Ing. Dott Paolo Pininfarina became a member of the board of directors of Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche SpA in 1984.

In 1988 he was also made a member of the board of directors of Pininfarina SpA, the holding company of the Pininfarina Group. He also became a member of the board of directors of Industrie Pininfarina SpA in 1994, and finally in 2002 he became quality system director.

Ing. Pininfarina was asked about Pininfarina Extra srl's association with MIDI plc as one of the shareholders and their cretions and innovative styling implemented on the exclusive Tigné Point development project.

Pininfarina is renowned for automotive designs. What brought about this departure from cars to urban design?

In the mid-1980s it has been decided to progressively apply the know-how which has been gathered throughout the years from automotive design, production and planning to other sectors of the industry.

Having become a shareholder of MIDI plc, obviously you have confidence in its eventual success. What attracted you to this development project of MIDI?

Other than the experience which could have been gained from the design and the architecture of buildings, what attracted me most to MIDI's project was the possibility of getting involved in urban planning: Tigné Point and, in the near future, Manoel Island, are like two small, autonomous towns, and planning the management of transport, specifically, traffic circulation and parking allocation, was indeed an enthusiastic enterprise.

What is your role in creativity and design?

Initially, I was directly involved in the urban planning of the project: for example, the concept of preserving the greenery surrounding and protecting Fort Tigné and Fort Manoel was one of the notions to which I gave more emphasis since the beginning.

After an initial phase, which predominantly consisted of urban furnishing, corporate identity and industrial design, I am currently providing artistic consultancy to the Maltese architects.

Is Pininfarina's role to design the interiors of the buildings or the whole urban project?

The architectural planning (more than 500 real estate units are available at Tigné Point alone) was a huge job which could not have been accomplished without the ceaseless and coherent work of an important group of Maltese architects.

At present, Pininfarina Extra is providing support in the field of interior design which will become a priority in 2005, when the first apartments will be completed.

How do you think the project at Tigné Point is progressing so far?

We have to keep in mind that this is the largest real estate development project in Malta's history, and hence a slight delay could be quite understandable. As from 2000, however, the project is proceeding at a reasonably good pace and comments from the general public and opinion formers have been quite positive in that respect.

What qualities does Pininfarina offer which help make the Tigné Point project special or unique in the Mediterranean?

As far as design sensibility is concerned, Pininfarina can give a touch of internationality and Italianism. Moreover, from the viewpoint of a local entity, Pinifarina can be seen as a "fresh eye" which could further stimulate research and innovative solutions.

How many of your staff from Pininfarina Extra srl are involved in the Tigné Point project?

Specific work groups are assigned depending on the nature of the task which is being requested.

Have you been involved in similar urban projects?

This is the first project of this kind and the largest so far.

What other major projects is Pininfarina involved in?

We are currently involved in a similar project in Turin, specifically in the "Spina 3" area: the project is called SNOS (Sviluppo Nuove Officine Savigliano) and will become the biggest business centre in Turin with 33,000 square metres of offices and parking. It is expected to be completed in 2006.

What technological and human expertise do you use to produce your designs for Tigné Point?

My good fortune is that of having the presence of Pininfarina Extra's design manager, Carsten Astheimer, during all my visits to Malta and in the administration of projects that might come along.

Are Pininfarina's designs focused more on aesthetics or functionality?

Pure functionality is indispensable but not sufficient to obtain the same result as a good design would. A good design is characterised by aesthetic personality and a strong element of identity.

Was there a guiding theme in the design concept of Tigné Point?

Initially, from an urban definition standpoint, the idea was that of having a central square and a green area surrounding Tigné Fort. Afterwards, from an architectural perspective, it was that of generating views in elevation which express the "aesthetic personality".

Have you commissioned any other independent research to help you develop your design concepts for Tigné Point?

No, our design concepts were entirely developed by Pininfarina Extra.

As the construction so far has been on apartments, what further designs are you implementing on the other features of the project?

At present, having just completed the design of the southern area of Tignè Point, we are currently proceeding "anti-clockwise", in the sense that we are now working on the eastern area. In the following months we shall proceed with the northern part. Before the end of the year we should also begin the final planning for the Manoel Island project.

What is your vision on the completion of this project and how would it compare to other exclusive Mediterranean urban centres?

Tigné Point is a very particular area in that it can satisfy the need of both the tourist who wants to spend a holiday there and the person who wants to live there all year round.

These apartments, which have been developed in a sophisticated way, have been specifically designed to serve as main residences and are supplemented, as opposed to other urban centres, by an important historical context and a beautiful landscape.

What do you feel that Pininfarina brings to Tigné Point?

Competence, professionalism and, most importantly, enthusiasm. It is this same enthusiasm that has kept me coming to Malta with pleasure for more than 12 years.