Quality architecture

What makes for quality in architecture? This is not an easy question to answer. Even if some aspects of architecture are highly subjective, there are certain basic principles that are irrefutable.

To me, quality architecture is that which provides for functional buildings and has good aesthetics. It provides spaces, internal and external, that give a positive living experience. It does not unduly impose itself on its surroundings and strives to have the least possible impact on the environment.

Thanks to the Knights of St John and the British, Malta developed a strong tradition in architecture over several centuries. Unfortunately, since the 1970s and 1980s, architecture in Malta has deteriorated. During this period, there were some examples of good architecture but these were few and far between.

In recent years, there has been a renewed effort by several Maltese architects to strive for quality. The number of notable buildings that provide a positive experience is increasing.

On the other hand, there is room for further improvement. The approach of some developers and, regrettably, of some architects, is that the construction industry is simply a machine that produces apartments, showrooms or whatever. They fail to see that architecture is that which inspires people while serving the function for which the building is intended.

There is need for greater appreciation of quality architecture so that more developers and architects will come to realise that quality is in their best interest.

Within this context, a recent initiative by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority deserves to be commended. Four architectural projects received awards for their conservation considerations, engineering solutions, urban design and environment enhancement. This is part of the authority's drive not only to promote sustainable development but also to encourage developers and their architects to produce better architecture. For next year, Mepa should also consider awards for energy efficiency and external lighting.

Good architecture requires clients with a vision to see that their development gives a positive contribution to urban environment. Moreover, clients need to give more leeway to their architects. It also requires a creative architect capable of translating the client's vision into a functional and attractive design. It needs perseverance by the designer and a willingness to change and improve first designs; good design requires time and effort.

Last but not least, it requires a regulatory authority, like Mepa, that facilitates the creativity process that leads to quality architecture. Mepa has a proactive role in large projects.

The direction given by Mepa often proves crucial in ensuring that a project is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. One only has to follow the application process of some projects to see that there is an improvement from the design submitted in the first instance to what is eventually approved. It is the authority's role to promote professional and serious planning in the country while raising awareness in favour of the environment.

Another initiative worthy of note is Time for Architecture which will consist of 19 days of activities related to architecture. Starting on September 28, the highlight of the programme of activities will be an architectural exhibition, a series of films with an architectural theme, a lecture by an invited foreign speaker and a conference.

The activities will mark World Architecture Day on October 3 and are being organised by the Chamber of Architects and the Society of Architecture and Civil Engineering Students.

I should also mention a book on recent architecture in Malta: Malta: War and Peace, An Architectural Chronicle1800-2000 by Conrad Thake and Quentin Hughes with photography by Daniel Cilia. The book is due to be published next month.

These commendable initiatives should generate a renewed interest in good design and should, hopefully, result in renewed efforts by developers and architects to consistently seek to produce quality architecture.

Mr Pullicino, an architect by profession, is Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment.