Mark Micallef
Renzo Piano's City Gate
Parliament on Freedom Square; Open-air theatre on ruins
The old opera house site will be converted into an open-air theatre that will incorporate the bombed ruins according to plans by Italian architect Renzo Piano to be unveiled this week.
The plans envisage a 1,200-seat roofless theatre, built around the ruins and other remains stored elsewhere over the years. It will all be enhanced with state-of-the-art technology that will give the place the scenographic and acoustic properties expected from a contemporary theatre.
"We keep the soul of the opera house," he says in an interview published today ahead of the official unveiling of his plans on Saturday. "So we don't steal that noble function that is cultural... The only thing is that this is not going to be in a building with a roof... I think this is going to be one of the most magic places in the Mediterranean... "
The world-renown architect was the one to persuade the government not to construct a new Parliament building on the old opera house site.
"I think it would have been a big mistake not to have it (a theatre) there," he says, pointing out that, besides being a shame not to reserve the old theatre exclusively for culture, the site would have been too small for a new Parliament.
Instead, the new Parliament will be on Freedom Square. The first floor of the planned building will appear to "fly" over the ground floor, which will have an element of transparency, to reveal St James Cavalier and a garden being planned there.
"We don't want to make a monumental Parliament... this is not the spirit. It's about welcoming people; about having spaces that are not hermetic, inaccessible. We want people to get into Valletta and feel how open and transparent Parliament is, especially on the ground floor."
The details on City Gate are more sketchy but Mr Piano speaks of a garden in St James Ditch that will give access to the city through a new lift.
The bridge leading to City Gate will likely be reduced to the original size in order to give a better sense of entering a fortified city. In the ditch, Mr Piano is planning a garden, which he hopes will turn out to be a special attraction.
Speaking during an interview on Radio 101 yesterday, the Prime Minister said the City Gate finalised plans should be acceptable to everyone, although compromises had to be made. Even he had to compromise on certain aspects but he was "very happy" with at least 80 per cent of the final proposal.
"This is decision time. It is not the time for more discussions. We've been discussing this for at least 20 years. My aim is to ensure that what should have been done in these past 60 years will finally happen now and Valletta will be given the dignity it deserves," he said.
Excerpts of the interview can be seen on www.timesofmalta.com. Extensive parts of it will be uploaded this evening.
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Maria Fenech
Jun 24th 2009, 21:51
I am sure the Maltese enjoy the theatre mostly in winter...... I have great regard for Mr Renzo and an Open Air theatre will enhance our experience of the theatre and extend the season - however let us make sure we maximise on this expensive project's use and explore the idea of an automated roof so it is not sitting idle in winter... We want and deserve a vibrant city all the year round like every other city in Europe.......
R Gatt
Jun 24th 2009, 19:52
@Andrea Selvaggi
"OUTSIDERS"? I seriously do hope you voted "NO" in the referedum, MLP in the 2003 elections and abstained from voting in both EP elections.
Bonello P
Jun 24th 2009, 19:35
It-Teatru Rjal has been in ruins since before I was born. Now approaching my sixtieth year I have lived in the hope of seeing my Valletta be rid of this scar that has been festering at the entrance of Valletta for the past 65 years. Most Maltese, especially those of us from Valletta, have lived in the hope of seeing that site cleared and rebuilt. It need not necessarily be another theatre. (If I were given a free hand I would dig up the whole square two or three storeys deep and build, underground, a fine museum (tipo Louvre) displaying our national heritage, culminating in a fine baroque building in lieu of the ruins, maybe showing of the Flemish tapestries). I hope the Maltese people know what they are in for. If Piano has his way the scar will be there forever and all our 65 year old hopes will be dashed. The people have already told the government that they do not like Piano's ideas but the government insists. How's that for democracy??
J BRINCAT
Jun 24th 2009, 18:15
Andrea Selvaggi - Piano was given this job for a reason. there is no one of the same calibre in Malta which is why he is being paid more so if you want a job done well then you have to pay the money!! why are you stressing "OUTSIDERS"??? If you are good you are good regardless of whether you are Maltese or not. he knows enough about Malta and the culture here to rebuild the opera house (was it not designed by an English architect in the first place???).
Andrea Selvaggi
Jun 24th 2009, 13:06
The biggest eyesore for anyone is having the first thing as you enter Valletta is Parliament. Can you imagine tourists walking in and witnessing, the havoc and chaos there is usually when ministers and MP's are entering parliament? . this project should have been given to a collective of talented MALTESE ARCHITECTS and and not to someone who does not live here and knows the country well enough. We got an OUTSIDER paid him alot of money, when this could have been done locally and the funds paid to local architects..
Space is limited in Valletta already! Building Parliament in the Pjazza will just give more of a claustrophobic feel. I can't wait to see these plans. Is this house of parliament going to be 'shading' the 'open-air theatre?. I hope this message gets published, as it seems everytime i post a comment its not published.
Muscat.Pat
Jun 24th 2009, 07:45
Piano is a an artist and a world class architect, no doubt about it. His work will really embellish Valetta, but, why does'nt the Government mend the roads first????Is this not our major priority? First things first!
J S Borg
Jun 23rd 2009, 21:32
But Renzo Piano didn't realise that the Maltese still live in the pseudo baroque era? He should have included, balavostri, lavur composed of flutes, shoe laces, flowers, archimedian spirals, and all curves geometrically possible and maybe taking ideas from nature itself; winding staircases, bank and sotto bank all sculptured allover; friezes depicting all historical events. He should have visited the pavaljuni which we hang during the festa time.
An then what the beautiful architecture which the British had left us? Ruining St Elmo, demolishing part of the fortifications to build lookout post, the lovely and imposing gunpost, the opening in the bastions doing such irreperable damage that within few years St Elmo will be no more. And what about the Indian influence architecture of belt is-sebh, the maritime museum and many others?
While walking through the city gate one could admire the lovely housing estate on the left in all its beauty and glory. Do you remember the drying lines with glamorous wear attire used to cover the bodies of pretty persons?
So dear Mr Piano I really admire you for having the guts to accept the invitation.
Adrian Grech Cumbo
Jun 23rd 2009, 17:35
What a shame ! Mr Piano insulted the Maltese intelligence. An open air theater is a no go. Nobody seems to care about culture tourism as an Opera House would certainly attract another niche market to our island. Even our great Maltese Tenor commented on Mr Piano proposal of the open air theater. Mr Piano I expected that you do not insult the Maltese. Whilst I agree this should not be a political ball, I believe that this should be democratically discussed and finalized.
Joe Fenech
Jun 23rd 2009, 16:34
Parliament Houses in Freedom square IS NOT a Piano idea. This was imposed by Gonzi and cliques! This is just propaganda that regimes love. I am surprised how Piano hasn't refused this project! From an ethical point of view: he should have.
As to Piano's talents - NO ONE in Malta can question them ! What do you want, more mess from our local 'talent'? Go and see how St James was rubbished! It looks like a cross between a swingers' club and a disco. Plus those neons stuck to the stairs are extremely dangerous.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jun 23rd 2009, 15:34
Parliament on Freedom Square , Open-air theatre on ruins........
RENZO has really great Qualities by PROPOSING Our Highest Institution on Malta's Carnival Mecca.
His proposal of this sensless open air theatre on the ruins will surely RENDER the PROSPECTS of Malta's Cultural Revival IN RUINS .......and ... piano, pia..NO will die a natural death !
Anthony Farrugia
Jun 23rd 2009, 09:21
Too early to comment unless plans are submitted. Mr.Piano changed his past ideas what if we have accepted and constructed on those plans? will he change again his ideas again in 20 years time? Is this the correct plan? Will there be a chance of changing or refusing such suggestion, or agreement have already been reached between the Govt and Mr.Piano? Most of Piano's archetecure is very futuristic, and certainly not matching with what remained of Valletta. Hope to involve Maltese public and Maltese architects, was there some sort of public submission of ideas and if there was is it possible that none were good? Most governments speak of the ability of the MALTES PEOPLE it seems that no Maltese is able to
settle this problem !!
Godfrey Pirotta
Jun 23rd 2009, 09:20
Question: If you had to choose which musical instrument you would be in Malta, which will you choose?
Answer: A Piano as you get paid twice for doing the same job.
They tell us there is a financial crisis but spending money twice on the same plan seems to give the impression that those in charge care very little for our money. But it would be nice to know who in Malta is going to earn money out of this exercise. Unless I am mistaken Richard England has also been paid for planning the same project.
School problem: if for the plans for a project you have to pay 3 times, how many times do you expect to pay for the completion of the same project? In answering the problem use Mater Dei as your tables guide.
Steve Cassar
Jun 23rd 2009, 08:56
skuzawni imma certu kummenti vera tad-dahk
min igerger ghax ha jintuza perit barrani, min igerger ghax jrid t-teatru mibni mil-gdid etc etc
iva possibli fuq kollox irridu ngergru?
Kieku vera jintuza perit malti , cert li jattakkawh u hajtu tkun mhedda!
(aparti li dan l-progett ser jispicca ballun politiku - for a change!)
Louis Gatt
Jun 23rd 2009, 08:50
I admire respondents and appreciate their views. But honestly I don't think our views can change anything at all! Chi comanda fa tutto! He's always right and we have to pay all the bills weather we like it or not!
philip pace
Jun 23rd 2009, 08:19
Does this mean that the plan has been accepted without any sort of consultation from the public whose shall pay for it?
By the way Mr.Piano talks it looks like a foregone conclusion that he has the blessing of the Government which means that the plan shall go ahead.
Can anyone provide SOLID answers to my question?
I insist SOLID ANSWERS.
My present opinion (as it might change) is that if what I am understanding shall be true than the Government shall have a big job to convince the public about this and I am still in the opinion that the opera house should be given the same facelift but would have a modern theatre inside to be named as The National Theatre Of Malta.
Can someone come out with the truth?
Raymond Barbara
Jun 23rd 2009, 08:16
We have all seen the works done by this architect and we now travel abroad to see them.
One has to remember that there was no single project that did not have a controversy by the locals. Look at what happened in France to mention one example.
In any case Malta and the Maltese are not different from any other european country, so I would expect some controversy but lets keep in mind what I said above.
I am sure that the final outcome will be another renowned project carried out in the middle of the mediteranean sea by Renzo Piano.
j n ebejer
Jun 23rd 2009, 07:39
built in the 1500's' and 'settle for anything less than the original building' - 'building the opera house' - there cannot be more confusing idea led by nostalgic colonial mentality than these contrasting statements! -
Valletta was neither built in the 1500's - it was built on a period spanning through three centuries, the original building was a household, which was letr partly used as bakery again household and then wantonly demolished by the British to erect a theatre comletely dissonant with the architecture of Valletta of the time.
Please stop considering Maltese history as having been the big bang donation of the British erra!
albert debono
Jun 23rd 2009, 07:32
Soooooo many of us as sooooo professional and knowledgable in EVERYTHING!!
opinions are everybodys right but respect intelligence! yours at least!
Renzo Piano is world renowned, we invited he acknowledged!
GET IT DONE...afterwards lets all be the critics but shut off the wet blanket attitude!
Joseph Galea
Jun 22nd 2009, 18:44
...and so it starts! The plans have not been published yet and already the naysayers are out in force. Some continue to insist to rebuild what never really belonged in Valletta. Others harp on about 'dishonouring Maltese Architects' (while no Maltese Architects seem to be protesting) etc. etc. etc. Keeping the ruins acknowledges an event in Malta's history - good or bad - and the ruins have been there so long that it seems a sacrilege to remove them now. Retaining them makes historical sense. As for the rest of the plans, they have not been published yet, so let's reserve judgment, keep an open mind and hope and pray that the current state of affairs does not continue for another 60 years.
Mario Tabone-Vassallo
Jun 22nd 2009, 16:43
Dal-genju ta' l-arkitettura jew zbalja meta hareg bl-ewwel pjani jew qed jizbalja bil-piani ta' issa. Ma jaghmilx sens li d-darbtejn kellu ragun u holoq l-ahjar soluzzjoni ghal Bieb il-Belta meta z-zewg proposti huma hekk differenti. Li dan juri hu, li hu fallibli u bil-kbir. Milli smajt s'issa, fil-fehema tieghi rega' ghassadha
L Debono
Jun 22nd 2009, 15:36
Valetta was built with a lot of pride and it was a state of the art cit of the 1500’s. Kings from all over Europe and even the pope contributed to the building of Valetta. We know that it was well ahead of its time and even the buildings that were built after the departure of the Knights had a strong historic character. Why do the Maltese people have to settle for any thing less than the original building? IMO a historic work of art like the old opera house should be replaced by nothing less than the same qualities. A roofless theater is not the same.
With modern technology rebuilding the old opera house is not as difficult as when it was originally built. Leaving ruins scattered around and changing the original plans would demonstrate inferiority not pride and accomplishment. Rebuilding a masterpiece like this would certainly be a huge achievement for the Maltese people and would also preserve the immense history of the Nation.
joseph camilleri
Jun 22nd 2009, 12:54
Why is it that we have to have a piece meal project? Why not consider the valletta and sea ports projects in a holistic manner? Unless one considers the big picture, expressing oneself on a single project is like commenting on one piece of jigsaw puzzle.
I tend to think that government's modus operandi is driven by what can be completed by next election time, and thus opt for the piece meal approach. How sad indeed!
Galea. L
Jun 22nd 2009, 12:24
Pauline Borg
Huwa ta' dizunur ghal Malta u aktar u aktar ghal Gonzi li jinjora periti Maltin biex jilghaq perit barrani maghruf kemm huwa maghruf. Tal misthija.
Marvin Mizzi
Jun 22nd 2009, 12:14
This is decision time. It is not the time for more discussions. We've been discussing this for at least 20 years. My aim is to ensure that what should have been done in these past 60 years will finally happen now and Valletta will be given the dignity it deserves," he said. So imposition time ...... so even if our city is going to be ruined we just cannot speak!!!!!!!
B Agius
Jun 22nd 2009, 11:36
Why would we want to keep ruins caused by a german bomb in the entrance to valletta? And build another building on one of the few open spaces the city has ? One has to hold judgement until all of the plans are seen and understood. But you get this feeling that things are going from bad to worse.
Gabriel A Pellegrini
Jun 22nd 2009, 11:02
I am all out for the rebuilding of the Opera House, however if this is not to be why not honour our own people like Antonio Sciortino and build perhaps on a smaller scale his master piece project of the Monument to unkown Warrior.
Pauline Borg
Jun 22nd 2009, 10:16
Kemm tinsab ecitata naqra din l-intervista - huwa ta'unur kbir li Malta tilqa b'ideja miftuha l-perit ta fama internazzjonali Renzo Piano biex jaghti lura d-dinjita li din il-kapitali jisthoqila...ejjew Maltin nintefaw wara dan il-progett li sa fl-ahhar ha jsir...fuq din mieghek jien Prim....
D. Scerri
Jun 22nd 2009, 09:56
"We want people to get into Valletta and feel how open and transparent Parliament is"
LMAO!!