Piano's latest plans 'a big improvement'

Renzo Piano's proposals for the reconstruction of City Gate and Freedom Square, in Valletta are a big improvement on those he had originally presented, according to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.

It said that the plans as presented suggested the retention and conservation of all the elements of heritage within the scope of the project which were endangered. The overall nature of the project was impressive despite being overtly minimalistic in its nature, it added.

However, it said the panoramic lift from the ditch to the main entrance would look unsightly and would disrupt the continuous homogeneity of the restored curtain wall. This facility could easily be accommodated within the wall thickness, FWA said.