Newspaper Post Issue no. 57|October 2011 The officalJournoftheKamratal- Perit contents 12

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PRACTICE 04 4 Editorial 5 KTP News 06 6-9 People & Projects 10 eu desk 11 saces FEATURE 12 12-13 Japanese garden 14-16 Malta Design Week 16-18 Housing 19 Fe Analysis 20 current 20 20 EASA 21 HERitage 22 WEB + competition 23 INTERNATIONAL EVENTS 19 “Architecture is understood to go beyond the physical development of our built environment and considered a cultural reference to sustainable development.” National Cultural Policy, Malta, 2011 See Editorial for details

OCTOBER 2011 the architect 3 THE PROFESSIONAL CENTRE Summer is a peculiar season … I welcome the late Policy Actions presented in this document. SLIEMA ROAD sunsets, the cool evenings by the seaside, the open GZIRA GZR 06 - MALTA air events that pepper the Maltese calendar at this The draft National Environment Policy builds further TEL./FAX. (+356) 2131 4265 time … yet I dread the long hot days, the drone of my on the above. It speaks about Government’s commit- EMAIL: [email protected] EDITORIAL desk fan, the constant feeling that it will never be over. ment to continue to protect Malta’s built heritage and WEBSITE: www.ktpmalta.com Despite this, the summer of 2011 brought with it two to improve the environment in historic areas. It further very welcome breaths of fresh air - the publication of identifies the need to “improve the liveability of urban To support members of the profession in achieving excellence in their the National Cultural Policy in July and the publication areas in terms of pleasantness and amenity,” listing as practice of architecture and engineering in the interest of the community of the draft National Environment Policy in September one of the key priorities in this respect the “promot- - two important Policy documents through which ing (of) quality in design.” To this end the draft policy Government has acknowledged the significance of document refers to the need to “place more emphasis The Council of the Kamra Tal-Periti for the year 2011 consists of our built heritage, not only that of the past but also on quality in design in the spatial planning pro- Vincent Cassar (President), Simone Vella Lenicker (Vice President that of the present and the future, as well as the need cess, encouraging development that is design driven.” and Honorary Secretary) and Council members Ruben Paul Borg, Jacques Borg Barthet, Keith Cole, David Felice, Anthony Fenech for promoting quality in design. Furthermore, it takes on board the Kamra tal-Periti’s Vella, Danica Mifsud, Anton Valentino and Damian Vella Lenicker. proposal for the setting up “of a voluntary scheme The Architect is the official journal of the Kamra Tal-Periti. It is The National Cultural Policy takes note of the related to quality in design … administered by Design published on a quarterly basis and distributed with the Business ACE’s (Architects’ Council of Europe) publication Review Panels under a Centre of Architecture and the Today newspaper. The Architect is not to be sold separately. “Architecture and Quality of Life”, and quotes from Built Environment ... Priority in operating the scheme The contents of this journal are copyright. Reproduction in it: “Architecture is a fundamental feature of the his- will be given to design in public spaces, with function- part or in full is forbidden without the permission of the edi- tory, culture and fabric of each of our countries; ality and usability in mind, historic urban areas, tour- tor. The opinions expressed by writers of signed articles and it represents an essential means of artistic expres- ism zones and coastal areas.” In this draft, Government letters appearing in the magazine are those of their respective sion in the daily life of citizens and it constitutes also commits to “take the lead by launching design authors, and neither the Kamra Tal-Periti nor MediaToday Co. Ltd is responsible for these opinions or statements. the heritage of tomorrow. A sense of belonging, competitions for our own projects.” of identity, is an important feature of human soci- Editor: Simone Vella Lenicker ety and culture. Architectural expression is frequently I cannot but applaud! And I am sure that many Design: Zvezdan Reljic – ZED Creative the carrier of such cultural and social needs and will applaud with me! Years of work by the various Sales: Adriana Farrugia Tel: 21 382 741 ext. 126 it is therefore important that these influences are Councils of the Kamra tal-Periti and its members have Printed at: Print It adequately accounted for in the design process.” The been recognised and heeded, and it is indeed with Policy document further refers to the Kamra tal-Periti’s enthusiasm that I look forward to coming to fruition Published by: publication “The Urban Challenge” (2007) wherein it of what have, up to now, been proposals on paper put placed emphasis on the need for a better quality of forward for consideration. life and the built environment. In response to this, the National Cultural Policy states that “architecture is In July 2004, during the launch of the redesigned Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN 4016, Malta understood to go beyond the physical development version of this journal, the Kamra tal-Periti present- Tel: +356 21 382 741, Fax: +356 21 381 992 of our built environment and considered a cultural ref- ed a discussion paper called “A National Policy for Email: [email protected] erence to sustainable development. The quality of the Architecture in Malta – Is it worth it?’” The opening built environment is key to the success of the creative statement said: “Governance is a key tool: it allows the industries in Malta and in this regard must be viewed political aspects of effective cooperation between the as capturing the spirit of the times, and regarded as an actors of government, the professions and networks indicator of Maltese way of life.” to be taken into account in new policies and legisla-

tive proposals. Culture is an intangible asset that has Issue No. 57 | october 2011 the offIcIal JourNal of the Kamra tal-perItI The Policy document goes on to speak about the measurable impacts and therefore its inclusion in need for the creation of a Centre of Architecture and all policies is an unquestionable requirement.” The the Built Environment as proposed by the Kamra tal- intention was a clear one - the Kamra wanted to place Periti, which would have as its main objectives “to high on the national agenda the debate on archi- bring architecture and urban planning issues closer tecture and quality of life. This goal has, in principle, to the general public and at the same time advance been achieved. What remains is its implementation the profession and contribute to an improved design and embracing by all sectors of society. The taking process,” and “to foster better appreciation of our built on board of these proposals by Government gives heritage and to promote more sustainable develop- renewed impetus to the Kamra’s endeavours in this ment in future years. It should assist in raising the regard, and one cannot but look forward to the reali- awareness of the importance of good design and sation of these proposals and ideals. quality in our built environment from both an eco- nomic and environmental point of view.” The setting Simone Vella Lenicker up of such a Centre is in fact listed as one of the 21 Key Editor p ost Newspaper Newspaper

Cover: References: A Japanese Garden on the Bastions? (see pages 12-13) National Cultural Policy: www.maltaculture.com Draft National Environment Policy: https://opm.gov.mt//ambjent

4 the architect OCTOBER 2011 Seminar: External Thermal view of the legislative background to ener- that the “decision by the MEPA Board, to architectural quality and which deserve to Insulation gy performance in buildings and relevant schedule as a Grade 1 property the St be scheduled as Grade 1 properties in similar regulations in the EU. He further outlined all Joseph Church in Manikata, wraps up more fashion to the Manikata Church. In its publi- the materials which make up the 'a than 2 years of intensive research, studies cation “Modernist Malta: The Architectural

Cappotto' Thermal Insulation System and and consultation carried out by MEPA’s Legacy” the Kamra listed and described a KTP NEWS which are all produced in-house by Heritage Planning Unit in the scheduling of number of buildings built in the mid 20th DiDonato SpA. Mr. Ramina explained the most of Malta’s Parish Churches.” The Kamra, Century that symbolise the Modernist set-up of the thermal insulation system and in a statement to the press, asked “was the Movement in Malta. sequence of application while going team responsible for the processing of the The Kamra had without success campaigned through the company’s entire range of insu- application and eventual permit not aware against the partial demolition of the Qala lation materials and their relative use. of MEPA’s own efforts in this regard?” primary school in 2006. However, in 2009 it The seminar concluded with a number of In a subsequent statement, MEPA held that was successful in halting the demolition of questions from the attending guests and the scheduling “has safeguarded the the Public Broadcasting Services’ Rediffusion the discussion continued at a reception Manikata Church and has ensured that any House in Guardamangia. Both these build- held at the end of the seminar. future interventions that may be carried out ings are excellent examples of Malta’s on this site will fully respect the rich and Modernist Movement architecture and, A seminar about External Thermal Insulation Manikata Church unique architectural value of this building. together with other structures of the time, in buildings was recently held at the Le The Authority dismisses the statement deserve protection and retention. Meridien Hotel in St Julians. Organised Last August, the Kamra tal-Periti welcomed made that the scheduling of the Manikata by Philip A Tabone in collaboration with the decision taken by the Malta Environment Church came too late to ensure that it will Joint Summer Event the Kamra tal-Periti, the seminar was well and Planning Authority (MEPA) to schedule be protected. Scheduling prevails over any attended and highlighted the particular On the 29 July, members of the Kamra tal- benefits of external insulation in relation to Periti joined members of the Chamber of the materials used. Engineers and the Malta Group of Professional Engineering Institutions at a Summer BBQ held at the Corinthia Hotel, St George’s Bay. Although this event has been held for a number of years, this was the first time that the Kamra participated in this informal get together. It is hoped that this collaboration will continue in the future and that the Kamra’s members will participate in greater numbers next year.

Ongoing discussions: MEPA Reform An introduction by Philip A Tabone high- Over the past year, the Kamra tal-Periti has lighted the importance of thermal insula- been in constant discussion with MEPA in tion not only with regard to its financial order to improve various aspects of MEPA's benefits and lower household energy bills, services from a procedural point of view. but also because it improves the living con- MEPA’s Circular 3/10 issued recently, and ditions of a house and retains a healthy which is available for download from MEPA's indoor climate. the Church of St Joseph in Manikata as a permit irrespective of when a permit has website, incorporates a number of sugges- Mr. Riccardo Ramina, commercial director Grade 1 property. However, while applaud- been issued on site. The Authority confirms tions made by the Kamra over the past of DiDonato SpA, followed with an over- ing this decision by MEPA, the Kamra that the permit which was issued last month months, particularly with respect to the expressed its opinion that this decision was will now have to be re-evaluated in the light application submission requirements and taken too late in the day as such scheduling of the scheduling. Following this assess- the availability of MEPA officials for one-to- should have been declared before the ment, the Authority will take a decision on one discussions with periti and applicants. development permit for additions beneath the way forward.” One waits to see how such Periti are invited to continue to forward any the church parvis was approved by the re-evaluation of the permit will be carried feedback they may have to the Kamra on Environment Planning Commission on the out, and what impact the scheduling will in [email protected]. Queries and 19th July 2011, and indeed should have fact have on the proposals. comments submitted here are reproduced been a material consideration during the Meanwhile, the Kamra wishes to draw on the Kamra’s website www.ktpmalta.com processing of such application. MEPA’s attention to the fact that there are together with the relevant answers, where The MEPA Chairman was quoted as saying many other properties that have remarkable available.

OCTOBER 2011 the architect 5 Barbara Cappochin Prize architecture that maintains a dialogue with The international Barbara Cappochin grand the past and with history. c ts prix was awarded to the Spanish architect Philippe Rotthier undertook to pursue this Fabrizio Barozzi, for the Headquarters of the quest by awarding an architecture prize. The Ribera de Duero Council, in Roa, Spain. The works are selected by juries that have jury appreciated the simplicity that address- included such eminent European figures as es the delicate relationship between the the writers Adrien Goetz and Françoise contemporary nature of the project, the Lalande, the journalists Sergio Frau and landscape and the history of the place. Katia Pecnik, the designer Matali Crasset, the Three mentions were awarded: to Marìa historians Bruno Foucart, Charles Jencks and j e & pro people Hurtado de Mendoza (Spain), for the local David Watkin, the visual artist Jean-Bernard Métais, and the architects Léon Krier, Michael Lykoudis, Dimitri Porphyrios and Oscar Tusquets. The theme for this year’s award scheme was The Age of Renovation, and sought to dis- cover projects which helped to regenerate an urban setting. The jury of the Philippe Photo by Architecture Project Architecture by Photo Headquarters of the Ribera de Duero Council, in Roa, Rotthier European Prize for Architecture, Inside Festival of Spain. Photo by Fabrizio Barozzi under the presidency of Maurice Culot and Interiors Awards 2011 health care centre in Saint Blas, Madrid; to in the presence of Philippe Rotthier, founder “Inside” is a brand-new festival celebrating Jordi Hidalgo (Spain), for the Foundation of of the prize, convened on 24th and 25th the finest interiors and their creators. Rehabilitation and Conservation of Marine June 2011. After having reviewed the 101 Through a series of curated events, talks, Animals in Barcelona; and to Claudio Nardi entries, from 19 countries, the jury decided: installations and a prestigious awards pro- (Poland), for the Museum of Contemporary to select thirty projects, of which seven suc- gramme, “Inside” will be a vibrant platform Art in Kracow. cessful candidates will share a prize of for creative thought, mutual inspiration and For this fourth edition, three hundred and €30,000 prize, to award a special prize and idea exchange, capturing the design zeit- eighty three entries were submitted to the to single out three projects for an honorary geist in style over two days in Barcelona (02 international jury. Chaired by Leopoldo to 04 November 2011). Freyrie, it was composed of the following The Festival includes eight categories: Bars architects: Luca Molinari, Nikos Fintikakis, and Restaurants; Creative Re use; Culture Doug Steidl, Ben Darmer and Matti and Civic; Display; Hotels; Offices; Sanaksenaho. Residential; and Retail. 143 projects from 79 The aim of the Barbara Cappochin Prize for practices in 21 countries were submitted, of Architecture is to heighten awareness and which 41 projects were shortlisted. These associate the various actors of architectural will be individually presented to an interna- creation, urban planners, developers and tional jury and will compete within their architects, with the promotion of environ- category as well as for the overall award for mental quality and construction in urban World Interior of the Year. Photo by David Pisani (Metropolis) and natural situations. Organised by the Local firm Architecture Project (AP) has been Barbara Cappochin Foundation, this prize is selected as one of the finalists in the Creative St Barbara’s Bastion in Valletta into offices part of the programme of the International Re use category. The project consists of the and residential space. The need for separate Biennial of Architecture in Padua which will remodelling of an old three storey house on entrances, and therefore, two staircases be held from 26 October 2011 until 13 became the key design challenge February 2012. for the architectural team. They applied the concept of the “dou- Philippe Rotthier ble-helix” to the two staircases, European Prize for thus enabling the entrances to Architecture be distinct, leading to the offices Over the past 30 years, the architect Philippe Prize for the best museum restoration - Neues Museum Design by David Chipperfield Architects and residential unit separately, Rotthier has searched around Europe for while the intertwining staircases new architecture that is in keeping with the mention, as follows: are conceived as one sculptural spirit of a site, meets contemporary comfort – Prize for the best participative architecture: mass. requirements and respects ecology; archi- Sil Plaz Cinema in Ilanz, Switzerland For more information on the tecture that blends with a town and a land- – Prize for the best museum restoration: Neues Festival and participating projects scape rather than destroying them; architec- Museum in Berlin, Germany

Photo by David Pisani (Metropolis) Pisani David by Photo visit www.insidefestival.com. ture that wastes neither space nor energy; – Prize for the best conversion of a religious

6 the architect OCTOBER 2011 building: Elsa Morante library in Lonate CICA Book Awards 2011 Catalogue Award 2011: Aydan Balamir Ceppino (Varese), Italy At the beginning of Septermber 2011, CICA (ed.): for “Clemens Holzmeister. Çağın – Prize for the best mix of activities and urban (International Committee of Architectural Dönümünde Bir Mimar. Architect at the c ts integration: The Refrigeration Depot and Ice Critics) announced its shorlists in three cat- Turn of an Era” Palace in Milan, Italy egories of this year’s edition of the CICA – CICA Pierre Vago Journalism Award – Prize for the best housing renovation: Book Awards. Among these was the publica- 2011: Tom Avermaete, David de Bruijn, Oleanderweg social housing in Halle (Saale), tion titled “Between shadow & stone. A visu- Joachim Declerck, Job Floris, Christoph Germany al exploration of Richard England's architec- Grafe, Klaske Havik, Anne Holtrop, Johan – Prize for the best industrial heritage conser- ture” which consists of a catalogue of archi- Lagae, Ruben Molendijk, Véronique vation: Rome’s former slaughterhouse, Italy Patteeuw, Hans Teerds, Gus Tielens, Tom – Prize for the best social conversion: The Casa The Pink Project. Photo by Ricky Ridecos Vandeputte (eds.) for “Oase # 81, j e & pro people do Médico de São Rafael in Sines, Portugal Constructing Criticism” – Special jury prize: The Boghossian for the fundraising effort, launched by The International Committee of Architectural Foundation for the Villa Empain in Brussels, American movie star Brad Pitt and philan- Critics CICA has, since it was established in Belgium thropist Steve Bing, a real-estate developer Mexico City in 1978, been closely associated – Honorary mentions: The Chicago Tower, and film producer, to match up to $5 million with the World Congresses of the restructuring of the archives building of the dollars and the start of the Make It Right International Union of Architects. The inau- Cour des Comptes as offices in Paris, France; Foundation. gural meeting of CICA was held in the Joan Creation of a unified contemporary environ- For GRAFT Architect’s deep commitment to Miró Foundation in July 1979 when Prof. ment around the Temple of Diana in Mérida, humanitarian concerns in today’s architec- One of the photos by Timmy Gambin depicting a Bruno Zevi (Rome) was elected the first CICA Spain; Reconstruction of a part of Reykjavik’s ture and for their cutting-edge efforts to detail of the Manikata Church reproduced in the President with Jorge Glusberg (Argentina), Exhibition Catalogue “Between shadow & stone. A central and historic square, Iceland strive toward a unique design beyond the Julius Posener (Germany), Dennis Sharp (UK) visual exploration of Richard England's architecture” The above, together with the other 21 proj- constraints of the envelope, The European and Pierre Vago (France) as Directors. The ects selected, will be displayed at an exhibi- Centre for Architecture Art Design and tectural photography by Timmy Gambin and current President is Prof. Joseph Rykwert tion, which will take place from 16th October Urban Studies, together with The Chicago includes essays by Gambin himself, Dr and CICA Board Members are François to 20th November 2011 at the Architecture Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Conrad Thake, Prof Richard England and Fr Chaslin (F), Prof. Manuel Cuadra (Germany), Museum, La Loge, in Brussels, before being Design, have named them as the recipient of Peter Serracino-Inglott. This catalogue was Jorge Glusberg (Argentina), Louise Noelle presented in Paris and other cities. They will The European Prize for Architecture 2011. shortlisted for the Exhibition Catalogue Gras (Mexico), Süha Özkan (Turkey) and also feature in the exhibition catalogue. Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1998 Award. Jennifer Taylor (Australia). Among these will be the project for the rede- by Lars Krückeberg, Wolfram Putz, and At the end of the month, during the CICA CICA has held critical sessions since, in velopment of the seafront at Valletta, and Thomas Willemeit, GRAFT is a design studio Symposium held within the UIA World Warsaw, Cairo, Brighton, Rome, Vienna, creation of a cruise ship terminal by local conceived as a “label” for architecture, urban Congress Tokyo 2011, the winners were Sydney, Barcelona, Istanbul, Paris, New York, firm Architecture Project (AP). planning, exhibition design, music and the announced as follows: London, Gelsenkirchen, Beijing, Berlin, Rio The jury insisted on selecting works that “pursuit of happiness.” A second GRAFT – CICA Bruno Zevi Book Award 2011: de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Kuwait, Vancouver, were still little known, that represented office was opened in 2001 in Berlin, followed Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani for “Die Torino and Tokyo. The next series of CICA social progress or that encouraged a by a third office in Beijing in 2004, which is Stadt im 20. Jahrhundert. Visionen, Awards are set for the UIA Congress in 2014. renewed dialogue between history, the past headed by founding partner Gregor Entwürfe, Gebautes, Wagenbach” For further information on CICA visit lives of buildings and the new activities they Hoheisel. – CICA Julius Posener Exhibition www.cicarchitecture.org. embrace. All of the contestants were con- For this year’s Prize, The European Centre gratulated on the high quality of the works received nominations from professional NEPTUME they had presented. For further information organisations and societies, museums of municipal waste has recognised potential on the competition, the winners and par- architecture, organisations and institutions For decades, Malta has relied heavily on the for irrigation and other purposes, the prac- ticipants visit www.fondationpourlarchitec- throughout Europe. Members of The unsustainable over-extraction of ground- tice of piping wastewater long distances for ture.be. European Centre’s International Advisory water reserves and on reverse osmosis to treatment would prove costly and ineffi- Committee served as the Nominating Jury meet national water demands. Although cient and the treated effluent from a con- European Prize for for the Prize. “The purpose of The European second class water produced from urban ventional municipal plant would still require Architecture 2011 Prize for Architecture,” states Ioannis Karalias, When Hurricane Katrina hit America’s Gulf Museum Vice President, The Chicago Coast in 2005 and left thousands of people Athenaeum, “is to honour annually a living homeless in its wake, GRAFT Architects architect or architects whose built works sprung to action with an outdoor art instal- demonstrate vision and talent and a body of lation that drew world attention to the envi- work that has demonstrated significant con- ronmental crisis and to the need to find tributions to art and humanity.” affordable housing alternatives in the pro- Nominations for the 2012 edition of the Prize cess of rebuilding New Orleans. Their 150 are to be submitted by 01 June, 2012. flamingo-coloured, solar-powered, and For further information visit: water-resistant houses were the 2006 kickoff www.europeanarch.eu. Connecting the Three Cities through a sustainable landscaping project

OCTOBER 2011 the architect 7 local context. The project will assess the suitability of different macrophytic species, c ts their ability to absorb specific excess nutri-

& ents from the water, and their potential as a source of biomass for fuel. The physical and chemical parameters of the water will be monitored continually, with real time data ensuring the efficient processing and polishing of the water. further processing to be suited for individ- purposes, fountains and more. The project The project was launched at Villa Bighi last j e & pro people ual reuse applications. However, sewage will set new standards for sustainability in September. Financed by the Malta Council effluent may be sourced and treated locally, landscaping schemes, agricultural activi- for Science and Technology’s National with specific on-site purification of the ties, golf courses and recreational areas Research and Innovation Programme, resultant water. where sufficient water supply is not avail- NEPTUME was chosen from among 40 pro- NEPTUME (No-Discharge Energy-Efficient able. posals. The €185,000 sustainable irrigation Corporation, the Department of Biology at Prototype for the Treatment of Urban NEPTUME combines research into the latest system is being jointly developed by the University of Malta and Argotti Botanical Municipal Effluent) studies the treatment of developments in flat sheet ceramic mem- Architecture Project Ltd, Water Services Gardens, which also falls under the univer- municipal sewage using a compact ceramic brane technology with the nutrient-remov- sity’s umbrella. The next phase will see the membrane system with recognised advan- al potential of follow-on biological phytore- setting up and testing of NEPTUME as part tages over conventional membrane sys- mediation processes, studying the benefits of the Dock 1 Landscaping project, utilising tems. The treated effluent is subjected to a in the context of the regeneration of the disused storage areas and open water follow-on ecological and low energy phy- derelict inner-harbour area around Dock ponds. If the pilot project is successful, it is toremediation process, polishing the water One, Cospicua. Little data is available on the expected that the concept will be devel- for use in public spaces and for irrigation application of these technologies in the oped for use throughout the island.

RIBA Stirling Prize 2011 The Evelyn Grace Academy, London, by Zaha Hadid Architects has won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize 2011. This is the second year running that Zaha Hadid Architects have won the RIBA Stirling Prize after winning last year’s edition with MAXXI Museum of 21st Century Art in Rome. A highly stylized zig-zag of Evelyn Grace steel and glass, the Evelyn Academy by Zaha Hadid Grace Academy is squeezed Architects. onto the tightest of urban Photo by sites. The architects received a Hufton Crow

complex brief: four schools under a single academy umbrella with the need to express both independence and unity. The architects were strongly encouraged by the client to 'think outside the The Velodrome box'. by Hopkins Architects. RIBA President Angela Brady Photo by said, 'The Evelyn Grace Richard Davies Academy is an exceptional example of what can be achieved when we invest carefully in a well-designed new school building. The result - a highly imagina- tive, exciting Academy An Gaelaras by that shows the students, O'Donnell + Toumey. staff and local residents Photo by Dennis that they are valued - is Gilbert what every school

8 the architect OCTOBER 2011 Sustainability snaps c ts Keeping in touch with the jargon and what's going on “The EU Energy Policy: Engaging with Partners beyond Our Borders” j e & pro people Folkwang Museum by David Chipperfield Architects The EU imports over 60% of its gas and over 80% of its oil. It faces growing competition Photo by Christian Richters for fossil fuel resources, including from emerging countries and energy producers themselves. Growing population and rising standards of living could push global should and could be. The unique design, energy demand up by 40% by 2030. Rising energy demand is pushing up global pric- expertly inserted into an extremely tight es, bringing energy poverty to many and playing havoc in countries where fossil fuel site, celebrates the school’s sports special- subsidies are prevalent. ism throughout its fabric, with drama and A consistent and well coordinated EU External Energy Policy is therefore of fundamen- views of student participation at every con- tal importance to the EU’s economy, industry and citizens. Past experience proved that tortion and turn. Evelyn Grace Academy is a bilateral energy relations between individual Member States and third supplier or The Angel Building by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. transit countries can result in a fragmentation of the EU’s internal market rather than very worthy winner of architecture’s most Photo by Timothy Soar prestigious award and I am delighted to a strengthening of the EU's energy supply and competitivity. A coherent, dynamic and present Zaha Hadid Architects with this Architects, The Royal Shakespeare Theatre proactive external energy policy is also important to enable the EU and its Member States to establish a lead position in energy geopolitics, to effectively promote both accolade.' by Bennetts Associates and The Velodrome EU and national energy interests beyond EU’s borders, and to contribute to the com- Peter Walker, Principal of the Evelyn Grace by Hopkins Architects. petitiveness of the European industry. The RIBA Stirling Prize is the UK's most pres- Academy said, 'This visually stunning build- To maximise this potential and to assert EU and Member State interests more effec- ing makes a powerful statement to our stu- tigious architecture prize. Every year it is tively in changing world energy markets, a recent Commission Communication pro- dents every day they attend school. As a presented to the architects of the building poses a number of strategic actions and objectives, with the following priorities: new academy setting the highest expecta- that has made the greatest contribution to tions for all students, it is fitting that we have the evolution of architecture in the past year. – Building up the external dimension of EU internal energy market; such an aspirational environment. The inter- The prize is for projects 'built or designed in – Strengthening partnerships for secure, safe, sustainable and competitive energy; nal structure of the building supports the Britain'. Buildings are eligible if they are in – Improving access to sustainable energy for developing countries; and innovative nature of Evelyn Grace Academy’s the UK or European Union by an architect – Better promoting EU policies beyond its borders. small school system exceptionally well.' whose head office is in the UK. Zaha Hadid commented, 'It is very signifi- The prize was set up in 1996 and is named Source: MEUSAC cant that our first project in London is the after the great British architect Sir James Evelyn Grace. Schools are among the first Stirling (1926 - 1992). It is presented in asso- examples of architecture that everyone ciation with The Architects' Journal and experiences and have a profound impact on Benchmark, and the winning architect Medal. He presented his Mapungubwe all children as they grow up. I am delighted receives a cash prize of £20,000. Interpretation Centre in Limpopo, named that the Evelyn Grace Academy has been so Buildings need to enter and win an RIBA Building of the Year in 2009, and a magnifi- well received by all its students and staff.' Award for architectural excellence in order cent example of respectful and sustainable The project was one of six finalists which to be judged for the RIBA Stirling Prize. The by design architecture. included An Gaelaras by O'Donnell + RIBA Awards are announced in May each Tuomey, The Angel Building by AHMM, year and are judged by a regional Jury. A The webinar featured a presentation by Your letters Folkwang Museum by David Chipperfield separate jury is then created to form the Peter Rich who was awarded the South RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist. The winner is African Institute of Architects' 2010 Gold Letters from our readers to be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize Dinner, considered for publication are held in early October each year. most welcome. Letters for inclusion in Issue 58 are to reach us by the UIA Webinar 30 November 2011. Please write The first webinar, or online seminar, present- to: The Editor, “the Architect”, ed as part of the UIA (International Union of Kamra tal-Periti, The Professional Architects) international continuing profes- Centre, Sliema Road, Gzira sional development programme was broad- GZR 1633, or send an email to cast live on the 15 September for UIA [email protected]. All Royal Shakespeare Theatre by Bennetts Associates Regions I, II, III and V (including Malta) and Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre by Peter Rich contributions will be acknowledged. Architects. Photo by Peter Cook on 16 September for UIA Region IV. Architects

OCTOBER 2011 the architect 9 In this issue of “the Architect”, we take a look at various EU-wide and world-wide initiatives from which Malta could benefit, but in which the island is apparently not yet active, or barely active. It is the intention of this overview to spark some interest and to encourage

e u desk various sectors to look into these initiatives with the aim of becoming more active and participative in these spheres.

Energy Cities every five years; the environmental and sustainable develop- expertise and experience on metropolitan www.energy-cities.eu – to halve per capita emissions by 2030 at the ment management capability of local admin- affairs, and joint action on issues of common Energy Cities is the European Association of latest (from 1990 baseline); istration, but it is also useful in order to iden- interest. The Network has members from local authorities inventing their energy – to preserve the tropical rainforests by tify the domains were a common activation some 50 metropolitan regions and areas and future. From 2009 to 2011, Energy Cities is avoiding the use of tropical timber; could be the most useful mean to improve the partners in many others. METREX contributes under the Presidency of the City of – to support projects and initiatives of the regional environmental conditions. the metropolitan dimension to policies, pro- Heidelberg (DE), with a Board of Directors of indigenous partners. The goals of the Medcities Network are the grammes and projects on a European scale. 11 European Founded in 1990, more than 1,600 cities, following: The Network is a partner of European institu- cities. The municipalities and districts in 18 European – to reinforce the awareness of interdepen- tions, the research community, governmental association, countries have since joined Climate Alliance. dence and common responsibility regarding organisations and other networks. created in Regional governments, NGOs and other the policies of urban environmental conserva- No Maltese localities currently form part of 1990, repre- organisations are able to join as associated tion in the Mediterranean basin; this network. sents more members. No Maltese localities currently – to strengthen the role and the means (insti- than 1,000 towns and cities in 30 countries. form part of this initiative, as indicated on the tutional, financial and technical capability) of ICLEI - Local Governments for According to the listing on the website, no website’s listing. municipalities in the implementation of local Sustainability Maltese localities currently form part of this sustainable development policies; www.iclei.org initiative. Medcities – develop awareness and involvement of citi- ICLEI is an association of over 1,220 local gov- Energy Cities’ main objectives are to: www.medcities.org zens and consumers on urban sustainable ernment Members who are committed to – strengthen cities’ role and skills in the field of Medcities is a network of Mediterranean development; sustainable development. Members come sustainable energy; coastal cities created in Barcelona in – set up a direct cooperation policy in order to from 70 different countries and represent – represent cities’ interests and influence the November 1991 at the initiative of the implement the partnership between coastal more than 569,885,000 people. ICLEI is an policies and proposals made by European Mediterranean Technical Assistance Mediterranean cities. international association of local govern- Union institutions in the fields of energy, envi- Programme Two cities per country are able to participate ments as well as national and regional local ronmental protection and urban policy; (METAP). The in this network. Currently, Gozo is listed as the – develop and promote cities’ initiatives METAP, whose only participant from the Maltese archipela- through exchange of experiences, the transfer objective is go. of know-how and the implementation of joint environmen- projects. tal improve- METREX government organisations who have made ment in the www.eurometrex.org a commitment to sustainable development. Climate Alliance Mediterranean region, was established in The majority of the people of Europe live and ICLEI provides technical consulting, training, www.klimabuendnis.org 1990 by the World Bank, the European work in cities and urban regions. Within the and information services to build capacity, “Climate Alliance of European Cities with Investment Bank, the European Commission wider Europe there are some 120 metropoli- share knowledge, and support local govern- Indigenous Rainforest Peoples” is the European and the UNDP (United Nations Development tan regions and areas, which are the larger ment in the implementation of sustainable network of local authorities committed to the Programme). centres of economic and social life. They con- development at the local level. Its basic protection of the world's climate. The member The creation of Medcities was a consequence tain core business, cultural and governmental premise is that locally designed initiatives cities and municipalities aim to reduce green- of METAP's objective of strengthening functions and their wellbeing is vital to the can provide an effective and cost-efficient house gas emissions at their source. Their allies decentralised actions involving technical sustainability, competitiveness and social way to achieve local, national, and global in this endeavour are the Indigenous Peoples assistance as the best means of promoting progress of Europe and its people. Many have sustainability objectives. of the rainforests in the Amazon Basin. awareness of urban environmental problems severe problems, which also need special ICLEI was founded in 1990 as the Climate Alliance aims to demonstrate the and making those actions into a vehicle for attention. 'International Council for Local Environmental determination to act in favour of the global empowering municipalities in developing METREX, the Network of European Initiatives'. The Council was established climate. By joining Climate Alliance, cities and countries in respect of management of Metropolitan Regions and Areas, provides a when more than 200 local governments municipalities urban environmental issues. Medcities con- platform for the exchange of knowledge, from 43 countries convened at our inaugural embrace the fol- tinues offering this support. Afterwards conference, the World Congress of Local lowing voluntary Medcities extended its activities from the Governments for a Sustainable Future, at the commitments: initial local environment to the wider local United Nations in New York. – to reduce CO2 sustainable development field. No Maltese localities currently appear to par- emissions by 10% The Medcities network is a tool to strengthen ticipate in this initiative.

10 the architect OCTOBER 2011 Luke Lapira, Secretary General of SACEs, gives our readers an insight into what the Society is up to at the start of the academic year …

As raindrops begin to pour and the days pursued by students in Malta. The exhibition SA C ES shorten, students around the islands pre- displayed a series of works ranging from the pare for the upcoming academic year with first year diploma students up till the fourth an array of emotions. Some sad about the year works, aiming at achieving one com- end of the leisurely summer months, others mon goal: Good Design. In “Growth”, one excited to embark on a new adventure. This could explore an array of processes adopted, year marks an important year in the Faculty be they unique to the individual that pur- for the Built Environment’s history, as it sued them, or inspired by celebrated archi- evolves into educating a new breed of pro- tects. The journey from concept to final fessionals into the industry. Following its design sometimes contains unexpected first year in providing the Diploma in Design twists and turns that lead to a design discov- Foundation Studies, students are now ery, which “Growth” attempted to portray. enrolled for the first time ever in a three-year The event was hosted in a unique location at Bachelor of Science (Hons.) degree in Built 59, St. Dominic’s Street, Valletta. Environment Studies. The second event, hosted in collaboration GROWTH - a satellite event with GetUp StandUp, was entitled “Open” organised by SACES during Malta SACES 2011/2012 and dealt with a design challenge presented Design Week in an attempt to to third year students concerning the analyse and dissect the methods Changes are evident throughout the spec- pursued by Maltese architecture trum, including this year’s SACES team, Marsa Open Centre. The brief which is hard at work helping the students initially involved the the technology used in a cli- University Lecturer Dr. Vince Buhagiar, a gear back into the university routine by design of a library for mate that is similar to that team of 10 students embarked on this trip hosting a variety of events, the first of which the centre, howev- which we reside in. on the 24th of September. sees the return of the traditional calendar er it evolved into Unfortunately, the a project scope event – “Sand Sculptures.” Located at Għadira technology required New Website Bay in Mellieħa, the event saw the gathering covering the in obtaining such a SACES would also like to announce its new of a total of 40 students, past and present, to rehabilitation low energy footprint website – www.sacesmalta.org. In order to design and construct a series of Sand of the site with as is used by better get in touch with all its members, as Sculptures that were judged based on vari- a prime chal- Northern European well as announce important events such as lenge – tack- countries is largely the Workshop 2011 (14th – 16th October, ling design not- inapplicable in cli- location to be announced shortly), this new withstanding a mates such as our own. website aims at being a hub for all students lack of funds to Accompanied by fulfil expensive within the Faculty for the Built Environment. design. “Open” was an opportunity for the public to view the solutions to this design issue as proposed by five teams of students that tackled the various social challenges through cost effective architectural solu- ous criteria. This small but successful event tions. True to its name, the exhibition was encouraged the students to get back in held on location in a beautiful abandoned touch with each other and to interact with building, immediately outside the Marsa their peers throughout the Faculty. Open Centre.

Malta Design Week Passive House: Botticelli As part of its annual design exhibition, Project Site Visit SACES was invited to take part in Malta Sicilian Engineer, Carmelo Sapienza, forms Design Week (1st – 8th October 2011). Two part of a firm that is currently working on separate events were held within this design the first passive house in Sicily. Upon his expo. The first of these series of events was invitation, SACES has organised a trip to visit “Growth”, an exhibition that aimed at analys- this project prior to its completion in order ing and dissecting the design process as to better understand its construction and

OCTOBER 2011 the architect 11 & A Japanese Garden j apanese g arden on the Bastions? by Nicolo' Bencini

any will be quite sur- the help of Mr. Carmel Busuttil and In 2010 the Bonsai Culture Group prised to find out that Mr. Joe Casha who supplied most of was given a plot of land below the M there exists a society in the Bonsai trees from their personal Argotti Gardens in Floriana to use Malta solely dedicated to the culti- collection, the exhibition was held for the cultivation and nurturing of vation and nurturing of Bonsai on the 9th June 1991. The exhibi- their trees. The site formerly trees. Let alone if they were to find tion was a success drawing in hun- formed part of the Department of out that this same society intends dreds of people, some of whom Lotteries stores in Sa Maison Street to build a Japanese garden right expressed great interest in the and consists of a dilapidated one below St. Philip's bastions in Bonsai tree culture. The following storey building and an open gar- Floriana. And even more so if they November, Mr. Casha and Mr den surrounded by the St. Philip's were to find out that this Japanese Busutill founded the' Bonsai Culture bastions. The entrance to the site is garden was designed by a group of Group' in response to the public's located right next to Notre Dame University students. great interest following the exhibi- Gate which was partly demolished It all began in the early months of tion. With the help of Mr. Joseph in the past in order to allow for the 1991 when Mr Edward Sammut, Busuttil, another local Bonsai flow of traffic in and out of Valletta. president of the Friends of Japan enthusiast, the Bonsai Culture The site garden itself was found Association, was looking to hold Group has since held yearly Bonsai in an abandoned state and unsuit- with the Ministry of Resources and eventually developed three differ- Malta's first Bonsai Exhibition at exhibitions in order to raise aware- able for use, therefore the Bonsai Rural Affairs and the University of ent design proposals. All three Palazzo Costanzo in Mdina. With ness on the art of Bonsai. Culture Group in collaboration Malta set up a competition for the proposals were exhibited at the design and rehabilitation of the University of Malta in the Faculty garden. Fourth Year students for the Built Environment, and a studying Landscape Design from jury consisting of members from the Faculty for the Built the Bonsai Culture Group, profes- Environment were asked to pro- sional architects, University lectur- pose a design for the layout of the ers and an architect from the garden based on Japanese Bonsai Ministry of Resources and Rural garden styles and philosophy. The Affairs was assembled in order to students' designs had to respect decide which scheme would be the surroundings while at the selected. The winning design same time adhere to the strict eventually chosen was that sub- design philosophies and styles mitted by Jonathan Borg, Matthew used in Japanese garden design. It Casha, Nicolo’ Bencini and Sergei was clear from the start that the Mikhailenko, all Fourth Year main priority was not to build an Architecture students. entirely traditional Japanese gar- Initially the idea was to reserve den, but to design a garden which the whole site for the Bonsai respects St. Philip's bastions and Culture Group in order to cultivate did not obstruct or infringe on and nurture Bonsai trees, but the them in any way. chosen design involved allocating Under the direction of their tutor, an area for public use. It was decid- Perit Ramon Gauci, the students ed that by allowing members of

12 the architect OCTOBER 2011 & j apanese g arden

the public to access certain parts feelings and experiences. In order of the site, the Bonsai Culture to allow for this idea of exploration Group would gain more public and discovery to be possible, the exposure than if they were to public area of the Bonsai garden restrict the opening of the site to was then further divided into exhibition times only. This division smaller more intimate spaces. A of the site would also help the bamboo fence was used to block ing to it the sense of mystery and The play between land and water and the garden built around them Bonsai group better accomplish its off areas and focus views therefore exploration that more traditional was also a key feature in the stu- while various other trees and veg- two aims simultaneously:; 'to prohibiting the viewer from seeing Japanese gardens convey. Bamboo dents' design. Since the site itself is etation regularly used in Japanese inform the general public about the whole garden at once. This fencing was used since the user quite small, it was not possible to gardens would be introduced to the art of bonsai and secondly to along with the use of fragmented may often glimpse hints of what is have lakes or islands as in tradi- the site. The final result is a garden train its members on the basic and path ways gives the user the behind through holes or imperfec- tional Japanese gardens, therefore consisting of many small intimate advanced techniques of bonsai impression that the garden is larg- tions in the fencing, but never gets the students simulated this feature spaces which encourage the user training'. er than it actually is. The path is a full view. It is also a very natural by creating a channel of water to wander freely from one space to The students based the garden essentially a circular one which and traditional material used in which follows the path way. The the next and get lost in the orien- layout on traditional Japanese gar- meanders around the central med- may Japanese gardens. Traditional centre of the garden contains the tal setting. dens which are designed around itation space where the pavilion is furniture and flora which one pavilion and mediation space the idea that the walk through it is located. This central space is not might expect to find in a Japanese which is surrounded by the water a walk through life - with all its fully visible to the user until garden are present in the design, channel in order to give the visitors problems, obstacles, amazements, towards the end of the path add- giving the space an oriental feel. the impression that it is on an island. People walking in the gar- den would have to continuously cross from one side of the channel to the other until they reach the pavilion. Even though this was the win- It was of paramount importance ning design, the Bonsai Culture for the students that the Japanese Group also identified successful garden would not ruin the view of elements from the other designs St. Philip's Bastions as a whole. by Francesca Camillieri, Claire Therefore the design itself was Galea, Nikki Zammit, Fabio kept low-lying and hidden from Aquilina, Ruth Borg and Nadia street view by trees and vegeta- Martinelli which are to be part of tion. In this way, the Japanese envi- the final product. The final design ronment and culture may be will be the result of the input from enjoyed by people visiting the gar- all participants as well as input den but, at the same time, will not from members of the Bonsai be visible from the exterior of the Culture Group and comments site when viewed from a distance. made by the judging jury. Furthermore, in order to reduce impact on the site, it was decided More information on the Bonsai that most of the indigenous trees Culture Group may be found on found on site should be retained www.bonsaimalta.org , OCTOBER 2011 the architect 13 MDW Malta Design Week The recently published draft National ers, architects, artists, artisans, journalists, Environment Policy addresses the need to critics, academics and entrepreneurs. Over improve the quality of the built environment 50 events, installations and happenings through supporting measures for improved formed the collage of expression under the quality in design. “It is increasingly recog- MDW umbrella, including talks and work- nized that poor design has social implica- shops by various international promoters tions: beauty as an element of quality cre- and creators of good design, such as Gilian ates psychological benefits that contribute Schrofer (Netherlands), Charles Knevitt (UK), to a balanced society, and to overall quality Shelley Martin (US), Ralph de Lange of life.” The draft policy lists a number of pro- (Netherlands), Gaspar Gonzalez (Spain) and posed measures by which such goals could Nicolas Roope (UK). be achieved. Having a policy is one matter, The main MDW events took place at the implementing it is certainly an altogether Old University Building in Merchants Street, different kettle of fish. Can such policies be Valletta, which was converted into a gallery achieved? Does Malta have the substance for expression of all forms of art and design: with which to achieve this aim? architecture, fashion, photography, interior The first eight days of October were punc- design, sculpture, to name but a few. A num- tuated by an event that was spread across ber of satellite events were also held in vari- various cultural and commercial venues: ous other locations including furniture and Malta Design Week (MDW). Its main goals: design stores, run-down buildings, artists’ “to promote and celebrate good design” and and artisans’ studios and showrooms. “to provide a space and environment for the In a statement to the press, the organisers expanding local design talent to interact, commented that “The long-term aim of experience, discuss and be inspired by mul- MDW is to establish Malta as a hub for clear: the need for making design issues "Conjugal" at the Old University Building. tiple design disciplines.” Exhibitions, talks, Mediterranean creativity; through collabo- more accessible to the general public and Photo by Matthew James Mercieca workshops and launches, featured on the ration and cross-fertilisation, MDW will for creating fora of this type is evident, and MDW programme, aimed at appealing to a eventually develop into a biennial or annu- it is events such as this which continue to OPEN wide audience of local and foreign design- al event that will act as a vital contribution in fuel the discussion and to bring design, in developing healthy relationships between all its forms, to the fore. manufacturing businesses and designers. Dates: 03-05 October Location: Old Trade School, Xatt Ultimately, MDW hopes to put local design GROWTH in closer contact with the realities of the il-Mollijiet, Marsa Dates: 02-08 October international market. Given the proper Organised by: SACES and GetUp Location: 59, St Dominic Street, Valletta resources and international coverage, MDW StandUp Organised by: SACES could also be geared to initiate a vessel of Commented by: Emma Warrington Commented by: Emma Warrington communication between art organisations “GetUp StandUp and SACES, together “GROWTH was a satellite event organised and tourism-related entities promoting cul- with the Faculty for the Built Environment, by SACES in an attempt to analyse and dis- tural tourism, with images of a creative Malta launched a competition where 3rd year sect the methods pursued by Maltese archi- at its roots.” students proposed designs for various tecture students when creating innovative Unfortunately, this journal had to go to spaces around the Marsa Open Centre. designs. It encompassed a collection of print mid-way through the event week, so The winning designs will eventually be students' work from the Faculty for the Built there was not enough time to review MDW implemented. Held in the old tram station Environment. The location itself, a crum- in detail. However, “the Architect” visited adjacent to the Marsa Open Centre, the bling yet stately old house, provided the some of the events and managed to obtain location again provided the perfect set- perfect setting, mirroring the rawness of a number of reactions from various partici- ting, as it indicated the type of space com- students’ work. Exhibits consisting of mod- pants, thus allowing us to give our readers a petition participants had to work with. els, posters and sketches were dotted taste of what went on during the week. The The results were impressive, comprising around the house, offering fantastic insight reactions were varied, some positive, some aesthetics, functionality, cost-effective- From "Window and In-Store Displays into what goes on at the Faculty.” for Retail" by Gergana Ivanova not so positive. Nevertheless, one thing is ness and innovation.”

14 the architect OCTOBER 2011 From "Open" organised by SACES and GetUp StandUp & MDW

Process was another of the events on the MDW calen- dar, and consisted of an exhibition set up by the University's Foundation in Design Studies students coordinated by their tutor, Anton Grech. This exhibi- tion aimed to outline the many new experiences which design students of a wide spectrum of pre-acquired skills have gained upon their completion of the Foundation in Design Studies course. Rather than emphasizing the various sections of the course as fin- ished products, the exhibition sheds a light on the extensive development process that led to the works which are being exhibited. As a result, it offers a taste of how autonomous individuals evolved in their abili- ties to visualize and clearly convey innovative con- cepts by virtue of realistic renderings, pertaining to chair and/or canoe designs, to understand the creative potentials and limitations that versatile materials such From "Window and In-Store Displays as clay, plaster, ink, woods and metals enable, to for Retail" by Gergana Ivanova respect the relationship between 3D space and the nature of the objects inside it particularly through the task of the Sculpture house and to effectively capture and design to satisfy their needs. The nine WINDOW & IN-STORE the essence of both an urban and natural space firms that accepted to participate in the DISPLAYS FOR RETAIL through the lens of a camera. All of this is backed up by exhibition exposed this theme very well a solid foundation in the ability to sketch, manipulate each showing areas of the profession and Date: 04 October text and objectively analyse and reference 3D forms in Location: Old University Building, everyday life, in a creative manner projects they worked on. In order of clock- wise appearance in the exhibition: Pace & Valletta Lautier Building Workshop, Matthew James Speaker: Gergana Ivanova CONJUGAL “The aim of this exhibition was to bring Mercieca Design Architects [MJMDA], Commented by: James Muscat Dates: 01-08 October together a number of architectural firms of DeMicoli & Associates, Chris Briffa Architects, “The lecture explained the importance of Location: Old University Building, high standard in order to exhibit their work Bezzina & Cole, Forward, Godwin Vella, the display of merchandise together with in- Valletta dynamically on digital displays according to Martin Xuereb Associates and TBA. store activities to encourage consumer Curated by: Matthew James Mercieca an underlying theme. The general idea was Alongside two models submitted by Chris spending by presenting a more cohesive Design Architects (MJMDA) and to better show that good architecture is not Briffa Architects and DeMicoli & Associates and stimulating retail environment. While Alexandra Manche just a shell or a planning permit. Many layers on a central mass, MJMDA set up an aug- the lecture was, on the whole, a good intro- Sponsors: BMW, Learnkey CAD are required for a good piece of architecture. mented reality display that visitors including duction to the subject, it would have cer- (Autodesk), Big Exhibits, Studio Seven During the exhibition it was hoped that kids enjoyed interacting with in order to fur- tainly benefited from a longer duration, to and Intercomp (DELL) viewers would be exposed to and therefore ther explore Still Kinetic, a prototype living the extent that it would perhaps have been Commented by: Matthew James appreciate some of these different layers in machine by MJMDA, specially presented better off as a seminar since the topic is vast. Mercieca order to know how to seek out architecture Conjugal in association with BMW.” Instead the lecture (which was short enough ,

OCTOBER 2011 the architect 15

already) was further shortened by schedul- From "Under a Tilted Roof". ing and technical difficulties. Photo by Kurt Arrigo The result was a condensed explanation of the role of a visual merchandiser, gener- ously illustrated by examples of Ivanova’s

MDW work with department store John Lewis. A Housing greater attempt to apply retail merchandis- ing to the local scenario would not have gone amiss. Nevertheless, the insight into visual merchandising in larger retail spaces Alexandra Pace and Anna Runefelt. still proved interesting to those who wish Kurt Arrigo’s photographs of Bormla’s to see greater attention to the aesthetic Dock 1 showed the landmark prior to the Affordability and sensory aspects of local retailing.” commencement of construction works on it. One photograph portraying the water- In a paper titled “A long-term analysis of housing affordability in Malta” A THESIS FOR THE BUILT front building’s reflection in the sea was published earlier this year, Perit Denis Camilleri analysed the trends ENVIRONMENT particularly striking. Other photographs of Date: 01-08 October the harbour against dramatic skies and sea- and principal causes of developments in house prices in Malta over the Location: Old University Building, scapes were equally breathtaking. 26 year period between 1982 and 2008, with a specific focus on the Valletta In strong contrast, Alexandra Pace’s black issue of affordability. The paper also derives projections for likely future Organised by: Graduates from the and white photographs portrayed intimate developments in this context and proposes some policy options in this Faculty for the Built Enviro nment encounters with beautifully lit objects in regard. The report discusses mainly the affordably housing category, Commented by: one of the students compositions which often called to ques- “The students who have just completed tion the nature of the object itself. Pace’s though it also touched upon the up-market residential sector. The the B.E.&A. course from Faculty for the Built portrayal of glass was particularly appeal- rental market, sustainable housing measures, housing densities and Environment exhibited their thesis projects ing. high-rise developments are also analysed in the report. Here, “the at MDW. The exhibition consisted of a series While Anna Runefelt’s photographs of Architect” takes a look at some of the key findings of this report, of proposals that attempt to squeeze the human figures were shot at some spectacu- which is largely based on data collected from National Statistics, potential out of certain areas around Malta lar locations in Malta, she appears to have which are in dire need for some life and avoided allowing the places to dominate together with databases held by the author’s practice DHI Periti. vibrancy. the subject of the pictures, instead allowing The architecture students presented sev- the images to emerge from a combination eral projects that could inspire an architec- of props, outfits, place and of course the The characteristics of the erty prices, these often fuelled demand tural regeneration in, and around Valletta human subjects. Particularly delightful housing market 1982-2008 and/or curbed supply and resulted in stron- and Floriana – areas that have become part were a rope-based outfit and a miniature The home-ownership rate registered in ger price increases in the property market of daily conversation for having attracted a sailing boat which made frequent appear- 1948 registered at a mere 23.1%. This has within a period of some months. spur of altering urban interventions. ances throughout the photographic collec- risen dramatically from just over 50% in Malta’s real estate growth may be gauged The urban design students presented a tion. 1985 up to 75% in 2005 (see Table 1). This from the value of an average property con- project that analyses the state of a local That there was no apparent relationship high home ownership is comparable to tract in 1982 which stood at Lm3,766*, to settlement (Xgħajra) and then proposes a between the three photographers’ contri- Spain’s 82%, Greece and Portugal’s 72% and that of contracts in 2006 noted at Lm35,232, few surgical interventions that are applied butions did not detract from the appeal of the UK’s 70%. Other European countries declining from the 2005 value at Lm41,632. to a situation that is aching for improve- their collective display, perhaps because with lower home ownership rates include This implies an annual average growth of ment. This chosen locality has, in recent the exhibition’s setting amidst a wealth of Finland at 62%, the Netherlands, Denmark 9.25% per annum, as compared to the years, been blighted by rapid piecemeal furnishings allowed for a certain degree of and France at 54%, and Sweden and annual growth of the GDP current market developments and has found it very diffi- variety. Overall, the exhibition was certain- Germany at 45%. price/capita, which over the same period cult for a local identity to assert itself. ly worth the visit. The report indicates that the home¬ owner- stands at 5.125% per annum. The engineering students explored struc- ship rate is expected to level out at 90% in tural challenges presented though an infra- – MDW was financially supported by the Malta Arts the year 2065. This considers that 10% of all Affordable housing structural, cultural or industrial project. The Fund, the Good Causes Fund and Bank of Valletta. households would always require subsid- Affordable housing is normally related to It was co-ordinated by Chris Briffa, Prof Alex process carried out involved architectural ence in order to be able to afford their own Torpiano, Anton Grech, Stephen Vella, Matthew the ability to pay. Financial institutions typ- and structural design, unified using a sus- James Mercieca, Justin Schembri, Liliana Vella, residence. In this regard, Camilleri com- ically only lend money such that borrowers tainable approach.” Matthew Casha and Lisa Gwen Baldacchino. ments that although various subsidy do not need to contribute more than 25% – Partners included the University of Malta, MCAST, schemes were introduced over the report of the net household income towards mort- Under a Tilted Roof HalMann Vella, JP Advertising, S.A.W Ltd., FLOW, period to try to restrict the increase in prop- gage monthly repayments. Pedrali, Ellul Wines & Spirits, 240 Ltd., Garden it, Dates: 07-31 October Absolut Vodka, Valletta Local Council, Nexos, one- Venue: Camilleri Paris Mode, Rabat percent, camilleriparismode, cre8, Facedisplays Year 1948 1957 1967 1985 1995 2005 Commented by: James Muscat and iCentre. % 23.1 26.1 32.0 53.9 68.0 75.2 The exhibition displayed the work of – Further information is available at three notable photographers, Kurt Arrigo, www.maltadesignweek.com Table 1 – Home ownership rate. Source: National Statistics Office (2007)

16 the architect OCTOBER 2011

Ratio of House have deterred developers from undertaking Mortgage Medium Housing residential developments. The number of per- Qualifying Qualifying Price: Year Monthly Family affordability mits issued over this period is to be compared Monthly Income Family Earnings Payment Income** Index (HAI) to the Housing Requirement. A housing Income Ratio demand calculation undertaken in MEPA’s 3bed 2bed 3bed 2bed 3bed 2bed 3bed 2bed Housing Topic paper (2002) stands at 2,850 H o u sin g units required per annum indicating that over 1982 €140 €56 €229 €559 €391 1.3 0.91 77 110 4.28 the past five-year period, a higher supply had 1987 €161 €114 €564 €643 €457 1.14 0.81 88 123 4.23 been provided, with possibly the increase in demand not being matched. 1992 €252 €168 €745 €1006 €531 1.35 0.90 74 111 5.27 When one considers that the number of mar- 1997 €384 €247 €995 €1537 €988 1.55 0.99 65 101 5.80 riages over the period has averaged out at 2,250 annually, with separations/annulments 2002 €394 €263 €1215 €1575 €1057 1.29 0.86 77 116 5.60 averaging at 375 annually, it is expected that, 2006 €606 €429 €1665 €2119 €1500 1.27 0.90 79 111 7.22 in the coming years, the number of building permit applications for residential units will 2007 €673 €478 €1738 €1046 €1670 1.35 1.01 74 104 6.97 again revert to the pre-2002 figures. 2008 €615 €410 €1798 €924 €1435 1.2 0.80 84 125 6.58 The report also looks at the history of the con- trol of building heights locally and its impact 2009 €478 €319 €1871 €718 €1118 0.89 0.60 112 168 6.11 on housing supply. The Town Planning 2010 €472 €315 €1914 €1652 €1102 0.86 0.58 116 174 5.99 Schemes of the 1960s mostly indicated two floors above ground level, contributing to the Table 2 – Housing Affordability Index (HAI) for the Maltese Islands predominantly low-lying compact urban form An HAI of 100 according to the US National Association of Realtors’ signifies that a family earning the median household income just typical at the time. The Town Planning Schemes qualifies for a median residence, whilst a HAI of less than 100 signifies that the median family has to do away with other necessities. of 1988 indicated statutory building heights of **the median family income is factored at 1 for 1982, and by 1.35 for 2002 increasing to 1.575 for 2009 to account for the effect of the 2nd wage earner. Source: updated table Camilleri (2000) two floors in most urban areas and four floors in exceptional cases. However, they included The report states that between 1982 and Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, France and tion of VAT in 1995. Over the years it has always six- and eight-storey building heights for 2008, “affordable house prices have increased Ireland, whilst it is superior to accommoda- appeared affordable to purchase a two-bed- Sliema and St Julians. by 625%, doubling in price over the initial tion in Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, room median apartment, with the HAI peaking “In 1993, a revision to the building heights ten-year period, doubling again in price over Portugal and Spain. to 123 (1987) and dipping to 101 (1997). With policy allowed an additional floor in areas out- the subsequent ten-year period and then the present low mortgage rate era and decline side urban conservation areas with a height nearly doubling again in price over the past Up-market housing in property values as anticipated up to 2012, limitation of two floors, subject to certain con- immediate five-year period.” According to Camilleri, Maltese up-market an HAI extrapolation for 2012 works out at 138. ditions. In these same areas, together with Comparing data for various localities, the developments average around €5,000/sqm, to This signifies that for Malta, the global credit areas that already had a height limitation of paper indicates that in 2007, the affordable be compared with similar developments in crunch is beneficial to the first time homeown- three floors, the recent amendments permit- three-bedroom and two-bedroom apart- London at €17,500/sqm, and Dublin and Paris ers. An improvement in the quality of life of the ted an additional penthouse construction on a ment averaged out at Lm45,000 and at €9,500/sqm. Madrid, Sydney and Croatia Maltese family is expected to occur, as a main building height of three floors, instead as pre- Lm40,000 respectively in Fgura, Paola and attract the same Malta price tag, Phuket and job should be sufficient to support the owner- viously, allowed over four floors.” Zabbar. In M’Scala, these averaged out at Cape Town attract half the price, while Bulgaria ship of one’s home. These planning policies have resulted in a rea- Lm47,500 and Lm41,000 respectively. Prime attracts a quarter of the price. The wealthiest This has happened even before 2012, that a sonable residential density notwithstanding areas such as Sliema registered averages at location is Monaco at €35,000/sq m (Knight Maltese household does not require to work Malta’s high population density standing at Lm85,000 and Lm50,000. Frank, 2008). overtime to own their own home. In fact, for 1,298 persons per km2. From a MEPA study Furthermore, over the years, the affordable The prime residential property market is not the first time in 2009 a three-bedroom apart- (2002), the residential units per hectare vary accommodation floor area has been shrink- subject to the same market influences as that ment is affordable as the HAI has gone above from 8 up to 80, whilst the number of residents ing, with a three-bedroom apartment in 1982 of the affordable market. “As wealth increases, 100 at 112. per hectare varies from 25 up to 150. This con- having an average floor area of 135sqm, luxury products and services continue to rise trasts greatly with Singapore, for example, reducing by 2008 to 115sqm, whilst a two- in value, as they are more desirable, the more Residential development permits which has a population density of 5,454 per- bedroom apartment in 1982 had an average expensive they are, with prime property being Based on information obtained from the Malta sons per km2, and a national average residen- floor area of 95sqm reducing to 80sqm by the ultimate product.” Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), tial density at 142 units per hectare, with 82% 2008. there has been a surge from the year 2000 of the population living in high-density hous- The 2005 Housing Census lists the number of Housing Affordability Index (HAI) onwards in the number of residential permits ing at 215 units per hectare. rooms per person at 2.5. On a European level, Table 2 notes the HAI calculated for the period issued (see Table 3). The author asks: has this this varies from a low of 1.4 persons per room 1982–2008. For a three-bedroom median increase in supply addressed the problems of Foreign property buyers to a high of 2.6 persons per room. Malta’s apartment, the HAI had in 2007 at 74 slid down affordability? Since 1974, when a foreigner purchased prop- accommodation is at par with the from the previous year’s 79. The worst period Although there has been a slowdown in the erty in Malta, such transaction requires regis- Netherlands, UK, Luxembourg, Austria, was in 1997 at 65, coinciding with the introduc- home ownership rate, this does not appear to tering via a law known as the immovable prop-

OCTOBER 2011 the architect 17 erty (acquisition by non-residents) Acquisition sary. Thus, the above European statistics indi- been quoted as being more affordable, as they vidual buildings may adapt to the changing Immovable Property (AIP) Act. Just over cate that where the vacant percentage is can cut down on heating/cooling costs.” He needs of occupants – perhaps with the onset 14,000 permits have since been registered, below the 5 per cent mark, the market works commends the Housing Authority on its initia- of illness or as an individual’s age. Thus, it is that is an average of 406 permits per year. inefficiently. Nevertheless, is this inefficiency tive to construct an energy efficient block, noted that sustainable housing is not just an & These foreign resident purchases, peaked in carried over when the vacancy rate is as noted while noting that “the economics of sustain- exercise in low energy design but brings 1989 at 899, then plummeted to 155 in 1998. above, being in the region of a quarter of the able construction in Malta is still not delved together physical, social and cultural factors H o u sin g The report indicates that towards the end of total housing stock available? Considering into, whilst new cheaper sustainable forms of into a single agenda (Edwards and Hyett, the report period, foreign buyers were pur- Malta’s scenario, this does not appear to be construction (are) yet to be introduced.” 2001).” chasing property in the up-market range, the case for the proper functioning of the Globigerina limestone is an obvious choice of peaking in 2005 at Lm971/sqm as compared property market, as property hoarding building material. Being a natural material “it is Conclusions to the affordable rate at Lm442/sqm. appears to be a favoured investment medi- healthy, enduring and attractive”, and poses Malta fits in within the Mediterranean housing Commenting on 2002 to 2007 AIP data avail- um, due to property’s perceived capital little pollution risk. Quarrying, however, is visu- context, characterised by high home-owner- able, the author outlines that of the 4,574 growth rates. This appears to be also corrobo- ally and ecologically damaging, with large ship rates which have increased steadily over permits granted to 86 nationalities, 70% of rated by Cyprus, Greece and Portugal.” transportation energy costs involved. Camilleri the past 40 years. This has in turn led to above purchasers were British. These are followed by It had been noted by Hoekstra and Zad (2006) notes that for buildings to be sustainable, the normal housing price growths and a supply Irish buyers at 3.75%, Italians and Russians at that Mediterranean countries are character- materials are ideally site produced or sourced that exceeds the needs of the population, 3%, and Americans, Dutch, Germans and ised by specific phenomena that contradict within a radius of 10 km. Stone buildings can fuelled by the demand for second homes by French each averaging out at 2 per cent. From economic theory: high vacancy rates go be more sustainable with particular emphasis locals, together with foreigners attracted by further AIP data over the same period, the together with high house prices, a high hous- given on the mode of quarrying/transporting our mild climate. Another characteristic is a Sliema/St Julians area at was the most sought ing production rate, and a high rate of home- the material to site with reduced dust produc- high vacancy rate, which does not appear to after with 28.75% of purchases by foreigners, ownership. “Thus, a high property vacancy tion, together with greater importance given interfere with the proper functioning of the followed by the St Paul’s Bay area at 21% and rate has more of an adverse effect on our sur- to its re-use. market. Mellieha at 9%. roundings and built environment, consider- “A glass clad high-rise building using as much On the other hand, Malta varies from the ing our limited size, than on the proper func- energy as a whole town is not a sustainable Mediterranean setting in that its housing Vacant dwellings tioning of the property market. On the plus solution for Malta. Local materials require the accommodation size is closer to that found in The number of vacant dwellings in 2005 side, these vacant properties would come to use of thermal mass to average out tempera- the northern countries. Another sector where stood at 53,120, up from the 1995 number of good use in the scenario that a natural disas- ture variations. The West façade requires a divergence is again noted from its southern 35,723. Thus, in 1995, 23% of total dwellings ter befalls Malta, as the homeless would then closed gable wall, whilst the South wall should neighbours is in its larger amount of social were vacant, whilst in 2005 this increased to not find accommodation for years on end in take advantage of the low winter sun for light- housing provided. 27.6%. Of these vacant units, one fifth are tents or makeshift premises.” ing and shading provided for the high summer The slowing down of the home ownership rate listed as holiday dwellings. The 2005 Census sun. Orientation together with natural ventila- expected over the coming 50-year period may states that 43.4% of these vacant dwellings Sustainable housing tion principles can reduce the energy intake by lead to a higher rental demand in future, allur- were in a good state of repair, 21.3% needed Malta’s national report on sustainable devel- 30 per cent. It is possible to achieve thermal ing to a higher mobility factor, with more only minor repairs, whilst 5,274 units were in opment presented to Johannesburg 2002 comfort by passive means not involving the Maltese nationals taking up jobs abroad. The shell form, with a small percentage in a dilap- notes that “the construction industry should use of energy. The utilization of basements as deregulation of the rental market, which idated condition. 65% of these vacant dwell- be directed to improve design for thermal a passive form of cooling to the upper floors is should lead to a more efficient free open rent- ings consisted of flats, maisonettes and pent- efficiency and to adopt energy saving mea- virtually unknown. The internal yard concept, al market, should translate into lower rentals; houses. sures prior to being granted development although appreciated, has lost its planning thus the rental option will further improve, as Historically, this is not uncommon. According permission. In this regard, there is the need to appeal. A residence requiring air conditioning compared to the financial strain on taking out to the various census exercises carried out step up funding for research to improve for its comfort may be considered a design a mortgage. This should help towards prevent- since 1861, vacancy rates were generally with- knowledge on local materials and conditions.” disaster. A good climatic orientation taking ing further households falling below the pov- in the 20 to 30% range. The report also notes Document F Technical Guidance on ventilation advantage of light breezes, a light erty line, so important for when the house- high vacancy rates at 23.1% in Cyprus, 35.44% Conservation of Fuel, Energy and Natural coloured roof top, the provision of ceiling fans, hold’s income goes below a certain proportion in Greece and 29.5% for Portugal - these Resources (minimum requirements on the together with humidity reduction with the of the annual median wage. countries, like Malta, embrace good family energy performance of building regulations, help of a dehumidifier should create a com- The present excess housing supply on the ties, resulting in residential hoarding their off- 2006) was issued by the Services Division fortable environment for most days of the market should address a required cooling spring. At the other end of the scale, Sweden Building Regulations Office Malta through a year.” period in house price growth. Expectations has a vacancy rate of 1.67%, the Netherlands Legal Notice in 2007. However, the author Camilleri continues to note that “sustainability for addressing the affordable price differen- at 1.97% and Luxembourg at 2.3%. notes, “as capital costs add onto the building involves a frame of mind that thinks long-term tial from the trend value should occur within “For the proper functioning of the property constructions, this would further affect their rather than short-term. This strategic long the coming three-year period. This cooling market, a 4-5 per cent of vacant stock is neces- affordability, although green buildings have termism should take account of the way indi- off period is not to be as drastic in prime property, with the wealth phenomenon Year 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 fuelling the demand for luxury property. Approved 4,229 3,351 3,411 3,004 2,273 2,369 4,180 4,481 6,128 6,707 9,081 permits *Lm1 (one Maltese Lira) is equivalent to €2.33. Malta joined the Eurozone in 2008, that is at Table 3 – Development permits for dwellings. Source: MEPA the end of the report period.

18 the architect OCTOBER 2011 The Use of Finite Element (FE) Analysis in y sis Reinforced Concrete Plated Structures FE A nal by Perit David Grima

With the rising costs of building materials, that finite element is both easier and less risky forcement from a FE Contour plot one will both clients and structural engineers are well to use. notice very large peaks in bending moment at aware of the importance of minimising the Finite element analysis is ideal for large floor the supports. One should not provide rein- costs of building structures. Within a building slabs such as those within large commercial forcement for these peaks as it is impractical the one element that should be correctly ana- and office buildings and also when designing and considerably inefficent. The moments will lysed and designed is the floor slab as this is transfer slabs. It is also ideal when an engineer generally be distributed across a larger area repeated at various levels and substantial sav- would like to design an irregular slab within a and it is this area which should be designed for. ings can thus be made on the total cost of a typical apartment building (for example) in a A typical finite element analysis output. The Also, when deducing sagging moments, one building. Very often, due to time constraints more economical and logical way. This latter stresses are correctly displayed though are related must take the long term deflection into and other factors, engineers analyse a system example is particularly common in Maltese to the input of the engineer. Correct support account which is due to creep and shrinkage. of irregular slabs as simply supported ele- apartment buildings when the option of tak- modelling and accurate meshes are fundamental. This should be correctly calculated and the ments. By designing a ‘connected’ system of ing one metre strips (as is often done when used for this. The peak sagging moment of sagging steel adjusted accordingly. The long concrete slabs as simply supported struc- analysing structures) would result in a gross WL2/8 can also be calculated and should term deflection can be as much as four times tures, one is doing away with the utmost and overdesign as it does not account of the two equate to the total moment between the greater than the short term elastic deflection fundamental advantage of these connected way plated action in a slab. The FE analysis maximum hogging and sagging moments. and hence are crucial when deducing the sec- slabs: their continuity. would also allow the designer to gain a deep- These checks are crucial in order to verify the tional depth of an element. When analysing slabs as continuous plated er understanding of a particular structure as results. Finite element analysis is an extremely power- structures, it is possible to make full use of stresses and deflections can be monitored at Unless an automatic mesh generator is avail- ful tool for designing concrete plated struc- their two way action and minimise the costs various points within the model. able, it is important to correctly mesh the flat tures. Plated structures allow greater efficiency of the structural flat slab. Slabs are generally Various computer programmes exist such as plate and the engineer must know the impor- which hence result in substantial savings. By the most expensive part of a structure so STAAD Pro and SAFE that allow the engineer tance of the relationship between the mesh taking advantage of their continuity and also through an efficient design, one can signifi- to use finite element methods in a flexible size and stress intensity. Large plates can the two way action of a system of slabs, very cantly reduce both the concrete section size manner. It is important that the structural result in a dangerous underestimation of efficient systems will be deduced. Also, and the amount of reinforcement within it. engineer is well experienced in the design of peak bending moments whilst very small through this system it is also possible to cor- The design engineer must bear in mind that concrete structures as there are many pitfalls plates can result in a very long and unneces- rectly design both irregular and regular slabs. this type of interpretation of a slab is the cor- that can await the inexperienced when using sary wastage of time both during modelling The engineer will also be able to place the rect way as a series of slabs arguably do not FE Analysis. and computer processing. The accurate mod- required amount of reinforcement simply behave as simply supported one-way struc- Before checking and verifying the computer elling of column joints is also imperative and where required and not throughout the struc- tures and it is extremely inefficient for them analysis results it is suggested that the engi- one must ensure that the resulting bending ture. Through experience, it is evident that to be designed so. One of the best ways to neer should roughly size up the structure. moments at the supports and in mid span are minimal steel is often required in various areas design a reinforced or post tensioned con- Basic checks, one of which could be to deter- realistic. It will also enable column moments within a floor plate so less accurate analysis crete flat plate is through finite element anal- mine the expected depth, should be carried to be derived so it is advisable that the stiff- methods can often be uneconomical for irreg- ysis. Yield line analysis is also very efficient but out and the Economic Frame Elements ness of the column is correctly modelled. ular grids. An accurate computer model would considerably tedious and designers often feel Manual (by Charles Goodchild) can also be When deducing the moments and the rein- thus ensure that the client is cutting down on costs and benefitting from a greater return on The use of finite element his investment. analysis shows that the bending moments consist References: of sharply peaked hogging moments at the supports. 1. Finite Element Design of Concrete The magnitude of the Structures: G.A. Rombach: Thomas Telford hogging moments is often Publishing: 2004. much larger than the sagging 2. Fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis: moment and the design should take them into David V. Hutton: Mc Graw Hill Publishing: account. This is applicable 2004. to all types of slab supports 3. Finite Element Analysis: O. Brooker: The and includes line and More complex shapes such as domes can easily be Concrete Centre: 2009. point supports. (Figure is analysed using Finite element programmes and reproduced from Reference 4) 4. Guide to flat slabs: The Concrete Societ: result in very economical and efficient designs. April 2007

OCTOBER 2011 the architect 19 EASA: a ‘workshop’ for architecture students?

EASA by Elaine Bonavia

Nineteen days after finishing my June design review, I packed my bags and caught a flight to Seville with six other architecture stu- dents. Three days later we arrived in the city of Cadiz, a port on the southwestern coast of Spain which, apparently - as we found out later - is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Iberian Peninsula. This was not the typical sun, sea and sangria holiday though; we also went to Cadiz for EASA. EASA is an acronym for ‘European Architecture Students Assembly’: a network of students throughout the continent who come together for two weeks every summer at a workshop where they exchange ideas, ‘Environmental Response’ Workshop – The Cube, by Elaine design and build things together, form rela- Bonavia and Lasma Grigone; EASA Manchester 2010 EASA Cadiz workshop. Photo by Marten Dashorst tionships and explore each other’s cultures. EASA constitutes a non-profit student-run council organised what was known as the the Berlin Wall in 1988. their proposal to the organisers around six organisation, which is also apolitical and ‘Liverpool Workshops’ after a series of riots All in all, EASA is no less an educational months in advance. All workshops will be non-institutionalised; its quintessential suc- took place in Liverpool earlier that year. At experience than it is fun. Wherever EASA linked to an underlying theme which is the cess and longevity is proof of the energy its that time, around 280 people gathered from goes, local leading figures in the profession cohesive factor in each EASA. participants commit to the idea. It is a Universities across Europe, one of which was give the participants lectures throughout In the summer of 1998, after proposing their chance for students to run their own work- a Maltese student of the University of Malta. the two week assembly, exposing the stu- ideas on a train in 1997, a group of students shop, lecture or perform and test their ideas An article in the Architect’s Journal, July dents to a different perspective on design organised EASA in Malta and called it 'Living in an international context. It is also a chance 1981 states that ‘Groups looked at ways to from what they may have experienced back on the Edge'. The theme focused around the for students to take on huge responsibilities alleviate unemployment; offered their ser- home. Apart from that, this helps partici- notion of exchange of ideals, materials and and learn how to address problems intelli- vices to local communities; made proposals pants understand the city better in terms of goods which normally occurs on the periph- gently. for the re- use of old warehouses; designed both architecture and lifestyle. Participants ery of towns, and in the case of harbour EASA brings together more than 400 stu- a gate to the City and schemes for mending also learn from each other: during workshop towns, at the water's edge - on that line which dents from more than 40 countries; every areas whose street patterns had been discussions different ideas and methods are divides urban from maritime activity, local country sends a team of seven people, ran- destroyed by redevelopment in the 1960s…’ brought to the table. Using power tools, from foreign... Keeping up with contempo- domly selected by ‘National Contacts’ from One could say that EASA resembles a learning how to construct things and how to rary legendary locations the students slept at the Faculties of Architecture. National nomadic community: every year the assem- work as a team are other things one can learn Fort Manoel, which was still in ruins at the Contacts would have already been on an bly takes place in a different location that is during EASA. time, while workshops were held all over the EASA before, and they prepare the new par- decided upon two years in advance at an Workshop styles change each year: there island. ticipants for the event, taking care of fee Intermediate National Contacts Meeting are those which are solely discussion based At the end of October, along with Sean transfers, giving general advice, passing on (INCM). The location is picked by the main or theoretical, there are construction work- Mayl, Nathalie Abela, and possibly David information from the organisers… and so organisers who propose an EASA: ambitious shops, there’s Umbrella, the EASA newspa- Buhagiar, Alexandra Manche and Eve on. students who would have previously been per workshop, EASA TV-production of a Farrugia, I will travel to Azerbaijan in order to EASA started in 1981when a group of stu- participants. They decide how they want series of EASA episodes, photography...more bid for EASA Malta 2013. Along with Justin dents who formed part of the RIBA students’ their EASA to be, what the general workshop recently there has been an EASA food work- Coppini, James Muscat, William Moran, theme is, which ‘traditions’ to keep and shop (Tapaland in Cadiz), EASA FM… Some Cheryll Ann Bonello and Lyanne Mifsud we which new ones to introduce. A lot is learnt workshops might be based on addressing have been working on the bid throughout from the way things are run in previous problems in the city, or problems within the the summer months, a task which involves EASAs, mostly through word of mouth and EASA community; others may seek to finding a location for the workshop, coming through a final report which the organizers enhance the surroundings through installa- up with a theme, and securing local support. prepare at the end of their experience. Over tions; there are technical workshops dealing If we win the bid against Slovenia, we will the years, EASA has been held in various with energy consumption and contempo- bring this unique experience back to our bold and inspirational settings, such as a rary issues and even concrete workshops shores, enabling us to share it with all the stu- train travelling across Scandinavia, a reno- have been done in the past. Workshops are dents from the Faculty of the Built Construction workshop ‘Avanzada’; EASA vated WWII destroyer moored in the centre run by students, graduates or young archi- Environment as well as anyone who lives Cadiz 2011. Photo by Gema Florido of Budapest, and even on the Eastern side of tects from any country in Europe who send within the realm of architecture and design.

20 the architect OCTOBER 2011 Striving to preserve Maltese g e herita Modernist architecture by Perit Edward Said

This summer saw another milestone and functionality. This was successfully real- reached in the arduous struggle to sal- ised in projects by architects who travelled vage our nation’s Modernist architecture. abroad and familiarised themselves with Richard England’s Manikata Church, which the International Style largely led by Le is often regarded as an iconic example of Corbusier. this movement, is now officially equal in Villino Ellul in Ta’ Xbiex designed by value to Malta’s Baroque churches. Having architect Salvatore Ellul, which remarkably said this however, much of its context has dates to the late 1920s (scheduled by the been completely destroyed by crass insti- Malta Environment and Planning Authority tutionalised vandalism through the per- some years ago), is a pioneering example. mission of multi-floor residential develop- Architects such as Gustavo Vincenti, Silvio ment encroaching from one side and the Mercieca and Alberto Laferla were some construction of a hideous public garden on of the more prominent exponents in this another. The planning application to modi- movement, shifting from the somewhat fy the parvis is also a worrying threat to the affluent Art Deco to pragmatic Modernism. church’s original design. Its new protection The socio-economic circumstances that will hopefully ensure the preservation of the post-war Maltese architectural scene what is left of the surroundings and restrict found itself in led to an increasing popular- any further development. ity of this style particularly in the construc- Similar action, however, needs to be taken tion of schools and touristic facilities. It was on other examples of Maltese Modernist sometimes successfully employed in the architecture of which we have only but a design of a number of large-scale social precious few. Din l-Art Ħelwa and the Kamra housing projects such as Santa Luċija. tal-Periti, through their seminal publica- Architects such as Joseph Spiteri, Renato tion Modernist Malta (2009), have identified the cancerous urbanisation that devoured had governed the Maltese architecture for Laferla, Carmelo Falzon and Richard a number of such buildings that warrant swathes of the ancient Maltese landscapes centuries. England contributed significantly at this immediate protection. and urban fabrics in the past four decades. This was typically done by stripping away time. Simultaneously the works by a num- It comes as no surprise to read the neg- To those who have difficulty coming to practically all form of ornamentation and ber of foreign designers such as Hans Munk atively-charged correspondence levelled terms with the word Modernism, in the exploiting the ground-breaking benefits of Hansen’s “Danish Village” are equally impor- against the listing of Manikata Church. One local building scene it refers to the style new materials such as reinforced concrete, tant. The Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Officers’ Married may argue that this reaction is not com- first adopted by designers during the inter- while maintaining a harmonious sense of Quarters (parts of the ex-White Rocks com- pletely unjustified given the widespread war years struggling to free themselves proportion and massing as well as meticu- plex) designed by the consortium Austin- association of modern architecture with from the Classical, Baroque language that lously giving due consideration to context Smith, Salmon and Lord Partnership, was one of the last British construction projects in Malta. Its design was so highly regarded White Rocks complex - that it featured twice in the prestigious gutted but still standing Architectural Review soon after completion. strong Maltese Modernist architecture ought not Photos by Nicholas Farrugia to be confused with the “modern” non- descript, greed-driven, pseudo-vernacular constructions that regrettably plague our islands today. Buildings which truly deserve to be called Modernist are a select num- ber of well-designed structures (and their associated urban spaces) which deserve the same recognition and protection as any baroque palace. Their mutilation or destruc- tion would be a negation of one of the most important periods in Maltese architectural history.

OCTOBER 2011 the architect 21 www.sustainablecities.dk www.archinform.net Sustainable Cities™: Best practice database OMPETITION WEB & C W E BS ITE S

Sustainable Cities™ is a database providing Sustainable Cities™ collects and dissemi- knowledge and inspiration on the sustain- nates knowledge on cases and initiatives able planning of cities and best practise from cities all over the world. You will find cases from various cities. The database was inspiration in twelve categories; Energy, launched at the 11th International transport, water, food, waste, green, social, This database for international architecture, main theme of this database. One can search Architecture Biennale in Venice in September buildings, masterplans, education, economy originally emerging from records of interest- for a specific project by architect, town or 2008. and health. Read the cases, dive into learning ing building projects from architecture stu- keyword through the indices available or by The aim of Sustainable Cities™ is to inspire points, study the facts, learn from the experts dents, has meanwhile become one of the using a query form. politicians, architects, city planners, busi- and watch images and films. New cases and largest online-databases about worldwide Once the desired project is located, the site nesses, NGO’s and citizens all over the world blogs are continuously posted on the site. architects and buildings. The database provides basic information such as project to learn from each other and to collaborate The development of the Sustainable Cities™ includes information on over more than name and location, as well as information with each other to transform the world’s less database was sponsored by Realdania. Today 31,000 built and unrealised projects by vari- about further literature. Some entries include sustainable cities into the more sustainable the operation of the database is financed by ous architects and planners. images, comments, links to other websites or cities of future. Danish Architecture Centre (DAC). The architecture of the 20th century is the internal links.

Can you identify this building in Valletta and who was the architect who supervised its construction?

The winner of this competition will be entitled to a copy of the book “Modernist Malta: The Architectural Legacy.” Send your entries to: The Editor, The Architect Competition, Kamra tal-Periti, The Professional Centre, Sliema Road, Gzira, or by email on [email protected]. The first correct entry drawn on the 30 November 2011 will win. Only residents of the Maltese Islands are eligible to participate. Members of the Editorial Board and their families are not eligible to participate.

The winner of the competition carried in Issue 56 is Mr Emanuel Muscat. Congratulations! The image published shows the site of the Hotel Excelsior prior to its construction. competition Image courtesy of Mr Joe Borg, MidSea Books.Source: Wignacourt College Museum, Rabat

22 the architect OCTOBER 2011 Now to 30 October 2011; Victoria & Albert Museum, London, UK as more recent) for the rest of the Bank branch offices focus on the individual, the home, the workplace, the Recording the New: The throughout the country. Also on display will be drawings of public space and resolutions to societal issues. The Architectural Photography of details, interior decoration, furniture etc., designed along- exhibition explores the trends that has been over time Bedford Lemere & Co 1870–1930 side the branch buildings, as well as furniture of the era and how these trends have influenced the designers' An exhibition that reveals the work of Bedford Lemere from the central offices on Panepistimiou Street in Athens. solutions and modes of expression. The exhibition & Co who, through their pioneering photography, ww.benaki.gr also explores the new generation of designers and became the leading English firm of architectural companies that will design the decades to come - and photographers, setting the standards for those who Now to 31 December 2011; Carnegie maintain Denmark's position as a leading design nation. followed. Employed by a wide range of industrialists, University of Art, Pittsburgh, USA www.ddc.dk retailers, government departments and private house Palladio and His Legacy: A owners, the firm's photographs capture new build- Transatlantic Journey 2 – 4 November 2011; CCIB, Barcelona, Spain ings in pristine condition, often showing the work of Explore the life and work of one of the most influential World Architecture Festival leading contemporary architects, interior decorators, architects in history in an exhibition that reveals the indel- World Architecture Festival is the world's largest, designers and artists. Curated by English Heritage,

ible mark his legacy has left on American architecture. live, truly inclusive and interactive global architectural international e v ents custodians of the Bedford Lemere & Co collection, the Andrea Palladio, 1508–80, drew inspiration from classical awards programme. It is a unique meeting point for exhibition reveals the exceptional quality, depth and architecture, crafting a new style that met the functional architects, suppliers and clients, attracting hundreds sharpness of the images which render them as fresh and aesthetic demands of his age. His buildings were real- of entries and visitors from all over the world. and legible today as when they were first composed. ised in a small area of northern Italy, yet his enduring influ- www.worldarchitecturefestival.com www.architecture.com ence on the western world can be attributed to the impact of his book I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura. The exhibition 16 November 2011 – 04 March 2012; Design Museum, London, UK Now to 6 November 2011; The Architecture is centred on 31 original Palladio drawings and a number Terence Conran – The way we live now Centre, Bristol, Wales, UK of books from the RIBA's unrivalled collections, alongside The Design Museum marks Sir bas-reliefs and architectural models. It traces Palladio's Altered Landscapes: Design Terence Conran’s 80th birthday architectural development alongside the enormous Research Unit Wales with a major exhibition that impact his work had on the architecture of the United Design Research Unit explores his unique impact on States, resulting in new and original interpretations from Wales (DRUw) is a young, contemporary life in Britain. grand formal buildings to smaller utilitarian structures. research-led practice combin- Through his own design work, and www.architecture.com ing award-winning design, also through his entrepreneurial teaching, and research, flair, Conran has transformed the British way of life. Now to 19 February 2012; Barbican Art Gallery, London, UK based in the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff. As well as this, his design studio and architectural DRUw has attracted a number of commissions in which OMA/Progress practice have a world wide reach. The Way We Live research-based design is married to notions of sustain- This autumn Barbican Art Gallery is transformed by Now explores Conran’s impact and legacy, whilst also ability, tectonics, material innovation, environmental and an exhibition on OMA, one of the most influential showing his design approach and inspirations. The functional performance, and economy. This exhibition architecture practices working today. Known for their exhibition traces his career from post-war austerity presents recent projects from inception to comple- daring and unconventional ideas and strangely beauti- through to the new sensibility of the Festival of Britain tion, including Margam Discovery Centre, located in a ful buildings as much as their contagious obsession in the 1950s, the birth of the Independent Group registered historic landscape outside Port Talbot; and with the rapid pulse of living today, the work of OMA and the Pop Culture of the 1960s, to the design an Environmental Resource Classroom, located in a and its think tank AMO anticipates the architectural, boom of the 1980s and on to the present day. post-industrial landscape in Ebbw Vale. The projects engineering and cultural ideas transforming our mate- www.designmuseum.org will be illustrated by sketches, photographs, drawings rial world. Founded in 1975 by Rem Koolhaas as and models demonstrating how research and sustain- the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, OMA now Now to 15 January 2012; Centre for ability are embedded in the way the practice works. comprises a partnership of seven and a staff of around Fine Arts, Brussels, Belguim www.architecturecentre.co.uk 280 architects, designers and researchers of more Paulo Mendes da Rocha than 35 nationalities working in close collaboration from Almost 20 years after Oscar Niemeyer, the creator of Now to 27 November 2011; Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece offices in Rotterdam, New York, Beijing and Hong Kong. Brasilia, Paulo Mendes da Rocha (born in 1928) became OMA/Progress is the first major presentation of OMA’s The Bank of Greece: The Buildings the second Brazilian architect to be awarded the Pritzker work in the UK and coincides with the opening of their The Bank of Greece was established in 1928, in accord- Architecture Prize (2006), the profession's equivalent of first buildings there, Rothschild Bank HQ in the City of ance with the Geneva Protocol of September 15th, the Nobel Prize. He is the star of europalia.brasil, which London and a Maggie’s Centre in Gartnavel, Glasgow. 1927, and constitutes the sole Bank authorised to issue is devoting a monographic exhibition to him this autumn. www.barbican.org.uk banknotes in the country. Almost immediately after it was In the early days of his career his Gymnasium for the established, provision was made to house the bank's Paulista Athletic Club (1958) won a Grand Prix at the São Now to 12 May 2013, Danish Design headquarters in Athens, as well as those branch offices Paulo Biennale (1961). He continued to build in São Paulo Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark deemed necessary in the Greek provinces, that would and teach at the university there, in line with the principles allow the bank to pursue its policies. In order to build Denmark by Design of the Paulista school founded by João Batista Vilanova the central branch in Athens and the two minor branches The exhibition 'Denmark by Design' shows the develop- Artigas. Persecuted by the military regime in 1969, he in Piraeus and Thessaloniki (where the Bank is housed ment in Danish design from 1945-2010. Decade by nonetheless designed the Brazilian pavilion at the Osaka in the same buildings as the National Bank of Greece), decade you will be able to follow Danish design's World Exhibition (1970). In the 1980s and 1990s he went architectural competitions were held, in which the major on to achievements such as Saint Peter's Chapel (1987), architects of the Interwar Years participated. The remain- the Brazilian Sculpture Museum (1986), and Patriarch ing branches were built over the next fifty years by the Square in São Paulo (2002). Often described as a brutal- Bank of Greece Technical Service. The exhibition presents ist architect because of his radical use of crude materials, the entries into the three major competitions for the architecture's social impact and its relationship to the headquarters and the Thessaloniki and Piraeus branches, environment are key considerations in his approach. as well as drawings and photographs (of that time as well www.bozar.be

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