Valletta needs an architect who truly knows the city

The Sydney Opera House was built by a Danish architect by the name of Joern Utzon and not by Renzo Piano, as stated by Ray Gurrieri (September 14).

Having seen Mr Piano's model exhibited at the Archaeological Museum, I totally agree with Lina Thake's letter (September 15) titled City Gate And The Emperor's New Clothes.

The Opera House scenario is a farce and can easily be compared to Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale The Emperor's New Clothes. We are all being taken for a ride and what a rollercoaster ride we are in for! A Parliament looking so out of place next to all the other buildings... on stilts! (Francesco Laparelli must be turning in his grave). I do know that we have a problem when it rains but I was not aware of tidal waves in Freedom Square.

Our own Ġerolamo Cassar built a beautiful city that, despite being heavily bombed during the World War II, still takes our breath, and that of thousands of visitors, away. We are so lucky to have the most beautiful building stone in the world that can be cut and formed into pieces of art that other countries can only dream of and envy.

Why is it that we have to build in a style that would be more fitting in Hong Kong or New York? Our little island is unique, something we should be proud of. We don't need to be like other places. We can obviously learn from other countries' experiences and then adapt appropriately. Needless to say, we could learn a little about order and tidiness.

Valletta is an architectural pearl and we are led to believe by Mr Piano that the old Opera House would look out of place if rebuilt in its original design. I honestly think that the new Parliament and the City Gate would look more out of place and will ruin the special aura that Valletta has.

With all due respect to Mr Piano, Malta and Valletta needs an architect that truly understands the heart and soul of the city. One that appreciates, respects and admires the old masters' work. Valletta does not need an opera house that looks like a basketball court in Harlem, that can only be used for three months a year (if that!). Nor does it need a Parliament that looks so out of place or a City Gate that resembles one of the British built "pillboxes".

We need to bring back the old majestic gateway that so befitted and complemented the entrance to the capital. Make an underground parking facility under Freedom Square, if possible, and a beautiful park on top. Rebuild the Opera House to its former glory, a house that can be used for all arts, whether it being singing, dancing or drama.

If our politicians feel they need a new Parliament then why not spend the money on restoring Fort St Elmo and move the Parliament there? In that way you kill two birds with one stone. Valletta was built by gentlemen for gentlemen but today "gentle ladies" should also have a say in our beautiful capital's future.