Concern over new Parliament designs

The environment NGO Flimkien Ghal-Ambjent Ahjar has expressed fresh c ncerns over Renzo Piano's designs for a new Parliament building at the entrance of Valletta.

"It is not within the remit of Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) to give an opinion on the design of the Parliament building, however FAA is seriously concerned about the bulk and mass of this building which risks overwhelming the surrounding structures," the NGO said.

"Moreover the elevation drawings of the Parliament building on display in Valletta are misleading; although the model shows Parliament exactly as high as St James Cavalier, the architectural elevation gives the layman the impression that the top of St James Cavalier will be visible from Republic Street. This is not the case since the Parliament building will for the most part obliterate St James Cavalier."

FAA said that topheritage cities such as Italian citadels similar to Valletta, as well as the historic cores of cities such as Prague and St. Petersburg did not allow modern or high structures within their historic perimeters and only time would tell whether this modern parliament building on stilts immediately inside the bastions would blend harmoniously with Valletta's architecture.

"Parliaments in other European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome are not set on busy shopping streets; the siting of Parliament facing the shopping arcade and social housing block of Freedom Square is undignified and lacking in prestige.

"In the late 1920s, plans were drawn up for a larger, two-chamber parliament to be accommodated above the Main Guard and flanking buildings. This site would be a far more dignified and politically significant location for Parliament facing the Palace across an upgraded St. George's Square. Alternatively the Sacra Infermeria which is one of the most important buildings in Valletta alongside the Palace and St John's Co-Cathedral would also be a suitable place for Parliament and plans are already available for the conversion of the Conference Centre auditorium into a non-confrontational parliamentary chamber. By virtue of its size, beauty and outstanding position, the Auberge de Baviere was until recently being considered as an alternative site for Parliament, with restoration works well under way."