felt that the vast amounts of which regulates and approves the work to the Kamra’s interaction with the public at This Organigram is intended to streamline current work that the Kamra is dealing with needed of all these Groups and Committees. The large, work that can be considered to be of the work of the Kamra, and to define clearly to be somehow contained within a frame- Secretariat and the Finance Committee a statutory nature, relations with the various the roles of the various working groups work that would define the responsibilities are seen to have a supporting role to the affiliations of the Kamra and with bodies on within the Kamra. It is further intended of each of the Kamra’s Committees and Council and to all the other committees. The which it has a representation, and relations to inform members of the work currently Working Groups, as well as the relationships Secretariat carries out the day to day admin- with other entities with which the Kamra being carried out by the Council on their of each with the various sectors with which istration and management of the Kamra’s has a clear working relationship or interest. behalf. While the work of some of the the Kamra deals on a regular basis. Last July, operations and also has the role of liaising The work of the various Committees and Committees may be more apparent than the Council approved the above Organigram with the Architects’ Council of Europe as Working Groups is then listed under the others, it is important for all members to be which will serve to identify clearly its work. well as acting as an EU Desk. The Finance different headings as outlined above. Thus, aware of the input that the Council is giving This is intended to be a working tool which Committee is responsible for drawing up an for example, one can see that the main on various fronts for the development and will be updated and amended with time annual business plan, monitoring income interaction with the public is carried out the advancement of the profession. RELATIONS RELATIONS

MEMBERS PUBLIC STATUTORY AFFILIATIONS/ OTHERS REPRESENTATIONS

- Professional Indemnity - Periti Act - MRES PROFESSIONAL - Standard Contracts - Chapters - MJHA PRACTICE - Health and Safety - Tarriff / CIS - MCC - Procurement of Services - KTP Regulations & Bylaws - OHSA - SIM Directive - Code of Ethics

- Membership - Image & Public Relations - Database / Register Management - Newsletter - Media COMMUNICATIONS EU Desk / Funding - Year Book - the Architect ACE - Websites Administration

SECRETARIAT - Planning Policy - Users' Committee (MEPA) - MEPA - Built Env Legislation - GSB - NGOs - Energy Directive - PCC (MEPA) - MRAE BUILT ENVIRONMENT - Environment / Sutainability - BICC - MUDR - DOCOMOMO - KNPD

KTP COUNCIL

- CPD - Architecture & Children - Qualifications Directive - Warranting Board - Faculty of A & CE EDUCATION - National Policy - EFAP - SACES

FINANCE

- UIA - ECCE INTERNATIONAL Annual Business Plan - CAA - SYAMED Appoint Consulting Accountant - UMAR - YEA Monitor Income & Expenditure Management Accounts Financial Reporting - Seminars - UIA Meeting EVENTS - Social Events - Architecture Nights - Time for Architecture COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS WORKING AND COMMITTEES

- Caseload - MRES ETHICS - Composition of Board

ARCHITECTURE - Organisation Structure - Government CENTRE Organigram abbreviations ACE: Architects’ Council of Europe; BICC: Building Industry Consultative Council; CAA: Commonwealth Association of Architects; CIS: Cost Information System; CPD: Continued Professional Development; DOCOMOMO: Documentation and Conservation of buildings, sites and neighbourhoods of the Modern Movement; ECCE: European Council of Civil Engineers; EFAP: European Forum for Architectural Policies; GSB: General Services Board; KNPD: Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b’Dizabilita; MCC: Ministry for Communications and Competitiveness; MEPA: Malta Environment and Planning Authority; MJHA: Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs; MRAE: Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment; MRES: Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure; MUDR: Ministry for Urban Development and Roads; OHSA: Occupational Health and Safety Authority; PCC: Planning Consultative Committee; SACES: Society of Architecture and Civil Engineering Students; SYAMED: association of students in architecture and young architects of the Mediterranean basin; UIA: Union International des Architectes; UMAR: Union of Mediterranean Architects; YEA: Young European Architects

September 2007 9 Leipzig Charter EU DESK A Significant Milestone for Sustainable Cities… and Architectural Quality. by Perit Simone Vella Lenicker

Ministers for urban devel- among these cities, “ensuring their cultural Charter refers to the special attention that need to be better aligned and integrated so opment and territorial diversity and establishing high quality in must be paid to deprived neighbourhoods they complement rather than conflict with cohesion met at an infor- the fields of urban design, architecture and within the context of the city as a whole. eachother. mal session in Leipzig last environment.” Cities are faced with major challenges, Locally, the Ministry for Urban Development EUMay. This meeting was part of a linked series especially in connection with the change and Roads, through the Projects of meetings that have contributed to signifi- How can this be achieved? in economic and social structures and glo- Development and Coordination Unit, par- cant advances in the appreciation of what is The Charter lists a number of recommen- balisation. This recommendation advocated ticipated in the formulation of the Leipzig meant by a sustainable city and on what role dations with the aim of achieving the for well-conceived social housing policies Charter following its parameters on policy cities can play in assisting the EU to achieve above-mentioned goals. Making greater that can become effective tools in creat- and project development. The Transit its main economic, social and environmental use of integrated urban development policy ing attractive neighbourhoods for the city’s Orientated Development (TOD) Strategy objectives. approaches is one of the key recommenda- citizens. Economic activity and investments, (MUDR 2005) developed by the Ministry had The principle output of the meeting was tions. This implies a process in which spatial, high quality urban structures, a sound built been forwarded as a supporting document the adoption, by the Ministers, of the sectoral and temporal aspects of key areas of environment and a modern and efficient in the pre-signing stage as it pre-empted Leipzig Charter on Sustainable Cities and urban policy are co-ordinated and includes infrastructure and facilities will contribute the integration of transit and urban devel- of a Declaration on the Territorial Agenda the involvement of economic actors, stake- towards an upgrading of the physical envi- opment which was the mission statement of the EU. The Charter sets down the prin- holders and the general public. Such a proc- ronment in which we live. The betterment formulated with the Ministry’s inception. In ciples that must be respected in order to ess should have the aims to describe the of transport connections within deprived policy terms the TOD Strategy, the ancillary achieve sustainability within our cities and strengths and weaknesses of cities based neighbourhoods also helps to increase the policy and project documents (i.e. Dock it comes after the earlier adoption of the on analysis of the current situation, define attractiveness of such areas. No.1, Vertical Connection and Park and Ride) Urban Acquis in Rotterdam in November consistent development objectives for the follow parameters on mobility, accessibil- 2004 and of the Bristol Accord in December urban area and develop a vision for the city, Implementation ity and urban design. The research projects 2005. The Charter specifically recognises coordinate the different plans and policies The Leipzig Charter is above all a political which the Ministry was involved in through the role that quality architecture can play to ensure the promotion of a well-balanced document. It does not contain any specific EU funded Programmes (2005-2007) such as in creating sustainable cities and it calls development of the urban area, coordinate action points. Urban policy is a matter for INTERREG (Pagus), URBACT (Citum), CIVITAS on governments and cities to consider this and spatially focus the use of funds by national governments. The importance of and ASC reflect the commitment in devel- factor in all pertinent policy developments. public and private sector players, as well as the Leipzig Charter should not be underes- oping strategies in line with the charters’ Thus, for the first time the link is established involving citizens and other partners who timated, though. By adopting the Charter, parameters. between architectural policies and urban can contribute substantially to the shaping the Ministers have committed themselves This was felt tangibly in the accompany- and territorial policies. of the future economic, social, cultural and to initiate a discussion in their own coun- ing documents to the Charter where the environmental quality of each area. tries on how the urban dimension can be Maltese Government’s policy was highlight- Declaration In particular, the Charter stresses that the integrated into national, regional and local ed. The Ministry is now further committed to As part of the Charter, the Ministers declared quality of public spaces, urban man-made policy. Besides this, the importance of cities participate in all EU programmes especially that our cities “possess unique cultural and landscapes, architecture and urban develop- is politically emphasised at a European level. in the light of promoting ‘best practice’ in architectural qualities, strong forces of social ment play an important role in the living In future, the EU will take the consequences regeneration and implement the charter inclusion and exceptional possibilities for condition of urban populations, serving to for cities into account more specifically in on a National level. This commitment has economic development. They are centres attract knowledge industry businesses, a shaping its policy, and several of the forth- also been confirmed in the Operational of knowledge and sources of growth and qualified and creative workforce, as well as coming Presidencies expressed their com- Programme 1 – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, innovation. At the same time, however, they tourism. Importance must also be given to mitment to effectively implementing the where the focus area of intervention under suffer from demographic problems, social the modernising of infrastructure networks, Charter. Priority Axis 6 – Urban Regeneration and inequality, social exclusion of specific popu- including urban transport, cycling and At national level, Government Departments Improving the Quality of Life refers to the lation groups, a lack of affordable and suit- pedestrian infrastructures, technical infra- need to recognise more clearly the impor- same principles and policies directing EU able housing and environmental problems.” structure and sophisticated information and tance of cities to deliver national, regional funding to this sector. They state that in order for cities to be able communication technologies. Of importance and local ambitions, and the impact of their to fulfil their function as engines of social also is the emphasis on energy efficiency policies upon them. The efforts of different Sources: progress and economic growth, it is impor- and the sustainable use of resources. sectoral Government Departments work- - ACE Info 04_07 tant to maintain a social balance within and The second key recommendation of the ing or having an impact on urban issues - www.bmvbs.de

10 September 2007 Keeping busy reating experiences only learn about their system when architectural projects, small for ourselves is quite it comes down to architectural plan- constructions, alterations to an integral part of our ning but also I have got a different spaces, performance art as SACES Carchitectural education. perspective to architecture and ver- well as a few short films, all Although it is what we learn to- nacular architecture. I’ve learnt new of which gave participants a gether during the year that gives architectural principles and also my great deal of exposure to dif- us qualifications, the things we own strengths that are beneficial to ferent forms of architectural do voluntarily are what will even- the office!” expression, as well as expo- tually make our individual works Third year student Debbie Crockford sure to the radically different different from all the rest. joined Nikki for two weeks to attend architectural perspectives Luckily, we are blessed with the Architectural Association’s an- which emerge when you gath- three months of summer for nual summer school, an architectural er students from about forty such personal endeavours, and workshop which lasted three weeks. different countries. This expo- it is very heartening to see that This year's theme was "Live it up", sure, and the idea of a multi- a lot of students at the faculty and it tackled London's ever chang- national gathering is intrinsically what very well with the participants, and made the most ing skyline. The participants were EASA is all about, and the projects we are learning a lot in terms of what of the holidays, split up into five workshops which that are worked on are simply cata- it takes to put together a functional many gaining dealt with the subject matter in a lysts which stimulate architectural project, whilst at the same time, valuable work variety of ways ranging from the con- discussion and the idea of working in we are enjoying meeting so many experience at a struction of tensile models to pho- an international community. people from the various universities number of archi- tography. Debbie and Nikki joined Finally in September, third year stu- involved.” tectural firms, a workshop which put together a dents Giancarlo Torpiano, Mark Mus- Finally on the home front, the SACES whilst others en- tabloid paper focused on London's cat and Eddie Coppini, as well as committee has been keeping itself gaged in a more high rise buildings. They spent their fourth year’s Paula Curmi, attended busy with the organisation of our an- popular pastime: first week trying to access a number a workshop in the Italian town of nual workshop and the designs exhi- travel. of London's high rises, which proved Lucca. It was organised by profes- bition, so keep an eye out for news Nikki Muscat, to be very difficult, and the rest of sor Bugatti, of the University of Pavia on that, since both are events which who recently the time putting together stories, and included students from several are not to be missed. We held our completed her mocked up advertisements, a cross- other universities in countries such annual Sand Sculptures event which fourth year, word and anything else one would as Shanghai, Poland and Jordan. was very well attended, and plans combined both expect to find in a regular tabloid, Rather than participating in several are also underway for the end of travel and work all centring around high rises. When small workshops, the students here summer get together for students at e x p e r i e n c e asked to comment about the whole worked together on a single project the faculty and their friends. when she took affair, Debbie told us, "The project which was the development of a his- So all in all it’s been a very eventful off for a three month work internship really taught us the importance of ex- toric mental hospital in Lucca into summer for a number of architecture at a London based firm. Her work in pressing architecture through words a new campus. The works included students. We worked and travelled their 'design strategy unit' entailed and discussion rather than images the design of facilities and accom- our way through what would oth- both the conceptual development of alone. The workshop opened my modation, but special emphasis was erwise be a very tedious summer several large projects as well as their eyes to the different ways in which placed on the landscaping aspect. break, and we’ll hopefully return submission for architecture could be taught. Maltese When asked to comment about the next semester full of fresh ideas to planning approv- students would really benefit from a workshop, Giancarlo Torpiano who inject into our work. In the meantime al. The projects similar experience, and I'd highly rec- was still at the workshop at the time we’ll be making the best of the good she worked on ommend it to anybody!" said, “The Maltese team is working weather while it lasts. varied both in Meanwhile, seven second year stu- nature and lo- dents attended this year's EASA (Eu- cation, ranging ropean Architecture Students' Assem- from a central bly) in the industrial town of Elefsina London hotel to in Greece, between July and August. an office block Rachelle Spiteri, Steve Scicluna, Ro- in Athens and derick Spiteri, Vicky Falzon, Brenda she even went Agius, James Muscat and Sarabelle as far as assist- Montebello spent two weeks camped ing in the design out on scaffolding with 350 other of a small town students working away at a number in Italy. When of small workshops centred around asked about the the theme of "easa007:city index". benefits of her The idea was to create a project internship she said, “Being in London which related to indexing the several and being surrounded by the British physical or cultural spaces in Elef- architectural system, made me not sina. The results included traditional

September 2007 11 magħtab 12 F rom beast to beauty to From beast The resulting Park is intended to repre to intended is Park resulting The and Italy. Holland Germany, Denmark, from each one and practices, practices British by Maltese two by two being proposals submitted, eight with good, was call the to Response Magħtab. at plex of the 59 hectare waste management com - masterplan rehabilitation the term for long competition design landscape the and Affairs international an launched Environment Rural year, for Last Ministry eyes. the our greets the that be scene longer no however, activities. may, everyday This our by years the over generated waste of volume the to to our disregard of the environment and monument in man-made a wound landscape, our deep a is Magħtab” “Mount posals. pro generation energy and aspects saving energy eco-constructions, materials, recycled of use the with projects, their of aspects sustainability the on emphasis their in The specific trails. also were walking participants meandering centres, and information parks and theme visitor spots, watching bird as well as trees, and fruits herbs, vegetables, of growing the for orchards and gardens towers, viewing and points cafés observation restaurants, and representations, theatrical and picnics tion, recrea- sports, various for areas air open others, among included, These parts. various the for made being posals pro being different of range a with site and areas various into split the with multi-faceted, were submissions The of regeneration planned site. the and gradual this through to sensitivity renewal reflect that not but are nature that in projects bombastic proposing by this to responded the of process healing site was also one of the main The criteria, and the participants significance. national of site recognisable a and destination, a landmark, namely a provide to brief, the in out set criteria the account into proposals took The Malta. in design sustainable and bilitation reha- restoration, of benchmark a sent waste disposal site itself is likened to the heart, heart, the to likened is itself site disposal waste The two. into site the split to proposed submission Italian The Kingdom. United the of Consultants Use projects the were Land and Italy of Progetti Prize Landscape by presented Second joint a Awarded submitted projects the of Overview by PeritSimoneVella Lenicker - 2nd prize–LandUseConsultants - Environmental LandscapesConsortium - carpet. An information pathway integrates educational educational integrates pathway information An carpet. flora new a establishing and site the to accessibility ing provid- pile, waste the engineering for strategy phased a includes proposal This Denmark. of TegnestueJensens Kristine Arkitekt to awarded was Mention Honorary An stone, – evolution paper,wood,garigue. organics,plastic, its and site the on found materials on themed each form way, the along towers points resting Several and reference plateau. the the views, entering of and “citadel” panoramic ecotones, contained of wide range a with through paths passing terrace gently, the relatively along climbing, through hill great this rience community and to nature. Visitors would be able to expe create a space dedicated to the the to dedicated space a to create art land and incorporating towers themed park to a ingredients provide native working its site, with the of the and prospect vantage scale, of celebrates qualities Use Land Consultants by submission The meteorologicalcentre. a including spaces didactic ous vari- of creation the proposal included The uses. sustainable activating and island, the of rest the to connections propagating and forging countryside, the to links enhancing and re- activating lungs, the as work would surrounds immediate The tion. transforma- regeneration environmental and of mechanism a - of the Island. Magħtab would be ringed by a wide, raisedwide, a by ringed be would Magħtab Island. the of parts various from visible patterning lace-like a creating forms, manmade expressive using Magħtab on woodland establishing proposes and landscape man-made a is site the that fact the on focuses Netherlands. project This the was Mention Honorary ofLandschapsarchitecten Strootman by forward an put that receiving proposal Another chimneys. solar and of panels energy use solar as such makes technologies solar healing simple technological of process The pile. waste the of recording historical and measurement ity, they walk along it, thus performing the tasks of accessibil- as level sea above height the and waste the of measure waste the cubic the of years, the all of public history the informs the path The pile. through visitor the leading by environment,the towardsawareness as well as elements 2nd prize–LandscapeProgetti Ltd mobile phones and ipods. and phones mobile radios,as such objects domestic familiar display to begins here, 1977 with a series of ‘window-like’ from waste’ openings of ‘timeline the charting wall a recycling Parkthe of andhub entrance wouldformthe plaza healing, An of park. public a become will transformation, and processes through which, landfill reclaimed artificial this of through gallery visitors leading a waste with project, the areas within various the define to extensively refuse uses proposal This Kingdom. United the of Flynn Sheils by proposal the to went Mention Honorary third A park. the around landscapes and paths and Żwerja Ta’ Magħtab, the and areasrecreation entrances, the the Għallis, of landforms the park: contours the of the landform and connects all areas follows of the future with wall-walk out The planted trees. and almond stone in edged walkway 2007 September From beast to beauty

One of the projects from Malta, on a waste management magħtab submitted by Environmental facility provides a strong Landscapes Consortium, is con- educational awareness. ceived as a dialogue between Everything takes place in nature and culture, and pro- this green ring around the poses a rethinking, reworking park: a pathway shadowed and rebirth approach that will with trees on either side for convert Magħtab into a holistic the walker, biker or skater; public park with meaningful localised picnic areas for experiences of tranquillity and families and friends; areas serenity. Theme parks placed on dedicated to experimenta- five significant flat areas in the tion of vegetation growth; landfill are dedicated to the ele- and simple but effective ments of Earth, Fire, Water and water collection and irri- Air, while culture is represented gation systems below the by an Artificial element. pathway. The second Maltese project, pre- The north-east facing slope sented by Neil Tully Associates, of the site is closest to centres on the theme of healing the coast and provides an on two fronts. Environmental optimal link to the sea. In restoration is proposed through this proposal, sand acts as the planting of endemic spe- First phase of Final stage of the medium for this link. the project the project cies, the creation of different Melitopia here indicate that maquis and woodland assem- Winning entry by Melitopia the sea is an important ele- blages and planting of reed ment of the rehabilitation beds among others. Social process as a whole, por- healing is contemplated in the traying a sense of respect project through the creation and healing. It is a place of a meditation centre which sought by many for peace would aim to give a spiritual and lookout points. Over the long-term (7 to 20+ years), and meditation, and it was therefore felt that a link should quality to the site. the project foresees the gradual return of select areas for be created to integrate this element into the project. agricultural use whilst maintaining high The winning proposal accessibility for Pollution Control Works. by Melitopia A strong characteristic of the green ring The project award first prize was that presented by idea is the collection of rain water flow- Melitopia of Germany. The proposal includes a phased ing down the hillsides, where it is col- concept where in the first two years a green-ring land- lected and stored below the pathway. scaping surrounding the whole complex to provide Simple irrigation systems for vegetation immediate safe recreational space could be incorporated. growth around the ring use the collected A fly-park for paragliding and hang-gliding could be water with minimum technical effort. The immediately incorporated and a sand wave could be cre- green ring focuses on the lower “safe” ated which links the north-east section of the park to the areas of the complex, leaving the hill coast bringing a further aspect to the park: the sea. rehabilitate itself, taking nature’s course In the medium term (1 to 10 years), the project pro- over time with minimum architectural poses a highly modular, scalable and flexible architectural influence other than the proposed the- landscaping which features the creation of a perfume atre on the Magħtab plateau and the wall to balance out odours emanating from the waste sporadic “amoeba cells” of planted trees management site. It further contemplates the creation of and vegetation which provide areas of an open-air theatre on the Magħtab plateau, natural suc- seclusion and peace. The green ring pro- cessive rehabilitation of the park’s upper areas, and the vides for a holistic experience of the site: creation of trails, “amoeba cells” of peace and spirituality, the world at one with nature contrasting Honorary Mention - Strootman

September 2007 13 world-class flying and surfing facilities. In addition, the site provides the local people with excellent conditions that enable them to enhance their abilities to master these sports. The site as a whole is ideal for all-wind- direction paragliding and hang- magħtab gliding, particularly the slopes facing northwest to southeast where prevailing winds and sea breezes make for hours of soar- ing excitement. A ”fly bar” at the landing site provides relaxation and the chance for spectators to watch the sports underway. Interviewed about their participation in this competition, Honorary Mention – Sheils Flynn Melitopia stated, “Needless to Kristine Jensens Bordering along Magħtab and Għallis, an area of local say we were over the moon at learning we had won first plants that produce lovely strong natural smells such as prize. We knew we had some pretty good ideas and felt in, or just watch exhilarating activities such as flying thyme, lavender, and rosemary is envisaged to create a confident, it just all seemed to fit. However we also were or surfing that are happening on and around the hill, perfume wall. This area is intended to become a popular aware of the fact that other good landscape architects then that already is a good thing. I grew up in Baħar walking trail in the short to mid term. The walks are would be participating and that winning could inherently iċ-Ċagħaq, have witnessed Mount Magħtab grow to its educational offering look-ins from above to the waste be a question of the mood the judges found themselves present state and know exactly when the wind blows from management site at Għallis. The perfume wall balances in that day." the north west by the smell that comes our way. Turning out odours emanating from this waste management site tA asked Melitopia what their aspirations for the project this eyesore into something beautiful remains the chal- and creates awareness of Maltese natural habitats. are: “Our aspirations are quite diverse: we are an interdis- lenge we face up to today.” The Magħtab plateau is seen as the ideal site for an open- ciplinary team coming from diverse backgrounds, thus air theatre where summer performances such as plays or you have the aspirations on a landscaping, engineering What happens next… concerts could take place, having an ideal back setting and architectural level in conjunction with the challenges Government plans to formalise an integrated masterplan on the sea. The theatre falls into the natural topography faced with such a project, and you also have the aspira- which can then be used for the purpose of a planning of the hill. tion of creating a sustainable recreation park that will be application to MEPA. It is intended for this to be com- The proposal further considers that Malta has a long his- an attraction for the locals as well as foreign visitors to tory of sailing, making good use of the natural elements Malta. A further important aspect is that of facilitating an which are so well suited for this. Paragliding, hang-gliding, area ideally suited for paragliding and wind /kite surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are a contemporary form of encouraging more people - already from a young age - to this art, tapping in on the natural elements to allow the practice and develop their skills in these sports and take sportsman to move through space and time. The project advantage of the natural elements Malta so well provides. aims at putting Malta on the map as a place that offers Just as Malta is known for world-class diving, why not also for world-class flying, surfing and sailing?” Asked how they think that this project will change the face of the Maltese landscape, a local representative of Melitopia replied, “Our aim is to integrate the surrounding landscape, thus you have the park blending gradually pleted by early 2008. Should this proposal go through, into the surrounding natural habitat. Malta will certainly be regaled with a project that not The rehabilitation of the interior will only is commendable in its own right, but also one that also follow a natural process over time is a clear example of how even the sorest scars on our with minimal architectural interven- landscape can be healed and rehabilitated into areas for tion. But the fact remains that Mount public relaxation and enjoyment. Magħtab will always be ‘visible’ from most parts of the island. We believe Further information on the submissions can be found at though that this does not have to www.mrae.gov.mt/mpcompetition.asp be a bad thing. It´s not about ‘forget- Article by Perit Simone Vella Lenicker, with thanks to ting’ or ‘hiding’ what happened in the Eng Christopher Ciantar and Mr Alexander Fenech of the past: if the locals find the park to be a Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment, and to Mr Neil Tully place they love to go and spend time Dominic Borg Cardona representing Melitopia.

14 September 2007 Landscape Architecture in the Design/Build Process

arlier this year the Kamra tal-Periti collabo- conservation and rated with the Anhalt University of Applied restoration were Sciences of Germany to present a day seminar important factors with the title: Landscape Architecture in the in the design, EDesign/Build Process – European Best Practice and its with modern landscape seminar Potential Impact on Malta. The President of the German i n t e r v e n t i o n s Chamber of Architects (BAK), Prof. Arno Schmid, pre- being included in sented a keynote speech. Minister Ninu Zammit was such a way as to also present and delivered the opening address. Some convey Valletta thoughts from both speeches are reproduced below. from living in the past, over to the Prof. Schmid traced the development of settlements and present phase, the change in the role of landscape architects in time. and hopefully Historically, settlements tended to occur around a certain into the future. landscape feature: fresh water sources, hilltops, a pro- Hastings Gardens, tected harbour. Although this is by no means an infallible the largest park approach, town and city development, and the construc- area in Valletta, is tion of dwellings and buildings in general remained in an named after the acceptable balance with the natural environment. Today, former Governor however, it seems that this fundamental regard for the with exacting engineering methods as well as with living General, the Marques of Hastings (1824-26), who is buried natural environment has changed dramatically, and has plants, with the artificial as well as with the natural, we are in this garden. This attractive city park is situated on a long even been lost with the onset of industrialisation and the predestined to master such a crosscutting approach. stretch of the Valletta bastions facing the suburb of Floriana. concurrent population explosion. Minister Zammit gave a brief outline of a number of The sloping ramparts act as low parapets from which visitors In Europe, as in other highly developed and industrialised projects carried out locally concerned with the upgrad- can watch the panorama that extends beyond Floriana to regions, the last two hundred years have seen an enormous ing and embellishment of external areas. Over the years the countryside as far as Mdina. The considerations that con- growth of the settled areas. Villages have grown into towns, central government has executed a number of landscap- strained and influenced the upgrading of Hastings Gardens towns and cities have spread out over the countryside. The ing projects including public gardens, urban squares or were the existing Hastings’s monument, the boundaries of rapid growth at the periphery indirectly also resulted in the piazzas, seafront promenades, paving works, upgrading the garden with one side facing the street and the other coming about of more or less unplanned areas in between, and rehabilitation of areas of archaeological importance, facing the marvellous views, the existing trees and the of left-over pieces of city between downtown and the sub- restoration of structures of historical importance and other previous garden layout. As opposed to many contemporary urbs, that have become to be known as the “Intermediate projects that are slowly becoming imposingly present in gardens which are designed to a colourful and playful layout City.” Town planning, and in particular landscape planning, the landscaping fabric of the Maltese islands. and which are generally ‘activity intensive’, Hastings Gardens seems to have been totally absent in their creation; if any Some of these projects include the landscaping of the had to retain its original objective of being a garden to enjoy planning took place at all, it was for infrastructure, for utili- Upper Barrakka Gardens which, back in 1661 was a 'private' peace, quite, and views away from the chaotic activities of ties and for traffic. garden of the Italian knights, being opened to the public in the city, a sort of a getaway from it all. The Garden is about The rebuilding and the basic reorganisation of our cities to 1824. The Gardens are an important architectural landmark 500m long on the bastion side, and has a walkway that runs adapt them to ever-changing needs is one of the most dif- and the landscape design that has been adopted reflects along the bastions. The area around Hastings’ monument ficult, but also one of the most challenging and rewarding the character of Valletta in the choice of the materials, was upgraded in a manner to emphasise the importance of tasks for the future. To develop and maintain the surround- paving layout, design and also in the installed lighting the focal point of this garden, and the gardiola in front of ing land - and for that matter also the surrounding sea - in design system. The design makes use of both modern Hastings’ monument was rebuilt to its original design. such a way that a high quality environment, free of pollu- and traditional materials that make up the landscape, The Minister concluded by reiterating that Landscape archi- tion is retained, is an immense undertaking. To have land giving a fresh feeling in a conservative environment. The tecture is the art, planning, design, management, preserva- and sea provide sufficient space for all forms of wildlife, existing trees and monuments had to be respected and tion and rehabilitation of the land in harmony with the and at the same time serving recreational purposes for the integrated in the overall design concept. Most of the trees design of human made constructions. He augured that people, makes this task even more difficult. and plants that existed in the garden were retained. Other landscape architecture would continue to evolve locally in No single discipline would ever be able to master all indigenous species and a good selection of annuals and a sustainable and functional manner, and specifically in a these challenges. What is needed is an interdisciplinary perennials were added to complement colour and form to manner that is in harmony with our physical environment, in approach, a crosscutting orientation towards problem- the gardens. harmony with our vernacular and architectural buildings as solving, with town planners, architects, civil engineers, The Lower Barrakka Garden perches on the bastion edge well as in harmony with the prevailing social needs. traffic planners, historians, archaeologists and landscape overlooking the entrance to the Grand Harbour. It com- The Anhalt group University will be back in the beginning of architects being in a unique position to serve as this mands a superb viewpoint of the harbour mouth, over to October to hold another seminar, this time in Gozo. Details interconnecting “generalist.” Because by our training in the Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St Angelo and the creeks on this event will be circulated shortly and will also be avail- arts and sciences, because of the necessity to work both of Vittoriosa and Kalkara. The important parameters of able on the website of the Kamra tal-Periti.

September 2007 15 the Ministry that they were projects well worth pursuing. Upon acceptance of the projects, MTA issued a call for interest in December 2006 and subsequently appointed the project architects. The ERDF application process and all matters related to these projects are being coordi- - Improve nated by Perit Ebejer on behalf of MTA as the client. The selected projects are intended to bring about a sub stantial improvement of the public realm within tourism the zones. Urban spaces are an important part of the tourism product as tourists will spend substantial time within them to relax and to engage in leisure activities. Within urban spaces seaside tourism zones, there is a lack of sizeable urban - product. spaces which are suitably landscaped and/or which are

not cluttered with miscellaneous structures and accre Anyone involved in tourism will tell you that. It has tions. With the projects being proposed, spaces which are become a cliché. The truth is that we have witnessed a currently misused, unutilised or grossly underutilised will constant improvement in the tourism product thanks to be converted into urban settings with shaded seating in various projects and initiatives by different government pleasant landscaped surroundings. agencies and by the private sector. The Malta Tourism Another common theme of the projects is the sea view. In Authority gave its fair share in product improvement each case, maximization of this important asset is sought. particularly with the upgrading of Howard gardens in This is mainly achieved by converting spaces close to the Rabat, the replenished beach at St. George’s Bay and the sea into pedestrian friendly areas. perched beach in Bugibba. In addition, tourism related facilities will be provided, There is still so much to be done. Structural funds from including an aquarium and a marine archeology museum the EU now provide an opportunity to bring about further in the Qawra project and a cycle track and a heritage changes and improvements. The Malta Tourism Authority garigue park in the Pembroke project. is submitting applications for European Regional The title of the ERDF Operational Programme I is “Investing Development Fund under Operational Programme I of in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life”. The the Cohesion Policy 2007 – 2013. The projects being projects being applied for by MTA will increase Malta’s applied for include rocky beach improvements at Qawra tourism competitivity and improve seasonality. Like all and Sliema and a beach replenishment project at Qawra. tourism product improvements, these projects will also In this article, we are presenting projects which have a bring about an enhanced experience for tourists and a strong urban design and architectural component. better quality of life for Maltese. The tourism zones where the ERDF tourism funds are - project is being submitted by the MTA to be channeled were decided on by Government. In Mario Attard for European Regional Development October 2006, MTA engaged Perit John Ebejer as consult Product Development Directorate Funding, with the primary objective ant to identify possible projects involving the upgrad- Malta Tourism Authority therefore being to upgrade the tourist ing of tourism zones. His remit was also to prepare product of the area. The whole area preliminary designs sufficient to convince the MTA and however will also be fully accessible to the general public, so as to provide an amenity to be enjoyed by all. The project has been divided into 3 phases, each of which has rather distinct features and design considerations. Phases 1 & 2 are situated in a relatively developed but Reviving the degraded zone, located in the open areas between the Institute of Tourism Studies, Pembroke the Radisson and Corinthia San Gorg Hotels, the Pembroke Housing Estates and Coastline the Athleta Sports Grounds. In this zone, the main aim of the brief was to provide Architects: Kevin Bencini, a sprawling landscaped area, a 9,000sqm Antonella Caruana and Angelique green ‘lung’, that would provide a recrea- Abela - Bencini & Associates tional space for visitors leading them all the way down to the coast. Additionally, We have been presented with a land- the vehicular approach to the hotels is to scaping brief by the Malta Tourism Authority be rerouted and upgraded, providing the spanning a stretch of nearly 2km along possibility for a future multi level car park. the Pembroke coast, starting in the park- During concept design stage it was decid- ing area located behind the Institute for ed that the primary objective of these Tourism Studies and continuing all the way landscaped areas was to create a tranquil to the Madliena Tower, situated just before space in a natural setting that would serve the White Rocks Holiday Complex. The as a well needed getaway from the sur-

16 September 2007 rounding hectic tourist areas and towns. providing sanitary facilities and refresh- north and west and, importantly, Marina In order to achieve this, the topography ments together with audiovisual informa- Street promenade and the bay to the of the site together with the proposed tion on the natural and historic features of south. landscaping have been conceived so as to the area. The Madliena Tower, whilst being The social and economic potential of the create a series of informal relaxation areas secluded and offering fantastic views of the site as a throbbing urban hub is self-evident such as sloping lawns, shaded terraces, park, would also be easily accessible from upon reaching the site. Its southerly orien- amphitheatres, and stepped ridges, that the nearby coast road by car or on foot, tation and views towards the bay provide offer constantly changing views overlook- serving as an alternative start and pick up an immediate reminder of the town’s past

ing the sea and the undeveloped coastline. point to the proposed ‘Garigue Heritage as a peripheral fishing village. The parish urban spaces Another primary requirement of the Phase Park’. church built on a high ground makes a 1 & 2 landscaped zones was that they powerful, overbearing statement which is would also serve as a link between the St. only surpassed by the size and disposition Georges Bay promenade and Phase 3 of of the school built higher up the slope. the project, the ‘Garigue Heritage Park’, that Creating the Furthermore one must acknowledge that would include a 3km cycle and walking Marsascala Local Council enjoys planning trail across the undeveloped Garigue Coast Town Piazza, rights to construct a town hall on part areas of the traditional village bocci pitch leading to the Madliena Tower. of the site. It is currently proposed that and children’s swings, whilst on-site veg- This zone that spans across most of the Marsascala the tourism information centre shall be etation shall create a mature feel for this Pembroke foreshore constitutes by far the attached to the town hall together with garden. bulk of the site, but will include the bare other community amenities. Succinctly, this project appears to be a minimum intervention possible. Without Architects: Bezzina & Cole, The architectural solution provided by successful effort at accommodating the doubt, the vast area of Garigue with its Architects & Engineers Bezzina & Cole locates the new building complex demands of tourism in the com- unique Flora & Fauna is the primary feature as a counter-balance to the marina prom- munity. both from an aesthetic as well as environ- Malta Tourism Authority deserves enade, thereby generating a south-west to mental point of view. However the area to be commended for recognising the north-east axis. An equally significant sec- also boasts various other natural as well potential of this site when considering ond axis is created by extending the main as historic features worthy of note such improvements to the local tourism prod- axis emerging from the church through The BuĠibba / as a number of isolated wooded areas uct. This is particularly so because despite the parvis and down to the leisure areas in and small valleys, the vast British Military the available space currently provided by the garden. The architects have in this case Qawra Shooting Ranges and associated outposts, the garden in Piazza Dun Tarcis Agius, the simply used landscaping to stitch together and the Madliena Tower forming part of tourist resort of Marsascala is effectively these powerful urban blocks. promenade the coastal defense system built during the deprived of a town square. MTA shall be In order to reduce the building footprint period of the Knights of St. John. seeking funds for this project in the second and return more land for landscaping, Architects: Cassar, Grech In order to minimise any possible impact call for European Union funds to be made the proposed building is partly concealed & Ebejer Partners on the natural surroundings whilst at the at a later date. beneath a section of the extension of Triq same time helping to conserve part of the Santa Tereza. A pedestrian connection dilapidated shooting ranges, it is being between the piazza and the school at the The Bugibba / Qawra coast is lined with proposed to restore some of the British mil- higher levels is being created to safely take a promenade having open sea views. This itary patrol trails that cut cross the site and children to and from the piazza avoiding promenade is a major asset for a tourism reuse them to form the proposed walking/ surface crossings. This same vertical con- zone such as Bugibba and Qawra due to the cycle route. These shall be reconstructed nection provides a focal point and visitor’s large number of people that congregate in in a fully reversible manner based on the belvedere overlooking the garden and the this area. This congregation necessitates a original system used, by laying two parallel bay. place such as a garden or large landscaped masonry curbs cut to fit the underlying The proposed layout of hard floor surfaces area where people can spend time sit and rock profile, backfilled with graded loose fill picks up the skewed angles generated relax whilst enjoying the open views. and finished off with an overlying wearing by the axes and parvis steps. Organically- This was what inspired the initial project surface. In this way no cementitious mate- The site consists of a garden with mature shaped trellis supporting hanging veg- proposal. The setting of the site is ideal for rial comes into contact with the underlying greenery and paths laid in a rectangu- etation provide shade around the playing the project in question as it is set between rock, at the same time allowing natural lar fashion with some relationship to the the rocky foreshore and the main road flow of rain water runoff along the terrain church. Within the site lies a bocci club known as ‘Triq it-Trunciera’. The site is on through the graded fill. and pitch, a hard paved children’s play the seaward side of the road and thus Wherever possible the trails have been area, a sewerage pumping station and a allows for the provision of a traffic free selected in such a way so as to pass by misplaced kiosk which regrettably deprives environment providing open views. The the most interesting natural and historic garden patrons from enjoying sea views. site was used to dump construction waste features, which in turn would be cleaned The present garden is surrounded by a over a span of time during the seventies. up, restored, and explained to the visitors significant but as yet incomplete road This activity created a disturbed area within using a series of interpretation panels. The network. Outside this perimeter road are which the development will take place. trail would eventually lead to the Madliena the parish church and parvis to the south- In fact the footprint of the development Tower that is intended to be restored and east, the primary school to the north-east, is set back from the yet untouched rocky reused as the visitor centre for the Park, residences and commercial premises to the shoreline. 3

September 2007 17 will provide a unique the Sirens waterpolo pitch, Wignacourt experience of under- Tower and St Paul’s Bay primary school. water life whereas the The project’s main focus is an 80m stretch marine archaeology which cantilevers over the underlying museum will house unspoilt foreshore, thus creating a 5.4m numerous artifacts, wide walkway in an area which presently recovered from the lacks any provision for pedestrians. The seabed over the cantilevered walkway consists of a revers- urban spaces xxxxx years. ible steel structure finished with a compos- The visitor attractions ite timber deck. will provide an innova- that an excessively strong commercial com- With the early 17th century guard tower tive touristic product ponent would undermine the objectives as its context, the balcony provides ample for Malta, distinct and for which the development is intended yet complimentary to namely to improve the tourism product. numerous attractions Nearby lies an entrenchment wall built based on our historic between 1761 and 1770, during the reign heritage. The facili- of Grand Master Pinto. This, together with ties, particularly the a wartime defensive beach post, will be aquarium will also rehabilitated. Visitors will be able to appre- have an educational ciate their historic relevance for the area The site steps down towards the sea and and research function. by means of appropriate interpretation this provides an added advantage. By cap- A third facility being provided is a div- facilities. turing the contours it was possible to allow ing institute which is intended to be an In pursuing this development the client, for the development of a single storey education facility for diving schools and to namely Ministry for Tourism and Culture which will be below street level on one side improve the standards of diving instruction and the Malta Tourism Authority, has but having open sea views on the other. A in Malta. very specific objectives in mind. With a second storey will be constructed entirely The seaward facade of the building is well-designed, quality development and underground and this will house ancillary curved and undulating, creating added open space, it is hoped that the image of facilities as well as an extensive parking interest to the promenade at level -1. The Bugibba/ Qawra as a tourism resort will area for the public. profile, synonymous with wave motion, be enhanced. More tourists and Maltese The space “won” from the site, at level -1, acknowledges the unique context in which will be willing to spend time and money in will house two visitor attractions namely it is set. Although substantial floorspace the area. Good visitor attractions will make an aquarium and a marine archeology for visitor attractions and other facilities Bugibba and Qawra more attractive as a museum. A gentle ramp from the current is being created, the building will not be year round resort as tourists will have more promenade will lead down to a second visible from road level, other than the land- leisure activities to engage in during the off promenade running alongside the building scaped gardens located on the roof of the peak months. at level -1. This promenade will be bound two storey underground structure. seating which appears to “peel off” the by the building along one side and open to The landscaped gardens include enclaves deck to reveal the underlying steel grat- the views to the other side. with shaded seating where people can ing, enhancing the experience of being Both visitor attractions are linked with relax and enjoy the views. An amphitheatre Embellishment perched onto the underlying ecologically Malta’s maritime legacy. The aquarium that is part hewn into the rock will have sensitive foreshore. open sea views as a backdrop – a perfect of promenade Most of the promenade’s length will be setting for musical and other performances paved using recycled materials and will in the cool evening breezes of summer. and creation have new street furniture and an energy The landscaped gardens extend to a large efficient illumination scheme installed. piazza in front of “Fra Ben”. of a panoramic No catering or retail facilities are provided within the development other than those coastal related to the visitor attractions. It was felt walkway

Architects: Robert Sant, Etienne Magri, Dirk Psaila, Clyde Abela - DTR

This project, comprising a 1km long promenade, aims at upgrading and extending the St Paul’s Bay coastal walkway, that will link St Paul’s Chapel to the Menqa quay,

18 September 2007 Green Design This October, the Embassy of the United States to Malta will host two lectures being presented by workshop/apd, an American firm led by partners Andrew Kotchen and Matthew Berman. tA spoke to workshop/ apd about their work and their impending visit to Malta.

Who are workshop/apd, and interview what are the driving forces behind the firm’s operation? workshop/apd was founded in 1999 as a design firm with offices in New York City and

Nantucket, Massachusetts. Aerial view - se corner Together, we work toward synthesising the often- problematic restraints of level, without increasing cost. Our design Yes. We’ve worked on a number of apart- context with a modern and can and will be built quickly, and can serve ments in Paris and are currently the design progressive understanding of Matthew Berman Andrew Kotchen as a green model for the rest of the Gulf consultant on the renovation of an old contemporary living. Whether in New York, proposal for a 1.5 acre site along the levee Coast rebuilding effort. farmhouse in Siggiewi, Malta (currently Nantucket, or elsewhere, we have repeat- in the Holy Cross neighbourhood of New One of the most important components of under construction). edly and successfully reconciled difficult Orleans (located in the much publicised the design is the use of modern modular existing conditions with well-developed Lower Ninth Ward). The design was to incor- construction which will substantially reduce You will be guests of the American designs. Conventional boundaries between porate a 12-unit apartment building, six cost, construction time, and improve overall Embassy in Malta during October, and adjacent spaces are transgressed, allow- single-family houses, a community centre, quality. Modular construction practices are will be regaling the Maltese public with ing activities to transition naturally across and a day-care centre and asked contest- also environmentally friendly as waste can a lecture. What will this presentation dis- fluid thresholds. This results in performative ants to integrate their ideas with the prin- be efficiently recycled, jobsite pollution is cuss, and how do you feel that this topic spaces that collapse the form of function ciples and systems of sustainable design. minimised, and transportation-related fuel is beneficial to the local scene? into the function of form. In Phase I, over 160 designers from around costs are substantially reduced. We will be discussing the issue of sus- the world submitted designs and in Phase tainability and its relationship to the built Last year, Global Green and Brad Pitt II, six finalists were asked to develop their What is the significance of winning this environment, specifically through the announced workshop/apd as the win- ideas further and submit more detailed competition to your firm? lens of our project in New Orleans. The ners of the Global Green Sustainable plans, drawings and renderings. Integral to We’re thrilled to be a part of the rebuild- built environment - from the fabrication Design Competition for New Orleans. the Phase II development process was the ing process in New Orleans. After seeing and transportation of materials, through What was this project about? What green community’s input, and we spent much of how little has been done since the storm, construction and life-cycle maintenance technologies have been incorporated in the summer travelling to New Orleans to it’s exciting to be part of a project that is costs - accounts for approximately 65% of its design? What is the timeline for its elicit feedback from Holy Cross residents as already underway. We have also learned a greenhouse gas emissions. As we become construction? GreeN.O.LA was developed. tremendous amount about sustainability more aware of the impact that our actions The Global Green Sustainable Design Our concept originates with a comprehen- and green design over the past year and have on the environment, it becomes Competition, which initially elicited over sive understanding of sustainability and it has and will continue to influence our increasingly necessary to make changes. 3000 registrants, was divided into two extends from community redevelopment work. The responsibility lies with architects and phases and asked participants to create a to specific material choices. Effective, sus- designers to make better decisions that tainable design needs Your firm has been involved in a number could significantly improve how we live. to infiltrate all scales of residential projects. What are the main “Green design,” as it is otherwise known, is of production and challenges that you have faced? Which applicable everywhere and to everyone, to consumption, from the project has brought the most satisfac- Americans and Maltese alike. macro-scale of global tion to your firm? distribution networks Every project is different and represents Have any of you been to Malta before? and community rezon- its own set of challenges. Working in New What are your expectations? ing, to the micro-scale Orleans has been very challenging but also Yes, I (Matthew) was in Malta for the first of site strategies, indi- very gratifying, especially with the hope time about two years ago. I thought it was vidual building systems, that this small contribution may help to a beautiful island with a rich historic past, and social interaction. catalyse a much larger rebuilding process. much like some of the areas on our New As we developed England coastline. I was particularly inspired GreeN.O.LA, we realised Most of the projects featured on your by the integration of more modern design how possible it is to use firm’s website are based in the USA. gestures into historic structures and by the Single family home - front porch green design in every Have you been involved in any projects renovation of the waterfront in Valetta. I am aspect and at every abroad? excited to return to see the progress.

September 2007 19 Austrian world-renowned architect peter lorenz at Architecture Nights in October by Perit Antoine Zammit, KTP Events Chairperson

During the first half of the year, the mall in Linz (2002), the Telekom office Kamra tal-Periti organised AN07, a tower in Innsbruck (2002), the Bischof- series of Architecture Nights that shofen railway station (2001), the Gienger have all proved to be a resounding München (2006) and the Graz Stadtbau in- success. The theme for these events vited European competition (2007). was “The Stuff of Architecture,” and The most celebrated completed recent the speakers were asked to develop works include the Mpreis stores in Telfs and on the art of using appropriate ma- Niederndorf (2001 and 2005 respectively), terials in their right context, and to the Blaue Halle in St. Christoph (2001), discuss the sensitive and responsive the Conrad 3 residential and office build- approach they have adopted in their ing in Innsbruck (2002 - 2003), the Offene architectural designs and their deci- Bank (2002), the Zukunftszentrum (2002), Super M Supermarket, Telfs, 2000-2001 sions in choosing the most suitable the Master plan for Wilten-Ost in Innsbruck materials in the process. The debates (2003-2004), the Interspar Q19 shopping have so far seen the participation of mall in Vienna, (2000-2005), the Abitare world-renowned architects Manfredi Sottolfaro in Trieste, (2001-2004), the Nicoletti, Mario Botta and Cesare Wohnen zur Sonne in Telfs (2004 - 2005). Casati. Peter Lorenz The Atelier is also currently working on The series of Architecture Nights will now Lorenz concentrated mostly on interior design, the Dongfang Xindi Langfang major city project resume in October with one of Austria’s fore- the design of retail outlets and conversion jobs. in Tianjin, China that includes a 5-star hotel, a most architects Peter Lorenz of peterlorenzate- Works in Innsbruck include Haus Gant (1982), shopping center, an office building and a hous- liers as the guest speaker. This debate will also Cafe Fresco (1984), Mode Leitner (1985) and ing estate, over a floor space of 450,000sqm. be one of the concluding events of the 2007 Menardihaus (1989). The atelier focused on Lorenz has also been actively involved in related edition of Time for Architecture, T4A3. residential projects, urban planning, shopping architectural activities including jury work in Peter Lorenz was born in Innsbruck in 1950. malls and larger projects. Some of its main ini- about 75 competitions to date. He has been in- Park and Ride Puntigam, Graz 2007-2008 He obtained his Diploma from Venice in 1983 tial works were the Triest Hotel in Vienna (1995), vited as a workshop facilitator and has lectured and opened his atelier in Vienna in 1991. Hailed the Tatzlwurm and Obermarkt residential devel- and held numerous working groups related to Kong, the School of Architecture in Nanjing, and as one of Austria’s foremost contemporary opments (1995) and the In der Stille ‘office con- urban planning and architecture in a number other universities in Ahmedabad, New Delhi and architects by the likes of Dominique Perrault, tainer’ (1996). of Universities and institutions. Peter Lorenz is Guangzhou. Gustav Peichl and Daniel Libeskind, Lorenz has The last few years have seen peterlorenzate- visiting professor at Universities in Innsbruck Daniel Libeskind has said, “Peter Lorenz is a designed over 300 projects, a third of which liers, heavily involved in a number of Internation- and Graz (the Universität Innsbruck, Technische humanist, first and foremost, an architect who have been built in Austria, Northern Italy, Slov- al Design competitions, winning the first prizes Graz and Universität Graz), as well as the Uni- addresses in all his work the issues of meaning enia, Hong Kong and China. His projects are of for the master plan for Mehrwert Simmering versita Degli Studi in Trieste and Naples, the In- and space for mankind… He makes a poignant varying scales, ranging from product design to in Vienna (1998–2003), the Ilirija Sportcity in stitute for Architecture and Environmental Stud- plea for those who work in architecture and for general urban planning. In the first few years Ljubljana (2001–2003), the Interspar shopping ies in Bombay, the Chinese University of Hong those who view architecture to take time to see the built form, to concentrate on the observation of real space, as opposed to televised space or virtual space. In both his architectural and urban projects, he is a careful craftsman and a keen observer. Both his built work and his conceptual projects are a testament to his profound belief in a fresh start for architecture and the cultural implications for the world and its environment.” Peter Lorenz will deliver a lecture, which promises to be as engrossing as the previous three held to date, at the Aula Magna on Saturday 20th October at 7.30pm. Entrance to this debate is free of charge.

Architecture Nights 07 is sponsored by HSBC, Attard & Co, HalMann Vella, Steel Structures, Modern Elegance and Auntie Lucy and is being organised under the patronage of the Austrian Embassy in Malta. Shopping centre, Vienna 1999-2005 Plusvalue Simmering Masterplan, Vienna 1998-2003

20 September 2007 T4A3_October 2007

There are two events being planned for the Full programme first weekend. On the 6th October there of the Time for will be the Children’s Workshop at St. James

Cavalier from 9am to 12.30pm. This workshop Architecture 3 T4A3 / AN07 will be coordinated by Perit Audrey M. Galea and Ms. Lucienne Ellul BE&A (Hons). The events: KTP believes strongly that education is an important element in fostering a society that MONDAY 01/10/07_ World ime for Architecture is back, Architecture Day activity with the third edition being held Exhibition inauguration, this October. T4A3 will run from Contemporary Maltese architecture and SACES Designs Monday 1st October, which marks Exhibition, running from TWorld Architecture Day, until Saturday with Heritage Malta. Places for this event will 01/10/07 until 19/10/07 20th October, with a number of archi- be limited to 50 people. Venue: Auberge d’Italie tectural events that should attract both The second weekend will see the annual [Ministry of Tourism and architects and architectural enthusiasts architecture students’ workshop organised by Culture], first floor alike. SACES between the 12th and 14th October Sponsored by DeltaLight This year’s events will kick off with the inau- based on the theme ‘Architecture embraces guration of an exhibition of Contemporary the Arts’. Weekend #1 Maltese architecture by some of the lead- The events will come to a close on the third ing architects and architectural firms on the weekend with the fourth in this year’s series FRIDAY 05/10/07_ Landscape Seminar; Venue: Nadur, Gozo Maltese Islands together with the annual of Architecture Nights which will feature Designs exhibition organised by SACES world-renowned Austrian architect Peter SATURDAY 06/10/07 _ Children’s workshop, on show for in collaboration with the Department Lorenz of peterlorenzateliers, to be held on Notte Bianca to be held of Architecture and Urban Design of the Saturday 20th October at the Aula Magna. in the evening; Venue: St. Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Present for the last weekend will also be James Cavalier, Valletta University of Malta. The exhibition will run the Presidents of the various Architectural SUNDAY 07/10/07 _ Guided tour for a period of three weeks from Monday 1st Chambers and Associations for Western to the Prehistoric Temples in until Friday 19th October, and will be located Europe, as the UIA (Union Internationale des collaboration with Heritage on the first floor of the Auberge d’Italie Architectes) Region 1 Meeting will be hosted Malta: Tarxien, Ta’ Hagrat and Ta’ Skorba Temples in Valletta (today housing the Ministry for is aware of the need for quality in the built in Malta this year. Tourism and Culture). environment. The proposal for this year's Weekend #2 Each weekend until the 20th October will children's workshop is based on the theme More details about the events may be found host a number of other architectural events. of World Architecture Day: Zero-emission on www.ktpmalta.com. For reservations at FRIDAY 12/10/07 – SUNDAY architecture, and it will seek ways in which the individual events kindly contact KTP on 14/10/07 _ SACES architectural students’ workshop sustainability can be explained in simple and Tel/Fax: 21314265 (mornings only) or email effective terms such that children may realise [email protected]. Cheques Weekend #3 the importance of the built environment and for the paid events should be made pay- its contribution to a greener environment. able to the Kamra tal-Periti, The Professional FRIDAY 19/10/07 _ UIA Regional This workshop will be offered to a group of Centre, Sliema Road, Gzira GZR 1633. Meeting Workshops. Venue: Capua Palace, Sliema 15 children, aged between 9 and 14. The work done SATURDAY 20/10/07_ UIA Regional Meeting throughout the morning will also be exhibited dur- Venue: Capua Palace, ing the Notte Bianca cel- Sliema; Duration of meeting 09.30 – 17.30 ebrations that will be held during the evening of that SATURDAY 20/10/07_ Architecture Nights #4 _ Peter same day. Lorenz, Peter Lorenz Ateliers On the 7th October there will be a guided tour to Venue: Aula Magna; Time: 19.30 the Prehistoric Temples Sponsored by HSBC, Modern of Tarxien, Ta’ Ħaġrat and Elegance, Auntie Lucy, Steel Structures, HalMann Ta’ Skorba, an event being Vella and Volteco organised in collaboration

September 2007 21 EC8 – implications for masonry construction in Malta by Perit Denis H. Camilleri

This technical note follows a keynote mic activity in Malta for various earthquake presentation “Outlining the Seismic intensities. Globigerina 8 Mortar 2 Vulnerability of Malta’s Buildings - is it From Table 2 and plotting a log-log graph, Compressive Strength of Unit (N/mm ) Designation EC an Issue” to a seismic RELEMR workshop the 475 return period works out at 0.06g. 15 17.5 20 35 held in Malta last year, followed by a This figure is also confirmed by the GSHAP Kamra tal-Periti CPD course on “The use – (Global Seismic Hazard Assessment I 8.6 9.6 10.6 16.3 of local sustainable masonry as a struc- project) map, Fig. 2, for Europe, with Malta tural material”, presenting the terraced identified as a green colour correspond- II 7.6 8.4 9.2 13.4 house seismic analysis case study. ing to 0.05g -0.06g, although the data on Terraced housing two or three storeys high which this was compiled for Malta was III 7.2 7.7 8.3 12.2 was traditionally considered robust and probably very sparse. stable, but the needs of the motor-car have IV 6.3 6.8 7.4 10.4

introduced a soft open storey at ground Table 1: Characteristic Compressive stress fk of 225mm thick masonry N/mm2 for specified crushing or basement level. An economical struc- strength – as per BS 5628 pt 1 tural system to span this 6 to 7m soft storey is by utilising hollow prestressed slabs, MM - Earthquake Intensity Return Period (years) Base Shear Design % of g with thicknesses varying from 280mm to 450mm, supported on 230mm thick VI 125 2-5 masonry laid in grade IV mortar. Table 1 VII 1,000 5-10 outlines the characteristic compressive stress for 230mm thick masonry units VIII 10,000 10-20 with a height of 265mm, as outlined in Figure 2. Peak horizontal acceleration map with Table 2: Malta’s Seismic Return Period BS5628PtI (1). a 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years rigid, if they consist of reinforced concrete. at 2nd floor level spanning over the 6.25m Malta’s Seismic Zoning According to EC8, with a design ground The connection between the floors and opening from party wall to party wall in EC 8 (2) specifies that a design ground acceleration of 0.06g, Malta is classified walls shall be adequately provided by steel 230mm thick masonry, as indicated in Fig. acceleration for a return period of 475 years as a low seismicity zone, as falling within ties at every floor level, spaced at not more 4. In 2005 an additional receded floor was has to be specified in the National Annex. <0.10g but >0.04g, with the following pro- than 4m centres. further allowed. The 475 return period is based on the visions to be catered for. Fig. 4 gives an indication of the load paths proviso that this ground motion is not to be Load Path Analysis for a adopted. Arching was provided for at 1st exceeded in the assumed 50 years’ design Masonry EC8 Design 4-storey masonry building floor level, up to the underside of the life of the structure in 90% of the cases. Criteria for Zones of Low The floor plans indicated in Fig. 3, show hollow block concrete slabs, while at the With reference to Fig. 1, return periods Seismicity an open garage plan constructed in 1995, upper levels the loads went directly as may be identified for earthquakes of inten- 1. Shear walls in manufactured stone units when the allowable storey height stood at reactions onto the party walls. The reaction sity MMV and MMVI, whilst an MMVII was are to have thickness t >175mm. This fortu- two floors. The prestressed planks inserted from the prestressed planks was eccentric noted to have occurred in 1693, when a nately is the thickness for internal partition- at first floor level were 230mm thick to sup- (3) onto the party wall, whilst the loading strong MMXI had hit the Eastern side of ing adopted at 180mm. Further, heff /t <15 port the overlying single floor. In 1998 the coming from the remaining upper floors is and h/l < 2.5, where t is the thickness of the allowable height was increased to three centrally located onto the party wall. wall, heff the effective height of the wall, h floors. Thus to support the additional floor, For the load analysis shown in Fig. 4, the the greater clear height of the openings hollow block concrete slabs were inserted total characteristic loading from the three adjacent to the wall, l the length of the wall. 2. For a design ground acceleration <0.2g, the allowed number of storeys above ground is three for unreinforced masonry and five for reinforced masonry, however for low seismicity a greater number of Figure 1 Source - Pauline Galea, Seismologist, 2006 storeys are allowed. Sicily. It is noted that an MMVII in Malta 3. Mortar type to be adopted should be at requires an MMXI in Sicily with a return least Grade III, although lower resistance period of 1,000 years. may even be allowed, whilst for reinforced Although a seismic risk hazard has not masonry grade IV may be used. Further as yet been undertaken for the Maltese there is no need to fill the perpendicular Islands, considering above data, Table 2 joints. proposes return periods for expected seis- 4. Floor diaphragms may be considered Figure 3 Figure 4

22 September 2007 EC8 – implications for masonry construction in Malta

2 habitable floors and roof construction fk = 7.4N/mm with γm =3.0 The total load transferred onto the two these constructions appears to transfer the totalling 285KN/m is split as 210 KN/m as Width of stress block x to which direct load supporting party walls at just below the 1st outstanding bending moment, not catered direct loading onto the party wall, with subjected to: floor level is given by: for by frame action by couple action into 8 the remaining 75KN/m being the eccentric x = 263KN/m * 3 /7.4N/mm2 = 107mm [{10KN/m2 * 3floors + 6KN/m2 * 1 roof the transverse supporting wall system. For EC reaction from the 6.25m spanning precast Stability moment for wall section = slab + 0.1* 1.5KN/m2 (LL) * 4 floors} * this to occur the tying clauses stipulated in prestressed slab, with 125mm bearing. 263KN/m * (225 – 107)/2 = 15.52KN-m/m. 6.25m + 55crs * 1.35KN/m/crs * 2 in No. = BS 5628 pt 1 – Table 12 are to be adhered At the prestressed planks seating level, the This stability moment is less that the 377KN/m. to. resultant eccentricity is calculated thus: moment induced under the wind load con- The seismic horizontal force is thus given e = 75 (125/3 – 112.5)/(210 + 75) = 18.6mm dition at 21.8KN-m at 10% of the total vertical seismic load Building B C e/t = 18.6/225 = 0.08 However, such constructions are known to combination 0.1 * 377KN/m = 37.75KN/m Type leff/t = (4000*1.0)/225 = 17.8 (dpm at be stable under such wind load conditions, on each supporting party wall, as opposed Earthquake ground level not considered stiff enough thus besides the sway action analysed, to 18.15KN/m for the wind load condition. MDR MDR for this soft storey layout) diaphragm action comes into play whereby BM = 37.75/2 * 4m/2 = 37.75KN-m/m Intensity MM β = 0.72, from table 7 in BS5628 PtI giving the end walls take the outstanding % of Ps = 37.75* 10m/6.25m = 60.4KN/m 5 2% - capacity reduction factors β, only up to a wind action via torsional redistribution, ΣN 377/2 + 60.4 = 248.9KN/m value of 0.3t. with the centre of gravity of the wind load- e = 37.75KN-m/m / 248.9KN/m + 0.0186m 6 4% 1% f= 285KN/m/0.225m = 1.27N/mm2 ing in plan not coinciding with the shear = 0.17m 7 20% 10% From Table 1 for a masonry unit of com- centre of the walling at ground floor level. e/t = 170 / 225 = 0.76 (Table 7 in BS5628 PtI pressive strength 20N/mm2 gives capacity reduction factors β, only up 8 45% 25% 2 fk = 7.4N/mm *β/γm =7.4 * 0.72/3 = 1.78N/ Seismic Stability Calculations: to a value of 0.3t) Table 3 –Mean Damage ratio (MDR) for building 2 2 mm > 1.27N/mm Period of vibration for this 4-storey build- leff/t = (4000*1.2) / 225 = 21.33 (under types founded on rock (5). Thus under vertical loading, with resulting ing given as per Annex C2 EC8: seismic load, masonry structure considered eccentricities the structure is stable. T = CtH3/4 = 1.5* 153/4 =0.38s to sway sideways.) However the stability, under the 475 year As 0.1s < T < 0.4s Again from table 1 for a masonry unit of seismic return period, with the stability 2 Wind Stability Calculations: Sd(t) = αSβo/q compressive strength 20N/mm moment equating only to 55% of the over- 2 With a basic wind speed of 47m/s, a ground where α, the ratio of the design ground fk = 7.4N/mm with γm =1.7 from table turning moment is under question. Table 3 roughness of 3 as no building dimension acceleration to the acceleration of gravity, 5.3 EC8 for a symmetrical building in layout gives exceeds 50m, thus classified as a Class B is taken as 0.06 for Malta, as referred to Width of stress block x to which direct load mean damage ratios for MMVI varying from structure, according to CP3 ChV (4) above. subjected to: 1% up to 4% and for an MMVII from 10% 2 S3 = 0.83, thus Vs = VS1S2S3 = 47*1*1*0.83 S and βo are dependent on the soil condi- x = 248.9KN/m * 1.7 /7.4N/mm = 57mm up to 20%, depending on the quality of the = 39m/s tions, for type A sub-soil, which refers to Stability moment for wall section = building. For buildings of higher irregular- Wind pressure q = 0.93KN/m2 rock founding material, as from Table 4.1 248.9KN/m * (225 – 57)/2 = 20.91KN-m/m. ity and asymmetry, these ratios are even Force coefficient Cf for buildings with flat (EC8), given at 1 and 2.5 respectively. This stability moment is less than the known to go higher. roofs (Table 10 CP3 ChV): Q is a behaviour factor, which for unrein- moment induced under the seismic load These mean damage ratios outlined in Table l/w = 24/6 = b/d = 24/6 = 4 forced masonry as per Table 5.1 (EC8) is condition at 37.75KN-m 3, compared with the above analysis seem height/breath = 15/24 =0.625 given at 1.5. to indicate that masonry soft buildings in Thus Cf = 1.3 Sd(t) = 0.06 * 1.0 * 2.5 / 1.5 = 0.1, corre- Observations Malta will suffer damage if subjected to a F = Cfq Ae = 1.3*0.93*15 = 18.15KN/m sponding to 10% of vertical load. For Malta’s masonry construction, the seismic tremor as indicated by the 475 year Considering the load combination 1.2γD The EC8 seismic load combination is ∑Gkj seismic horizontal force at 37.75 KN/m is return period as specified in EC8. +1.2γL +1.2γw as being the more onerous + ∑ψEi.Qki just more than double the horizontal wind BM = 18.15/2 * 4m/2 * 1.2 = 21.8KN-m/m Where ψEi, is the combination coefficient force at 21.8 KN/m. From above, it is noted References: BS5628: Code of Practice for use of masonry, PtI: Pw = 18.15* 7.5m/6.25m = 22.8KN/m for variable action given by: ψEi, = ð * ψ2i that the seismic force is 10% of the verti- ΣN(75 + 210) * 1.2/1.45 + 22.8 *1.2 = 263KN/m, With combination coefficient taking into cal load, thus wind load equates to just 1992: Structural use of unreinforced masonry. British Standards Institution London where the vertical loading has been fac- account the likelihood of the loads being under 5% of vertical load. These figures are Eurocode 8: DD ENV 1998-1-1:1996, Design provi- tored down to 1.2, instead of the previous not present over the entire structure dur- well above what BS 5628 specifies, for the sions for earthquake resistance of structures, Part average load factor of 1.45. ing the occurrence of the earthquake. minimum lateral load given at 1.5% of the 1.1 General rules – Seismic actions and general e = 21.8KN-m/m / 263KN/m + 0.0186m = 0.101m Value of ψ2i is given in Pt1 of EC1 at 0.2 for characteristic dead load above that level. requirements for structures. CEN. e/t = 101/225 = 0.45 (Table 7 in BS5628 PtI domestic loading and the value of ð given Again the seismic stability moment at Denis H Camilleri, “FIXITY MOMENT INDUCED ON gives capacity reduction factors β, only up at 0.5 from Table 3.2 of EC8. Thus only 0.1 20.91 KN-m/m is 55% of the overturning MASONRY WALLING – the Malta Experience”, The to a value of 0.3t.) of the total live load is to be catered for the seismic moment at 37.75Kn-m/m. The wind Structural Engineer, 15/10/02 l /t = (4000*1.2) / 225 = 21.33 (under seismic condition. stability moment at 15.5 KN-m/m is 71% of CP3 Ch. V. Pt. 1972 Basic Data for the Design eff of Buildings – Wind Loads, British Standards wind load, masonry structure considered The total dead load for the upper floors is the overturning wind moment at 21.8KN- Institution London. 2 2 to sway sideways.) given at 4KN/m (self weight) + 2KN/m m/m. Although the wind stability moment Camilleri D.H., “Vulnerability of buildings of Malta From Table 1 for a masonry unit of com- (finish) + 4KN/m2 (masonry partitions) = works out less than the overturning wind to earthquake, volcano and tsunami hazard”, The pressive strength 20N/mm2 10KN/m2 moment, the rigid diaphragm action of Structural Engineer, Vol 77, No22 November.

September 2007 23 Maltese street furniture: today’s brash idiosyncrasy versus yesteryear’s restrained uniformity by Edward Said heritage uch a title may come across as These days many have been being bluntly generalist. It has substituted by cheap, tacky been chosen because in recent replacements or insensitively decades, successful urban furniture designed to be completely Sin Maltese streets, squares and prome- incongruous with their sur- nades sadly is the exception rather than roundings. the rule. One may ask how a bench can Street furniture might seem be described as unsuccessful or a bollard to some as a small-time influ- incapable of stopping a car from entering a ence on streetscape from quaint alley. Firstly, without going into the an aesthetical point of view. design ergonomics of posterior comfort Some may even argue that or traffic calming measures, the adjective what makes the Maltese ‘unsuccessful’ here aims at criticising the street distinctly Maltese is immediate visual impact of these novel primarily the architecture. Street-lights dating from the late 50s which are furnishings. Secondly, this issue’s heritage Granted, however, this must rapidly disappearing from our streets (Sliema) page is more than anything a eulogy to the be complemented by an Successful street furniture and traffic calming measures in Attard once standardised, unassumingly elegant adequately designed scheme of street fit- Ghar id-Dud a hundred years ago (Courtesy R. Ellis) street furniture that has been capriciously tings which after all have a vital use to the replaced without any serious attempt at pedestrian and motorist. As with architec- restoring, replicating or gaining inspiration tural features, trans-local uniformity has its from their age-old predecessors. benefits too. Recognisable, subtle details Poring over old postcards or photographs are what tie the streets of a town together of Maltese urban settings will reveal that and across to other settlements. Thus over time although there were changes whether you are in Valletta or Vittoriosa, in for example street lamp types, as they there is still something that makes one say: developed from paraffin to gas to electric- this is Malta, especially to the unfamiliar ity, there was still certain uniformity all visitor. locally but still highly influential (e.g. the over the place. The same can be said for Perhaps these delicate aspects of urban recent St. John’s Square Ficus trees saga Art-nouveau street lamp, once a common feature, paving, benches, bollards, phone-booths, design were best analysed with such distinc- now only a couple are left around Malta (Zabbar) in Valletta). In conclusion all these criteria post boxes, kiosks, railings and the like. tion and detail by none else than Gordon play a decisive role in the success of a well- Cullen. In his now aged but still applicable scene clearly explains the problems of defi- designed urban space. Street furniture is ‘The Concise Townscape’ Cullen takes the cient street furniture design. Street lighting the transitional intermediary between the reader on a virtual tour, pointing out the for example is one of the more important street user and buildings. countless delights of the inter-urban expe- protagonists of the inter-urban experience. Silver linings are manifesting themselves rience. Whilst dwelling mostly on the play There has recently begun a brutal spate however. Ranging from MEPA’s scheduling of senses that architectural volumes have of removal of central hanging or pendent of British period phone booths and post on the pedestrian who roams amongst ornate street lamps which have been boxes to successful projects such as the them, the author also touches on aspects replaced with non-descript substitutes. revamping of the Sliema Front promenade that might seem minor but can essen- These lamps have been a characteristic of (although this saw the sad demise of the tially make or break an urban space. In this the Maltese streetscape since the 1930s. Art-nouveau railings), increasing improve- context Cullen discusses the importance The excuse by many of local councils that ment is being witnessed. More has to be of street furniture. “The smallest details spare parts do not exist is very dubious done in saving examples or remnants of of the street or civic space should fit into since the lamps of Valletta and Vittoriosa old furnishings before the stigma of our the townscape in performing their indi- are maintained and where necessary like diminutive country come to play here vidual functions.”(1) The author describes is replaced with like. As part of a section again, meaning that we cannot afford to the significance of good urban furniture entitled ‘Townscape unities’, Cullen talks make more mistakes because so little is left through a multitude of photographs which about three demands that a townscaper since we never had much to start with. incidentally are so much more evocative makes of the engineer: scale, kinetic unity when reading a black-and-white version of and propriety all with special emphasis on References: his book. For anyone interested or involved street lights.(2) This can be said for most (1) Cullen, Gordon, The Concise Townscape, in urban design, ‘The Concise Townscape’ other items which make up the furniture The Architectural Press, (Great Britain 1971), Three versions of street-names and a fountain once a common sight in Maltese streets. (Zebbug, is a must. suite. The effect of trees in our streets is p. 95 Malta) Comparing Cullen’s scenarios with the local another example, perhaps not so present (2) Ibid., pp. 146-148

24 September 2007 Dwellings The Vernacular House World Wide Paul Oliver symbolic or cultural meaning in archi- the largest artefact that a man, woman, Phaidon Press Limited, London 2003; tecture. or their family may ever construct; in reprinted in paper back 2007, Since its first publication in 1987, many others it is the single most impor- ISBN 978-0-7148-4793-1 Dwellings: The House Across the World tant item that they may ever call their has been the classic reference to the own. The dwelling is more than the site The architecture by the people repre- world’s informal domestic architec- it occupies, the materials of which it is sents in excess of 90 per cent of the ture. This new book, Dwellings: The made, the know-how of its construction, reviews world’s buildings, including some 800 Vernacular House World Wide takes the labour that has gone into building million dwellings. Dwellings is about into account further scholarship in the it, the cost in time and money that has the types and forms of vernacular field and also acknowledges theoretical been expended upon it. The dwelling is houses around the world, traditional developments in the areas of cultural the theatre of our lives, where the major buildings that are self-built by their geography, gender studies, sociology dramas of birth and death, of procreation owner-occupiers or built by members and anthropology. Each narrative chap- and recreation are played out, and in of a community, from many countries. ter is highly illustrated with drawings which the succession of scenes of daily Dwellings is an essential record of and photographs, largely by the author living are enacted, and re-enacted in the domestic buildings by indigenous from his research field trips over many processes of dwelling.” groups that still exist and thrive in the years. For architects and students, and The author, Paul Oliver is one of the most world today, as well as others that are for those involved in historical research eminent scholars on vernacular archi- sadly under threat or disappearing. It or the field of vernacular architecture it tecture. He is currently the Chair of the is also a useful survey for understand- is a fascinating and informative docu- Master’s course in International Studies in ing how different communities cope ment of the ways in which houses are The following quotation from the author Vernacular Architecture at the School of with issues that affect everyone who constructed, decorated and inhabited sheds light on the genius loci of the book: Architecture, Oxford Brookes University

builds, eg. climate, migration, as well as around the world. “In a great many cultures the dwelling is where he has taught for many years. books www.architecture.com & www.ribapix.com COMPETITION www.architecture.com, the website of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Q: What was the name of this building has been recently upgraded to a more and where was it located? visual and easy to navigate site. With various sections including information Who was the architect who designed this building? on the RIBA and membership details, and information on Education and Careers, the site gives a new face to the RIBA itself. One of the more interesting The winner of this features is the link to another RIBA site, competition wins www.ribapix.com. Here the user can a copy of the book navigate through a growing database reviewed above: dedicated to providing exceptional and “Dwellings” by unique images from the collections of Paul Oliver. the British Architectural Library at the This book RIBA, the world’s most extensive visual is available archive devoted to architecture. RIBApix from Agenda covers world architecture of all periods Bookshop, the together with related subjects such as sponsor of this interior design, landscape, topography, competition and planning, construction and the review page. decorative arts. Many of the images are also of social documentary importance. Send your entries Another interesting item is the “How we to: The Editor, Editorial Board and their families are built Britain” section, which explores a The Architect Competition, Kamra not eligible to participate. tal-Periti, The Professional Centre, website thousand years of British architecture with through this online exhibition of Sliema Road, Gzira, or by email The building featured in the competition photographs, drawings, books, models on [email protected]. of Issue 41 was the Palace of the Captain and manuscripts, all from the RIBA British of the General of the Galleys in Architectural Library. Assembled since The first correct entry drawn on Birgu. It was constructed in the 1834, this is one of the world’s finest the 4 November 2007 will win. 1680s with Lorenzo Gafa as the collections relating to architecture and Only residents of the Maltese architect. Today it houses the our built heritage, totalling some four Islands are eligible to participate. Casino di Venezia. No correct million items. Members of the entries were received.

September 2007 25 internationalxxxxx events 26 Now www.makcenter.org architecture.and art in ornamentation of status the Josef and Loos Adolf between sion tension-chargeddiscus- the explores exhibition The Ornament Josef Britnice, Museum, Now www.newlondonarchitecture.org like? be they will what and located be to hotels new the are demand? increasing the to responding industry hotel the year.a visitors million 27 some receivescurrently London Away UK London, Now www.nai.nl ArchitectureBiennale 3rd the with connection in Exhibition A Now Now www.nai.nl develop. to tend spaces these ways unpredictable the of image an viewers give to photographs and drawings maps, uses exhibition This ning. plan- spatial Dutch of orderliness customary the evaded again and time has meet farmland and city where zone transition of zone messy The Neither Now - the - se, Glasgow,Lightouse, www.thelighthouse.co.uk the and ing the Award, Design Urban the student, year 3rd best for Award Lighthouse The – Another Power Another – World Better 04 to Josef 2007; October 28 to 2007; October 27 to 3, alleryG 2007; October 21 to UK London, Museum, V&A 2007; October 14 to 3, alleryG 2007; October 7 to RIAS from Loos: Adolf – Hoffmann er 2007; The 2007; November ilver Medal for best 5th year student, year 5th best for Medal Silver Town ust. Award for sustainable design. sustainable for Award Sust. and Home Czech or Countr Nor Tradition RoyalFestival www.architecture.com arts. the for arena public vibrant a and venue concert world-class a as years 50 next the of demands the meet to refocused takingly pains- been has building landmark this how reveals exhibition This Scotland Rotterdam Republic tecture, Archi Londo New Where ow is How Hoffmann Award for draw- for Award RIAS NAI, y NAI, student awards student five for submitted architectureScottish of stars future the from work features talent, young of showcase A Awards Student SIX offmann about Hoffmann Netherlands International Netherlands Hall Revival SIX and http://cib-w102.iconda.org/conference2007stuttgart Building" and Planning in Practitioner the Now www.designmuseum.org Zaha Now www.louisiana.dk development. this in figure leading the is ARUP of works. itself nature way the to affinity close with forms computer-generated and ideas geometries, new implementing – today heading is ture architecwhere- to clue a gives and design, architectural and science between relationship the elucidating as seen be should exhibition first today.This movements architectural alternative and new about is series This Cecil I: Architeture of Frontiers The Museum Now Gallery, 01 www.interbuild.com technologies new and products new of hundreds with exhibitors 1200 building the – Interbuild October–01 28 - Management Knowledge and "Information 3rd W102 CIB 2007; October 16–18 www.makcenter.org buildings. and homes Modernist to MAK The Architeture MAK ustria A Vienna, Centre, MAK 2007; October 07 www.thelighthouse.co.uk is “Small - Microstruture Sutherland ain M 2008; January 05 – 2007 November Maastrich NAI ry 2008; January 6 to 25 to ouisian L 2007; October 21 to ture + Design + Architeture : Hadid ern Art Modern of re, UK Architecture, Londo New entre's annual architecturetour annual Centre's Balmond n, UK London, useum, M Design 2007; November Beautiful” , UK Birmingham, 2007; November Architets Hussey , Interna Netherlands Stuttgart , Denmark , NAI our 2007 Tour Rotterdam Conference tional and construction and Architecture1960s. the since infrastructure skills and education in ments invest- biggest the of one experiencing is London Learning London’s , Germany , www.nai.nl with Architeture – Cuypers Glasgow, Lightouse, The 2007; 25 - October 01 show ecil Balmond Cecil a mission Scotland Helping November www.batimat.com Building http://design.museum.gent.be years. 20 over for Olivetti for consultant design 1947. in studio design and architectureown his opened soul, and heart in Ettore Sottsass Ettore Now www.arch.nus.edu.sg P 24th 22-24 www.civils.com sector.the within available opportunities on ing reflect- while industry engineering civil the of needs the encompass UK’sto largestthe exhibition is Civils 2007 Civils 20-22 BA 05-10 www.newlondonarchitecture.org respect. this in challenges several face assive TIMA to er 2007; November 2007; November P 2007; November Interna ottsass (1917), Austrian by birth but birth by Austrian (1917), Sottsass , Gent useum, M Design 2008; mid-January T Low and Interna xhibition 2007 Exhibition e on Conference tional Singapore Earls tional aris Architeture Energy Expo, n, UK London, 2, Court rom 1958 he was the was he 1958 From www.thelighthouse.co.uk 1956-87 Architeture Gillespie, Glasgow, Lightouse, The 2008; February 03 France er 2007 - 10 - 2007 November 2007 September Scotland & Coia: & Kidd , Belgium , Italian