A democratic building for democratic use

Ever since the debate on the opera house site has resurfaced, it is quite understandable that the general public is participating in the nationwide discussion related to the reconstruction of this area since the majority of the population is eager to have a decent construction which can finally replace the ghastly sight of a parking area amid the remains of former national treasure.

Personally, I am not against the idea of having Parliament relocated to the old opera house site. However, the project must not be exclusively dedicated to the new Parliament.

The Bundestag (the German Parliament) is an example of how such a building could be utilised for institutional purposes without necessarily depriving the general public from accessing such a site. In fact, the Bundestag has areas available for exhibitions while the public can witness the various parliamentary sessions and at the same time enjoy the majestic view of Berlin due to the glass structure found at the top of the building. Such a construction serves institutional and cultural purposes concurrently without any conflict between the two.

Meanwhile, the base of the old opera house must be preserved and should complement the new construction. The new site could also host a library as well as a museum of Malta's political history, preferably covering the first initiatives in favour of self-representation to today.

I do not agree that the site should be used exclusively as a cultural centre since St James Cavalier already serves such a purpose and just a few metres away from the area in question! However, it would be very unfortunate if the new site shall solely focus on the construction of a new Parliament without creating areas that can be enjoyed by the general public. The Maltese have waited way too long to have a new building available to just a few privileged people.

Regarding the choice of the architect, it has become revoltingly cliché to have Richard England commissioned to plan such national projects. Without minimising any of Prof. England's talents one might start questioning if this architect has become a sort of official architect of the state.

Such a situation does not help foster creativity and competition in the country apart from the hypothetical repetitions of upside down letter monuments or horrendous use of colours right at the heart of our capital city!