Fiona Galea Debono
City Gate: 10 points, St George's Square: Zero
Same difference? Whether this is Ross Lovegrove's Solar Tree in Vienna or St George's Square when it gets a facelift, "stealing" ideas seems to be the name of the game.
Leading architect Richard England has slammed the planned makeover of St George's Square, in Valletta complaining that the project has been entrusted to "interior designers".
"By definition, their role would be to design interiors and not what has become the most important public space in the capital," Prof. England said, stressing that a major square, complete with the Presidential Palace, museums and history, had been thrown out to the "wrong profession".
His comments are added to those of another prominent architect, Conrad Thake, who also criticised the designs, claiming they were plagiarised.
"Full marks to Renzo Piano's scheme but zero points to St George's Square," Prof. England said.
Carlo Schembri, art director responsible for the capital city's projects, insisted the job was entrusted to a team consisting of an urban designer, planners and architects from the Valletta Rehabilitation Committee.
In his defence, Mr Schembri said that while he owned an interior design studio in Malta he had also been running Forfun Design in Milan for three years in partnership with Italian architect Antonio Zardoni and dealing specifically with art direction.
As art director, his brief has been to coordinate the vision of the city's various projects, turning streets into public spaces and creating a central space for families.
"Even Napoleon III commissioned Georges-Eugène Haussmann, who was not an architect, to design the urban plan of Paris," Mr Schembri said.
The €1 million regeneration project, which should see the square repaved and water jets installed, is expected to be ready in November.
Mr Thake has described its design as "disjointed and superficial". He is hoping that "the dragon rears its head and is in time to burn this scheme before it is slain by St George".
Both Prof. England and Dr Thake have also pointed out that the lamps for the square were copied from Vienna and elements in Milan.
While admitting to the similarity, Mr Schembri, referring to the Vienna project by Ross Lovegrove, called Solar Tree, insisted they were "totally different on closer inspection.
"Even a car, from a distance, looks the same... Piano, in his latest speech, said he has been stealing ideas all his life and Fiat boss Sergio Marchione said that if there was a good idea, even from the competition, he would take it."
Prof. England maintained that the St George's Square project called for the organisation of a competition for architects. "How can the government fail to hold a competition for such an important project but organise one for the embellishment of Gozo's Xlendi Bay?"
Having Mr Piano already on board for the entrance to Valletta could have resulted in his appointment as chairman of the jury panel, ensuring that any plans for the square and even Fort St Elmo would be compatible with his own designs for City Gate.
"You cannot have one language at the entrance, another in the middle and yet another down at St Elmo," Prof. England argued, highlighting the lack of a master plan, which led to a lack of coordination.
For Mr Schembri, though, the situation in the capital was quite the opposite: "That is why we are trying to channel every project for Valletta through the team that has been set up by the government. We did a fact-finding mission to see various proposals and projects for the city - from the proposed transport system to creating a cultural path for visiting tourists; from creating usable open spaces for the locals to well-designed outdoor catering spaces - basically to make the city alive, liveable and one to be proud of".
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DVella
Jul 22nd 2009, 16:35
The reference to Georges Eugene Haussmann is totally irrelevant and reveals serious shortcomings in knowledge of history and lack of understanding of the nature of architecture and design. Haussmann eradicated three quarters of Paris in the re-planning and reconstruction process of the city. The extent of what was lost may never be known . . . are we suggesting that the same should be done to Valletta ?? (!) If so I would recommend starting with the ghastly government flats above city gate. It may be somewhat beyond the understanding of some but an urban planning exercise to reorganise an entire city is different from a design exercise for a single open urban space, each calls for a totally different set of skills.
Maybe it is peurile on my part to mention this but during the process of 'design' nobody seems to have taken into account the fact that St. George's Square was the only space suitable as a formal parade ground and offered a majestic backdrop for such activity. Yet thanks to the 'design' being implemented, the Military tatoo has been relegated to a venue outside Valletta which by comparison, can't hold a candle to St. George's Square.
DVella
Jul 21st 2009, 17:41
@ Vince DeBono . . .
Valletta is a city that was founded in the Renaissance (NOT BAROQUE) period and throughout its lifespan, as in all cities, various significant buildings were added including neo-classical, baroque, neo gothic, classicist revival, art nouveau and (sadly) some latter day pastiche rubbish which attempted rather pathetically to emulate the architectural idioms of former ages. To describe Valletta as Baroque reveals a depth of non-existant knowledge and a profound lack of understanding of what one is talking about!
Whilst we're on the subject, as it happens, Prof. England does happen to have a fair idea of what he is talking about when it comes to Architecture, as does Dr Conrad Thake . . . . unlike some unfortunate people who tend to sprout nonsensical theories that only serve to reveal the depth of their non-existant knowledge on the subject.
J Martinelli
Jul 18th 2009, 22:08
Jimmy Magro, when you question the government's methods, one tends to evaluate your thoughts, but the moment you add PN in front of 'government' you toss your mask and reveal the thickness of the skin of your face!
Your comments are so cheeky, they are pathetic, especially coming from someone who wants us to forget the horrible past when decisions by government were made on the basis of partisanship and not merit or qualifications.
Architects agree and disagree all the time and while I have a lot of respect towards Professor England, I would remind you (and him) that his designs have not always been universally acclaimed. I would not go as far as pointing out which are my least favourite, just in case, they happen to be your most admired Richard England's pieces.
Vince DeBono
Jul 18th 2009, 20:51
"You cannot have one language at the entrance, another in the middle and yet another down at St Elmo," Prof. England argued, highlighting the lack of a master plan, which led to a lack of coordination.
True Profs, But the Master Plan is Baroque. That's why I personally think that the present 60's City Gate or the future aperture in the walls + the Parliament Building jar.
"Prof. England maintained that the St George's Square project called for the organisation of a competition for architects. "How can the government fail to hold a competition for such an important project but organise one for the embellishment of Gozo's Xlendi Bay?"
There was no competition for the greatest of them all - City Gate et al ....
Bit inconsistent methinks.
Marco Fenech
Jul 18th 2009, 18:50
It's cheap and caters to the lowest common denominator. All these stupid ' fountains' which spurt water with coloured lights. One does it ,they all do, Tigne Midi will do it,St Julian's has it,St Anne's Square has done it and now Valletta. The problem is ,there is no originality,because it's drummed out of us from birth.All we do is copy,which is not allway's a bad thing..but at least,if we must,let's copy excellence.
What I think is strange is, why both these Architect's speak now, and not when the project was originally announced?.
Alfred Farrugia
Jul 18th 2009, 17:55
Is it not strange that Prof. Richard England proposes the “organization of a competition for architects” for St. George’s Square, but is happy with a direct order for City Gate and its immediate surrounding area?
Does this mean that Professor England considers himself capable of competing against other architects with reference to St. George’s square, but offers no contest with Renzo Piano when it comes to City Gate?
Are there no architects in the world that could have done better on City Gate than Renzo Piano, with all due respect to the latter? Why not a competition for City Gate as well?
P.Cassar
Jul 18th 2009, 17:38
@ T Formosa
Isn't this the Richard England whose plans were nationally thrown out some years ago??
He even got paid Lm400,00 for those plans, out of your and my money. Please remember.
Sara Falconi
Jul 18th 2009, 16:48
Once upon a time, when Michelangelo Buonarroti was leaving Florence, he referred to Brunelleschi’s dome and said, “ I’m going to Rome to build a bigger one but not a better one”. Michelangelo Buonarroti was primarily a sculptor yet designed St Peter’s dome and he painted the Sistine Chapel.
Matia Preti was a famous painter yet his contribution to architecture was second to none.
Does Richard England wish to imply that Mr Schembri cannot design a square?
James De Giorgio
Jul 18th 2009, 16:15
Sounds like sour grapes to me, Mr England!! What would you have done, another sculpture in St George's square reading LOVE upsidedown and at an angle??!
Joe Tabone-Adami
Jul 18th 2009, 15:31
As the French say "to each according to his tastes".
Galea. L
Jul 18th 2009, 14:19
The tree lights are totally our of place in St Georges Square.
This had been said by many people and now even architects are saying so.
Gonzi, you got a trashing in June, but you are still disregarding the people.
You shall certainly get another greater trashing come next election.
vincent a galea
Jul 18th 2009, 11:17
WHAT A MESS!!!!!!
Who is right? Who is wrong?
Why not put an end to this PIQUE and heed what the majority of the Maltese want:
SIMPLY RESTORE VALLETTA TO ITS ORIGINAL STATE!
Whoever says that RESTORATION is fraud, has not got a clue and living in cukoo land!
But poor Valletta has become ensnared in HIDDEN AGENDAS!!!!!!!!
TONY FORMOSA
Jul 18th 2009, 10:56
* PROFESSOR RICHARD ENGLAND's REMARKS MUST BE LISTENED TO
AND ACTED UPON WHERE ACTION IS NEEDED.
THE MAN IS A GENIUS.
TONY FORMOSA
TONY FORMOSA
Jimmy Magro
Jul 18th 2009, 10:30
I am interested in the procurement processes which is regulated by law and regulations.
How come that Government has the absolute right to select professional or unprofessional persons (architects, chief executives, chairpersons, etc) without an open call? And how about the recruitment companies? There seems to be always the use of the same recruitment company that everyone knows has long ties with the PN and the present Government? And to add insult to injury, the interview is conducted by a single person that is a strategy advisor to the PN.
Where are our checks and balances? Where is the ombudsman, the auditor, the commission against corruption, the police commissioner, the attorney general, the public accounts committee, the intelligensia from our university?