Writing as an architect and civil engineer who was born and raised in Valletta, I have a few comments on what is planned for the city I hold very dear to my heart.
When I first knew that Renzo Piano was given carte blanche and had no brief from the "client", the government of Malta, I was rather taken aback. How can one be commissioned to design something if the client hasn't an idea of what he wants? With all due respect to the internationally-acclaimed architect, this modus operandi, from the client's side, lacks intelligence and also goes against any form of logic. Perhaps it is for this reason that Mr Piano's plans for Valletta, which will affect our everyday lives, make no sense. To me there are some key elements that need to be corrected.
Valletta needs a "city gate". The Piano design proposes to forgo having a "gate" to our capital city. A "gate" would maintain the feel of entering a fortified city, for which Valletta has been known for centuries. Why abolish this history? And in favour of what, exactly? How is this an improvement? Delete the "panoramic" lift. The purpose of a panoramic lift is to view a panorama. But there is no panoramic view. All one can see from this position are the fuming yellow buses and an open-air car garage, which should have been landscaped over many years ago. Apart from the fountain in the midst of this metal jungle, there is nothing of interest to please the eye. Accretions of any type are just not acceptable on such historic monuments. Imagine having a panoramic lift placed at the entrance of the Mdina gate, for instance. If such a lift is necessary it should be built within the bastion structure.
Parliament does not need a new building, Parliament should be relocated to the Auberge de Castille, a magnificent edifice commanding a beautiful view and designed by a renowned local architect. Relocating Parliament in this way would leave an open area for public use instead of having a modern building replacing one of the few open spaces we have left.
Ditch the ditch.
Why do they want to encourage people to linger in cafés and gardens in the ditch when we have magnificent views from the upper and lower Barrakka and Hastings gardens? Spend more on these.
Relocate the Prime Minister's office.
The Prime Minister's office could be relocated back to Auberge d'Aragon. The Prime Minister surely doesn't need to be surrounded by such opulence to perform his daily tasks. The British prime ministers seem to manage perfectly well from 10 Downing Street.
Alternatively, the Prime Minister's office could be relocated to the where the government housing estate now stands at the entrance to Valletta. Undermining Valletta's grandeur, this eyesore has been deemed important enough to stay. Why do we have to put up with years of construction when we could just relocate the residents and renovate or rebuild this structure to house the Prime Ministers' office? A redesign of this building would improve the entrance to our capital city.
The opera house/theatre needs a roof.
Why build over the open square and leave the ruins of the theatre as an open-air site? If the ruins of the once Royal Opera House are deemed to be of significant historic importance then these could definitely be incorporated in the new design of a closed theatre. I believe that there is an overwhelming consensus of opinion that Malta needs an enclosed theatre on this site, which can be used all year round.
Why is it assumed that an open-air theatre will work, whereas a closed one will not?
In conclusion, I would urge the people in authority to write a clear and concise brief, reflecting the true needs and sentiments of the nation.
After the public outcry to stop the controversial project for St John's Co-Cathedral, is it any wonder why we are imploring the government to stop and think about what we want for Valletta? The project seems to be an impulsive government decision based on the wish to leave a "monument" of their long reign in power. Governments will be remembered for all the good and positive contributions they have made as well as the calm and political stability they have instilled in the country. No monument is required for this.
It has been said that Valletta is a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen. Well, it takes a gentleman to acknowledge when a mistake has been made and then admit and rectify it for the good of all. Once a consensus has been reached we can proceed to implement this project proudly.