ISSUE NO. 57 | OCTOBER 2011 THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KAMRA TAL-PERITI OST P NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPER contents 12 15 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 OST up of such a Centre is in fact listed as one of the 21 Key Editor P 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.