On hearing Renzo Piano I understood how fortunate we should consider ourselves to have him design and envisage the regeneration of our capital city.

At once a world architect, an artist-architect and an architect's architect, he exemplifies the possibility of thinking locally while building globally. He personifies fine-wrought craftsmanship in our age of machines.

His contribution will surely place Valletta on a par with other capital cities which embraced the 21st century while respecting their glorious past. Mr Piano's enthusiasm augurs well!