Partial roof features in new City Gate theatre plans

Jason Falzon

Mar 11th 2010, 10:41

For me the problem is very simple. To rebuild the theater will cost millions and the return will be minimal (financial wise).

But those millions will be diverted towards building a new plush futuristic eyesore new parliament that will give a lot of return, as from it we will have all the new taxes approved!!!!

For me all the talk about capacity is crap as the inside could be enlarged by excavating to enlarge the headroom and make seating on a 2 tier system. Ok it will not be the exact original but the geberal theme could be the same and the outside an exact replica.

Myrna Minkoff

Mar 10th 2010, 11:06

I've always liked the idea of keeping the ruins.
after browsing through some of the plans posted by others below, still kinda like this one best.
The look and functionality suit Valletta, those ruins are a part of it, and will look amazing when enhanced.
Also, who really wants an all glass structure?
The energy costs alone will financially cripple the operation.
The arts struggles for cash enough.
Open air is not so bad.
It will be nice to walk by at night and hear whatever is going on inside spill over on the street.

A.Gauci Cunningham

Mar 3rd 2010, 14:10

@Maniscalco-----Agenda....funny one this! Everyone who spells out what is glaringly obvious in this country has an agenda! The bus drivers, hunters, Unions, consumers....insomma everyone has some hidden and sinister agenda nowadays! So here's my 'agenda' clearly spelt out for intellectuals the likes of Mr.Maniscalco
1)---I am all out for the project per se...anything is better than what we have now. period.
2)---City gate plans are fine.....bus terminus plans are exciting.......St.James Ditch plans are great...the idea of having a Parliament is a waste of money...and well having a roofless theatre?....As I said anything's better than ruins I suppose.
3)---That having been said I'm NOT a theatre expert or goer neither am I an architect. So I'd leave the better judgement on such issues to people who are far more qualified than me. 120 artistes including Joseph Calleja, Seraccino Inglott, Kenneth Zammit tabona and others have made their criticism quite clear. I hope we're not implying that these have some agenda too.
4)---my comment was what it was....clear and obvious. The present PM towards whom many have directed their crit. about Piano's plans is not exactly in listening mood about anything under the sun right now.

...there, thats my agenda!!!

ray sacco

Mar 3rd 2010, 10:56

this is another confirmation that mr. piano and the prime minister have no idea of what the people want! the resentment towards paino's project is not at the roofless theatre concept in itself, but at the fact that after long years of waiting, the theatre site will not only remain in shambles but will be validated as so forever! if the theatre size is not practical for nowadays, how will it become functional without a roof or with a partial roof? it is better to build a replica of the old theatre and regard it as a monument at the entrance of our capital than surrounding the ruins with plastic walls.

Anthony Pace Gouder

Mar 3rd 2010, 10:20

Nothing will be accepted by all those who fervently long to see a National Theatre built on the Existing O H site. A PROFESSIONALLY built Permanent structure, and not this make-shift banality not even fit for a Banana Republic ! Building on the existing line of foundations and APPLYING architectural features possibly as faithful to those of the original O H , these need not be as sumptious .
As a Visual example I am again suggesting this building whose dimensions and features are representative and display similarity to the O H .

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/24840435 http://www.panoramio.com/photo/2507371

Denouncing the site as being too small is a lame excuse ! It is the Proposed Parliament Block if this is the case, is restricting an slight encroachment on Freedom Square . 10 meters (33 ft.) are more than enough , and this can be also achieved at the rear . St. James Cavalier can be connected , to serve as an auxilliary building for the Theatre .
This would be one of the most MAGICAL places in the Mediterranean , said Proffs.PIANO in an interview . Mamma mia !!!!!!!
Renzo , after 23 years , has failed us again a second time !

David Mallia

Mar 3rd 2010, 09:52

Mr Scerri - it is true that the artist makes the difference however when Joseph Calleja made his concert in Mdina, the background was heavenly..... and definetely for me the best concert Iso far, although I did go to Luxol and enjoyed it but not on the same level of Mdina..... however the reality is that the expereince should be a holistic one so the visual element should not be ignored. If you have had the luck to go to Gozo for an Opera you will realise that in Malta we do not have the facilities..... and I did go to Ta' Qali......and whether we go ahead with Piano or not, whether his plans are good or not..... the reality is we do not have a proper theatre and the City Gate theatre unfortunately will not meet this expectation.

Roderick Micallef

Mar 3rd 2010, 08:54

Partial roof for a partial plan will give us an architectural design that has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of Valletta, this plan is not only going to cost a fortune but is designed by an architect and a designer that the only thing he has in mind is his own point of view and his own style and not Malta's best interests.
Needles to say that this also applies to the current government and to the prime minister himself, by insistiing in opting for Renzo Piano's design and never evaluate what maltese and local architects had to offer is enough proof that Gonzi PN and Dr.Gonzi don't care about maltese talents and don't care about the aesthetics of our capital city.
All of this is very sad when considering that the knights of the order of St.John had chosen a maltese architect for most of the buildings in Valletta, the very same people that actually built all of Valletta chose maltese architects whilst the current prime minister and his candidates prefer to squander our finances on a fancy architectural design that is aesthetically a disaster for our capital city. If only Grand Master La Vallette could see!

simon cutajar

Mar 2nd 2010, 23:38

Can someone tell me how much this birdcage costs us. This is how Mr.piano to his designs ? so we don't have good architects here in malta to design this ? Mr. Gonzi , can you please stop spending our money in nothing ? we are feed up of you ! and those around you . Even if you're going to built the royal opera house in gold and silver I will thorn the vote apart .

S.Scerri

Mar 2nd 2010, 22:26

Good thing that most of you opposers to the project don't live in Italy .... just to mention one country... you would pretend that the Goverment there puts a roof on the Arena Di Verona. or Caracalla in Rome or Agrigento............ come on be humble enough and leave the works to a world renown master. As that which regards entertaiment................. it is not the place but who delivers. recall Joseph Calleja at Ta Qali..........??????? semi rigid roof, plastic seats... even standing................The artist made the difference.... and at the Valletta Water Front 9,000 people......standing having the time of their lives....... but there were good artists ( both local and forginers) and the day was memorable. So please do your job and let pthers do theirs. If you want a taste of Renzo Piano and the way he amalgamets new avan gard building with older ones visit http://www.e-architect.co.uk/athens/snfcc_athens.htm. P.S. in the projects there even are Maltese architects involved. If you do want a cosy opera house there already is one and if you think there should be another one.... you can propose other sites... why just this when you know that it won't serve the purpose......???

Marisa Bugeja

Mar 2nd 2010, 21:42

Have the new plans taken into account the effect of the wind on this structure? Imagine it in a 'Grigalata' or 'Majistral' force 7, not uncommon in the Maltese islands. Let's hope it will be a safe roof or we shall be buried under it - Aida perhaps?

Pule' Carmel

Mar 2nd 2010, 19:41

Surely a wide span space frame for a roof, by Pillow, camouflaged accordingly, would not cost than much !!

J Brincat

Mar 2nd 2010, 19:13

So the charade goes on and on!

Kleaven Maniscalco

Mar 2nd 2010, 18:30

@ A.Gauci Cunningham. It is either that your brain is made of peanuts or that you have an agenda that guides you. Your comments are utterly senseless because to start with you don't dictate to Piano what he designs. Apart from the fact that Piano accepted to do the design of the city gate confirms the potential of the project, as renzo Piano is one of the "Gods of Architecture" that doesn't accept every job, but only the ones that would raise his glory. Mr Cunnigham if you think that the 80 million euros this project is going to cost is cheap, than maybe you should donate another 80million to make "a better project". Good architecture my friend remains good regardless whether it costs 1 euro or a billion euro. If you think that this project is the ejja ha mmorru kind of things than it MUST be that your brain is made of peanuts. I am an architect myself and conservation wise what he designed for the theatre shows the hands of a genius. He conserved what the people are used to seeing and added delicate and suble details to make it functionable.

Joseph A Borg

Mar 2nd 2010, 12:14

with the roof change, I'm worried that we're going for a camel here!

Can somebody give me an example of superb design that's the result of a gaggle of artistes muttering their opinion?

I love the idea of building around the ruins and as a reminder. The generation that lived the war will soon be past and we will lose the temperance and patience to resolve conflicts peacefully.

charles cahia

Mar 2nd 2010, 10:15

'Open roof' tfisser numru sura ta` persuni biex izommuh nadif. Immaginaw rih minn nofs in-nhar imbaghad xita. Kollox kannella bir-ramel!. Billi ahna mhux bizzejjed mimlijin trab itir l-hemm u l-hawn!! Qabel tpoggi trid timsah is-seat mit-trab. Li hu zgur hu li se jibda jkun hemm spiza ta' tindif qabel xi performance. U min se jhallas????

K Spiteri

Mar 2nd 2010, 08:58

Another gimmick by the government...

We want concrete action not gimmicks to shut people's mouths up...

A.Gauci Cunningham

Mar 2nd 2010, 00:38

I don't know why so many here are flabbergasted and angry. Thats post-2008 Gonzi for you. He wants a parliament....its a parliament he's gonna get....but to shut people up he asked Renzo Piano to come up with something "low-cost" (the ejja-ha-mmorru kinda' thing) for the theatre. He wants a roofless theatre.....its a roofless theatre he's gonna get.....so to shut all the moaners he asks Renzo to build a "bicca bejt". You know a fantastic way of putting a sock in people's mouths!! Stop being so shocked and expecting the PM to care about you and your theatre. The PM will only care if he really thinks that building a roofless theatre would reduce his chances of getting elected and it seems that up to now this has not resulted on his political radar!!! All those who are about to tell me off for 'dragging politics into it" should really wake up and smell the capuccino!!!

Joe Xuereb

Mar 1st 2010, 22:21

2) I do not know who the Minister for Culture and Tourism is on our little island. Far less his credentials. I suspect he may be a medical doctor or a lawyer by trade. Not good. Maybe if those concerned travelled a bit more and saw rather than merely looked, they would bring back some good ideas. Paceville and its heavy drinking British pub culture can stay. In Valletta we could put on something a bit more authentic. All that is needed is imagination. And I still reckon that the best thing for the theatre ruins would be clever 'white' lighting creating a chiaro-scuro effect. Wonderful on a balmy night with a jazz-cafe` or a chamber orchestra or a Cafe` Premier Take 2 or whatever, all with the backdrop of a beautiful monument to a glorious history. And any tears shed will be of joy that a thorny matter has at long last been laid to rest.

Strait Street is crying out for an upgrade from shanty town to Talk of the Town.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 1st 2010, 22:08

1) @ Joe Fenech. When I speak of clever lighting in Central London I am not talking of 'historical monuments' or even historical buildings. Soho and Covent Gardens are replete with minor gems of all kinds, often with wonderful architectural features dramatised and picked out by clever lighting. A veritable stageset with a cast of thousands and not a drunk in sight.
The shanty town as you describe the lower part of Valletta is merely a bit run down/neglected and not frequented by visitors/shoppers to the City 'because there is nothing there'. I travel and I can assure you the the Plaka in Athens (to you a shanty town) -

http://www.athensguide.com/plaka.html and the Alfama in Lisbon - http://www.golisbon.com/sight-seeing/alfama.html - I am sure there are scores of other examples of 'shanty' towns turned into attractions Mr. Fenech. Note that both examples quoted are described as 'villages within a city'.

Cont./

j ebejer

Mar 1st 2010, 21:43

@ E Aquilina

“…..so let the project begin”

The sooner, the better!

Stephen Borg Cardona

Mar 1st 2010, 21:00

I agree with the plans for an open air theatre.

John Micallef

Mar 1st 2010, 20:13

Tal- Lira country!!

Kos hux ghal- busniuss class flights u poxx cars ma hemmx tqancic imma!!

Henry Galea Souchet

Mar 1st 2010, 20:08

@ E.Aquilina

It would have been more proper to refrain from judging one’s own contribution.

The whole issue is certainly not about nostalgia. I, for one, am one of those who were not only here before 1942, but was born and lived in Valletta until the break of WWII.

I attended St Joseph High School (then located in Zachary Street) and was lucky enough to be one of those students chosen to perform in the school’s annual play (The Postman) which was held in that theater. Yet, I am not one single iota nostalgic about all this, and I seem to have missed most of those contributions, which according to you were tinted with nostalgia.

The whole issue is about messing up a Gem of a City by a style of architecture which clashes heavily with the rest. I would dare call it anachronism at its best and certainly most unique and innovative !!

Whether I would have to live with it or not is definitely not the case since I flatly refuse to look at this issue from such an egoistic point of view – Valletta resident or not !

Neil Bugeja

Mar 1st 2010, 19:58

I think that it is wonderful that we are trying to improve Valletta and make it come alive. However, I think that, before one creates a massive structure, the foundations must be strong. Valletta does not NEED an opera house or ANOTHER parliament, it needs good roads, good pavements and other structural arrangements!
I agree that an opera house would make a difference, but this is only a lame excuse for an opera house! If half the money spent on this project was used on fundamental plans, Valletta would be a safe place to walk in without risking breaking your leg.
I agree with the argument that this "is not a convertible car", one cannot just decide to take off the roof when he feels like!
The partial roof is there to quiet the artists and "satisfy" them. What about the audience? I am not ready to pay to watch and opera on plastic seats and get soaked, because in Malta it never rains, it pours! And I'm sure I'm not alone.
I am sorry this project caused so many problems, it had such potential to make Valletta more beautiful, but I think it will ruin it.

Mario Vassallo

Mar 1st 2010, 19:50

This is funny indeed! When I was studying Philosophy at the old University in Valletta in 1963, hawkers used to interrupt our lectures all the time with their call for customers. We had no air conditioning in those days, and the crowded lecture rooms would become very hot as summer approached, especially with the dress code enforced on us at the time!

Our revered Professor accepted a suggestion from a naughty student: 'Why not close one half of the window so that the noise will be reduced by at least 50%?'

'Fantastic! What a brilliant student you are!', the professor exclaimed.

And so did we, to the charm and amazement of us all....

Perhaps our dear Prime Minister intends to do just the same with that half covered theatre! Brilliantly funny, ain't it not?

Doris Varrazo

Mar 1st 2010, 18:51

Well said
@ Joseph M Scicluna
I had already remarked the same some months ago.
Give us back the beautiful Theatre in its normal structure.

J Saliba

Mar 1st 2010, 18:40

@ j ebejer. You surely seem to know more than the majority of us, and yet you know so little. This leads to the conclusion that we others know even less... so could you be so kind to illuminate us on what you have learnt so far from the WORLD-RENOWNED architect plans?

Please help us out.....we're confused!!!!!

Joan Nelson

Mar 1st 2010, 18:25

I've have written on other occasions that the old Theatre should be rebuilt in commemoraion of the war and the Maltese who had pride in it and suffered the war with it. Without the extravangant expense we can fix the ruins and turn them into a memorial in itself (as Joe Xuereb suggested) but with partial open air use on summer days. Meantime - we do not need another expensive parliament building where they can think up more nonsense. We need a real theatre that we can be proud of like we like of the Manoel with its pompous interior and histroy. . Freedom Square should serve well to have a dublicate of the old theatre with history already built-in but on a larger scale. We cannot expect the area of the old theatre of saffice our population. We need something that will serve our growing nation for years to come and something that we can be proud of an comparable to others around Europe. And yes, I agree that Maltese architects should get in on the bandwagon. That's why we train them.
Malteser and tourists alike will have easy access to it with public transport and no congestion.

M. Grech

Mar 1st 2010, 18:17

A roofless theatre!! Kelma wahda...."tad-dahq". Well.......only in Malta

Mario Desira

Mar 1st 2010, 17:48

The obvious solution to this Maltese Topless Theatre, as it seems destined to be known, is simple but has somehow eluded the government experts.

Build a buidling similar to the original theatre, on a larger footprint. The lower floor is a theatre. The upper part will the parlament.

Cynics may point out it will still be another theatre that convenes on a regular basis. The pjazza will remain as it should be - public space, a lung of air in an overbuilt island and overbuilt city.......

Alexander Pace Gouder.

Mar 1st 2010, 17:46

A look at The Poll by The Times 80.3% is more then a big NO. Nobody want this Theatre Project. Everyone you speak to on the subject comes out with a BIGGER NO. This change for a Partial Perspex cover ,or whatever, only to cover the stage and equipment and for hanging lights, (what about the audience )(dawn jixarbu u jaqalaw xemx kemm irridu mhux hekk.) (DAN GENN)proves that all those speaking out for a normal covered theatre are more then correct. The place is not small. What about the plans which were produced by Dr.Francis ZammitDimech when he was minister.Come on you up there at the top prove that you respect the will of the people.

George Manduca

Mar 1st 2010, 17:28

Even Dr. Ing. Giovanni Trevisan or Prof. Richard England came up with much better proposals than Renzo Piano.

Have a look an enjoy!

http://www.caravaggio.com/projects/oh/operahouse.php

Carmel Cilia

Mar 1st 2010, 17:11

It seems from what has been written that the absolute majority of Maltese are dead against this project as designed by Piano. The prime minister is there to represent the wishes of the people not himself. Those who are saying that the areas is not appropriate for a theatre well before the war that iswhat there was : a gem of a teatre. The same as there was a gem of a city entrance. But then as now it was destroyed not by german luftwaffe but by maltese politicians. These people would never learn. Well build it dear prime minister, the next generation or two would pull it down again. It might even be your successor, who knows.

Jesmond Micallef

Mar 1st 2010, 16:50

I am extremely curious and as such feel the need to DIRECTLY ask all the baroque enthusiasts here, "What is exactly your stand on the building housing the Law Courts of Malta ?" The most prominent and most obvious one....!!!

Please respond dearly.

Stephen Vella

Mar 1st 2010, 16:45

Gonzi, stop squandering our money on silly useless projects.

John Grima

Mar 1st 2010, 16:25

I once sat in a theatre in Rabat watching a play when all of a sudden it started to rain, on what sounded like a flat tin roof. One can only imagine the racket it made, not ot mention the concern of the audience. FORGET ABOUT THE THEATRE FOR A MOMENT, AND CONCENTRATE ON THE REBUILDING OF THE MONUMENT IT ONCE WAS. Where it is now an eyesore, It was once an eyecatcher. As one entered Valletta one's eyes fell to the right. This alone is an attraction. the rest is a big bonus. Allow us to remember this sructure not as a Piano, or a Gonzi or a whoever project , but as a splendid Maltese monument.

George Manduca

Mar 1st 2010, 16:16

@ Sarah Camilleri

Sarcasm is such a lame way of arguing... but I will put up with it for the sake of Valletta.

So much for all the re-enactments to revive pride in ancient tradition. YES Valletta is a Baroque Renaissance City and it should be kept that way as much as is practically possible. Dress code and internal utilization of the buildings is a completely separate matter from architectural style. Valletta can still serve its modern purpose without having to violate its aesthetics.

I've got no problem with Valletta being designed and commissioned by foreigners. So long as they show respect to the city. YES Piano can do a better job than Barry IFF he reverts the Theater to a Baroque style that matches the rest of the city. Anything else is the Professional Suicide of Piano and the Rape of Valletta.

C Borg

Mar 1st 2010, 16:15

Oh dear, we're going camping now !!! This is incredible. So we are removing the shabby city gate set-up to do something equally shabby INSIDE the city now ! Apart from the inconvenience to the patrons of the said 'theatre', proposed 'lightweight' structure here smells of frequent maintenance and replacement, especially in the unforgiving winds / salt water spray which are common and will have its toll on the structure. Who's kidding who here ? Can we be serious please ? This are tax payers' millions we are spending here. I'm all for the square remaining as it is and reconstructing the Royal Opera site on the same style it was, even if it is used as parliament or whatever other purpose with access underground through the moat. I also still think parliament is best sited to St Elmo which is crying for restoration.

John Grima

Mar 1st 2010, 16:12

I once sat in a theatre in Rabat watching a play when all of a sudden it started to rain, on a flat roof. One can only imagine the racket it made, and the concern the audience felt. FORGET ABOUT THE THEATRE FOR A MOMENT, AND CONCENTRATE ON THE REBUILDING OF THE MONUMENT IT ONCE WAS. Where it is now an eyesore, It was once an eyecatcher. As one entered Valletta one's eyes fell to the left. This alone is an attraction. the rest is a big bonus.

George Manduca

Mar 1st 2010, 16:12

@Joe Fenech

On the contrary, my dear island-bound friend - Just to mention a few, I've been to Utzon's Sydney Opera House, Stockholm - Kungliga Operan, New York - The Metropolitan Opera House and the Prague National Theater .... all in the last 6 months!

Each time I enter these magnificent buildings I remember Piano's mess and I feel shamed and humiliated. You, on the contrary, have clearly never experienced the awe and wonder that these magnificent buildings - [All built to match their surroundings] - impart on the visitor or passer by.

The Valletta site has a footprint that is sufficient for housing the largest hall of Sydney's Opera House. It can house TWO Prague National Theaters. It can comfortably accommodate the Kungliga Operan or the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts... need I say any more?

Be silent my friend, before you wreck your own reputation in geometry and elementary metrology - like Piano and the Prime Minister just did.

Leon Zawadzki

Mar 1st 2010, 15:53

I first arrived in Malta in 1963, even in those early days people were talking about the rebuilding of the opera house. Today, 47 years further along the line, people are still talking. In 10 years time will they still be talking ? Lets put the facts on paper as they are, Malta is broke, there is no money in the kitty for the opera house with or without a roof. The Government has promised a new opera house on so many election pledges in the pass but cant afford it. GonziPN not wanting to be seen as going back on one of his pledges has come up with such a controversial plan that the opera house will not be built. At least he can say the opera house was proposed but rejected by the people of Malta.
10 - 20 year down the line, who know if Malta will have it opera house or are we waiting for the centenary year of its destruction before it is built ?

Charles Caligari Conti

Mar 1st 2010, 15:53

T Vella - Exactly - you hit the nail on the head. Avant Garde you say.... whilst Valletta is a Baroque City and is a World Heritage Site. Avant Garde and Baroque do not mix --- Imagine having modern avant garde furniture in the middle of St. Paul's co Cathedral.

Regarding St. James Cavalier - there is much to be said. I have it from good sources that the interior could have been preserved better, whilst works should have mimicked the period architecture. Using the same measures as above - To say SJC is 'beautiful' is a lack of understanding of the elements.

Ps. I live in Sliema where Avant Garde buildings are welcome (in certain areas) and they are a joy to see - but this because they are in the right context and ambient. At the same time nobody would like an upsidedown LOVE in the middle of Valletta.

regards

E Aquilina

Mar 1st 2010, 15:36

Finally, some grains of good quality common sense!! Scrap the nostalgia, how many of us were here pre-1942? Let’s move on and built something unique, innovative, with a subtle difference to other theatres that exist, something that will undoubtedly cast an architectural limelight, entice curiosity, yet blends the old with the new and gives the city entrance a space for open air entertainment during our long drawn summers. Just like many of us, I have seen the model at Auberge de Provence. Although not as spectacular as I would have hoped for, I knew immediately that it was a theatre that I could easily live with (and I am a Valletta resident so I have to live with this everyday). But what possibly many of us failed to view at this exhibit was the way the theatre is planned to function; the beautiful musical projections on the alabaster, a sight which when in operation will surely add much needed life to the city in the evenings. By all means, let one and all have and voice their opinion, but when we come to the final say this has to be taken by the masters, so let the project begin.

Henry Galea Souchet

Mar 1st 2010, 15:21

It is certainly a consolation to note that a significant number of your readers were most hestitant to accept Piano's genial solution ... 'da due soldi' ! Yes, it would have been a plausible solution had the recipients been a flock of mentally retarded blind morons.

Grigal or Maestral – whichever blows first, that monument to sheer incompetency would become airborne ! With the onset of the first wind storm, it would certainly be unusually funny to listen to the reporter/s on any one or all of the local radio stations enthusiastically exclaiming what has now become a familiar phrase “we now have lift-off !!! ” ... Volare ... pian ....piano .... nel blu dipinto di blu !!!

Ma su ! … Caro Piano ! …. Sopra corna …. bastonate !

victor pulis

Mar 1st 2010, 15:16

Perhaps we'll soon have a partial city gate too!...and a partial parliament!!

Gino Cutajar

Mar 1st 2010, 15:05

Bhal kull hag'ohra bdejna nraqqghu.

STEPHEN FLORIAN

Mar 1st 2010, 14:47

Give to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser and build the Royal Opera House exactly the way it was. Abroad , opera generates big money. there are modern and effective ways of marketing nowadays and I am sure a good business plan will pay off. Will Maltese mentality ever mature ? Generations have been deprived of this jewel and it is high time we got it back, just the way it used to be.

M.Darmanin

Mar 1st 2010, 14:37

My opinion is one - Before we plan to build the open air theatre we should consider first to get rid off the pigoens of the city that are ruining the beauty of the building, notwithstanding the problem of the weather issue. If we build an open air theatre we will have an open air pigeon nest.

Gerard Cassar

Mar 1st 2010, 14:34

Considering everything this mess is the fault of Gonzi the Prime minister and A.Gatt his minister. They saw big and engaged the world renowned Piano thinking that he would resolve any problem. Piano was only given the task of building Parliament on the area of the theatre that they thought would be sufficient for his plans. It was not. He judged the area proposed too restricted. Looking around he noticed a nearby square that could be utilized for the building of parliament house. Then it struck him that the area of the theatre should be preserved but it is too restricted even for a modern opera house. Not having been detailed to build it he suggested that an advantage could be taken of the ruins and use them for some sort of a show house.
The fault is always and solely of Gonzi and Gatt. They wanted a parliament and got an original one signed R.P. that will ruin any hope of having enough space for the rebuilding of a modern opera house.
That’s the story. No need to go about and beat about the bush. The area of the old opera theatre is too small for something viable.

Joseph M. Scicluna

Mar 1st 2010, 14:28

SCRAP THE WHOLE IDEA; re-built the edifice as it originally looked and adapt the interior as may be deemed fit, with a solid roof, of course!! It will surely be compatible with a Baroque City.

Sarah Camilleri

Mar 1st 2010, 14:19

@ George Manduca

Valletta was a fortified city built for mediaeval gentlemen, so nothing less than mediaeval architecture should be built there. Everyone entering Valletta should be wearing the right mediaeval costumes and we should man all the gardjoli to make sure that there are no pirates or (god forbid) foreign architects and engineers climbing up our bastions.

LOL - looks like many of us forget that Valletta (including the opera house) was designed and commissioned by foreigners in the first place and that our city was usually upgraded using the most modern style and techniques available at the time.

La Vallette hadn't set out to build a neolithic temple complex !!!! And neither did the Opera House architect, Edward Barry, design a Renaissance building.

Salvatore Dimech

Mar 1st 2010, 14:14

I am sick and tired of reading about Mr Piano's insistence on erecting a monument to MR. PIANO, after all who is paying for this ,the Maltese people or Mr. Piano? So I suggest that he and our Prime Minister listen to common sense and build a structure that compliments the achitecture of the rest of the buildings in Valletta, incuding a ROOF.
Everybody except Mr. PIano, knows that Topless in this case, is hopeless, it will not work. ( full stop). It seems to me, as we are paying for this, if Mr. Piano can't agree, sack him a get a Maltese architect, surely ther must be one or two who can design it to the wishes of the people.

Darren Bugeja

Mar 1st 2010, 14:03

This is the solution - http://www.caravaggio.com/projects/VOH/ , and the government will save EUR80million. Why, are Gonzi and Gatt persisting on the Piano project, what is the interest?

T Vella

Mar 1st 2010, 13:43

Charles Caligari Conti - Piano's designs are not shabby, they're different and avant garde. The reason why few of us like them is because we are not avant garde. If we had to approve all plans beforehand we'd have no St James Cavalier for example. Wouldn't you say that SJC has a modern interior fitted into an old building? isn't it superbly beautiful?

Also, Piano had his hands tied because the government asked him to design something which would cost as little as possible - he delivered. If money is a problem, we cannot expect a grand design but one that reflects who we are NOW - flexible, moving on,with our eyes on the rest of the world, - people who like to keep their options open. The design describes us or perhaps it describes how Piano sees us. Maybe he was too optimistic,maybe he didn't see we still like to be protected and cocooned.

Joe Fenech

Mar 1st 2010, 13:36

George Manduca
Those who keep insisting that the area is "Too_Small_Full_Stop!" need a lecture by Prof Debono on Lateral Thinking! If you include Freedom Square, this is actually a very large site - more than sufficient for a large world-class Opera House! :

Mentioning Prof Debono means you are really smart! Or maybe you've NEVER been to a theatre or opera abroad! And what are you going to fill you opera with : some local amateurs?

Joe Vella

Mar 1st 2010, 13:29

What I cannot understand is that when a few years ago, it was suggested to make some alterations and keep the site as an open air performance place, it was shot down by the cabinet. So now why we are blindly accepting Piano idea? Is it because he is not Maltese? This is living in the 1900 Mr Patrick Ebejer!!!

George Manduca

Mar 1st 2010, 13:27

@ Charles Caligari Conti

Well said... This is the place for beautiful old fashioned architecture - everything else should be barred. MEPA - being the lapdogs they have proven to be - will approve anything that the government forced it to. So we can't even count on MEPA for common good taste to prevail. Their top priorities are of course those "Sunbeds in Comino!".

@Patrick Refalo

1900 century architecture is STILL not good enough. In this case we NEED 1565 architecture. Valletta is a medieval city - let us hope it remains one! If you want to express your flair in modern art and architecture - perhaps with some exciting pink tall glass buildings in the shape of a condom - go take it to Bugibba where it belongs.

Leave Valletta alone! More than enough desecration has occurred already. Now we have to spend extra cash to undo the mistaken interventions of the past. Let's not add to them. Let us not add another piece of nonsense that will have to be torn down a few years down the line in front of Piano's eyes!

f vincenti

Mar 1st 2010, 13:24

How silly - heat, humidity in summer (not to mention the mosquitos), as well as the rain and blasting cold wind in winter!? And what about ''noise pollution'' ?

Let me guess, the partial roof solution is a gratuituous happy compromise to keep those with common sense quiet about the silly design? I think not.... We the People want an Opera House with a real roof please. I am sure that there are thousands like me, who prefer to relax in our nice clothes at the theatre while watching Puccini; and not be armed with parasoles, wearing outdoor jackets, complete with thermos just in case!

George Manduca

Mar 1st 2010, 13:11

@_j_ebejer

Then Piano, who should know better, knows even less. For he comes up with a design that has only managed to stir up Malta (in_anger) like few other things in history. He is being crass and offensive. This canvas roof adds insult to injury. We want a real building.

@_C._Borg
Kultant nahseb li l-bicca mahsuba sew min Piano biex jgholli il-prezz. Dak x'interress ghandu li jitfa disinn accettabli mill-ewwel. Jekk jgeghlna noqghodu nbiddlu, flok lira dawwar tnejn.

@_Joe_Fenech
You clearly expound the "finesse" of your taste and disrespect for classical architecture. We DESPERATELY NEED a classic looking building that makes our city as Medieval as the Knights left it. That is THE ONLY appeal that Valletta has. Once Valletta loses its Medieval character we might as well bulldoze everything down and build a glass city - which will lose all its visitors.

@_Joseph_Cauchi
Those who keep insisting that the area is "Too_Small_Full_Stop!" need a lecture by Prof Debono on Lateral Thinking! If you include Freedom Square, this is actually a very large site - more than sufficient for a large world-class Opera House!

Narcy Calamatta

Mar 1st 2010, 12:51

Never chase bad money with good money. That is the road to perdition as we all know. should there be any money to spare please let us save it for the day when the well-meaning Maltese will get together and united build their new theatre on its rightfully sacred ground, just as they have been promised in every electoral manifesto in the last 60 years. Please let good sense and a sense of national pride in our cultural identity prevail.

Joseph Cauchi

Mar 1st 2010, 12:50

As a commentator in these columns said just a few days ago, that this Opera House is JINXED - burnt twice and bombed -; this seems to be that “something” or “somebody” is sending us a clear “message” that this site should NOT be touched and thus left as it is!

Is this SUPERSTITION?

I am quite aware how superstitious the “people of the stage” are and with this frame of mind, I am quite certain that they would agree with the above!

JC.

Charles Caligari Conti

Mar 1st 2010, 12:46

After seeing the TOM polls - I think that it's about time that Piano returns the commission our country paid for his shabby plans and change the architect. I believe that our University Graduates helped by the already qualified architects on the island will come up with plans for a Majestic Baroque Theatre, a Majestic Baroque Gate and a welcoming piazza for the entrance to Valletta which will make us Maltese ALL PROUD.... I quote Ruzar Briffa ... ' U il folla qamet u ghajtet, Jien Maltija, Jien Maltija, miskin min ikassbarni, miskin min jidhaq bija. (or words to that effect)

Patrick Refalo

Mar 1st 2010, 12:44

Is it possible to change this BORING
MALTESE MENTALITY!! it seems that our behavior is still that of 1900!! Architecture is something like many other things
in the world - that I might like, you might not.
Some love to be adventurous and like this idea of an open air theatre some are just scared of rain, dust and prefer a
closed building!

j ebejer

Mar 1st 2010, 12:39

The one main thing that life has taught me is that the more I learn, the more I realise how little I know.

@J. Saliba says “I am convinced that the amateurs in question, me included, are surely able to come up with more dignified plans.....”

Do you really, really, really know what you are saying? If anything you confirm that you know nothing about architecture and design.

C. Borg

Mar 1st 2010, 12:37

Bqajna fejn konna. U intant minn jaf kemm qed jiccargja lil gvern dan talli qed jibdel il-pjanta kull darba! U il-poplu jhallas!

J.Borg

Mar 1st 2010, 12:36

To all those writing about the subject.......the problem isn't Mr.Piano. The problem is our PM, as he wants to have parlament at the entrance to Valletta. If the parlament is located somewhere else, Mr.Piano would have designed a roofed theatre and the present footprint would have been bigger as he would have taken also the adjacent road and part of the square,
But the stubborness of our Government to locate parlament there is going to ruin the theatre and also our pockets.

Joe Fenech

Mar 1st 2010, 12:32

Gonzi chose Piano because it is likely that he was the only international architect he knew. He ignored the fact that Piano is not renowned as being an urban conversion architect unlike people like Ricardo Bofill.

Also, getting an Piano was Gonzi's way of desperately trying to advertise Malta. He ignored the fact that the architect who designed the Sydney Opera House was practically a nobody at that time. What made the Sydney Opera House a landmark, was its ingeniosity. Nothing ingenious in the ensemble of this poor project.

Joe Fenech

Mar 1st 2010, 12:22

The problem with the Maltese is that they want things to look and function exactly as they were back in time. Yes, an opera house would be ridiculous, for the reasons I mentioned underneath, but one can still keep the outside of the building and redecorate in an ultra modern way.

We NEED DESPERATELY some ultra modern building - those can go instead of the slums that cover our shanty town.

Joseph Cauchi

Mar 1st 2010, 12:17

Very well said, Joe Xuereb.

I cannot understand the stubbornness of some people to understand that the site in question is NOT ideal for today’s theatrical productions.

The area is TOO SMALL. Full Stop!

This should not be a matter of nostalgia but of common sense!

JC.

Joe Fenech

Mar 1st 2010, 12:04

Joe Xuereb :

What example is that? London is full of restored buildings and it's main monuments from the 19th century are all NEO this and NEO that.

Rebuilding the opera house doesn't mean one has to use it as an opera house - yes, it is tiny and we don't have a proper orchestra, technicians and singers to fill it in with. There is also the possibility to have an ultra modern interior and use the building as café, art , media shops, fashion outlets, Michelin star restaurants, etc.

On the other hand, Valletta would do with some ultra modern buildings to replace the slums that litter more than half its area - it's a disgrace!

J.Cauchi

Mar 1st 2010, 11:45

So while the performers are singing to their hearts content we will all be with our umbrellas singing in the rain. I'm sure a sight such as this would make Gene Kelly green with envy

This Government is simply incredible......incredibly pathetic

Joseph V. Grech

Mar 1st 2010, 11:22

A partial lightweight roof structure? That's even more demeaning - an offence to Valletta and the Maltese.
A possible solution to this serious predicament might lie as explained below:
Request the great Architect to use the combined space of both Theatre Site and planned Parliamentary site to produce one building. This building is to serve as National Arts theatre with ancillary services. If Parliament can be accommodated therein all the better - if not move Parliament to another already existing building.
Hopefully this suggestion will be considered.
The great architect will I am sure be able to present an attractive, practical building. He can be given leeway to utilize the Plans he has altered worked on and adapt those to fit the new request.

C Grech

Mar 1st 2010, 11:17

Roofless theatre is useless theatre
What about the seating: would this be in place and exposed to the elements, or removed and placed again for each performance; the cost of this would be re-current and impractical.

The City gate should not have the road on top removed; rather the present structure should be retained, and enhancement is done to it, to make the whole area more attractive.

lgalea

Mar 1st 2010, 11:05

Piano, the vast majority of Maltese citizens and Actors do not agree with your vandalization plan for our capital city. If you continue with the plan you will long be remembered in history as the due Gonzi-Piano modern vandals who in their own financial interests had vandalized our capital city. Do you want to be remembered for YOUR VALDALIZATION of a City built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen?

Edwin Mifsud

Mar 1st 2010, 10:59

Can you imagine the late Pavarotti singing Led Zeplin songs?

Can you imagine Axl Rose of Guns n’ Roses as a tenor?

Can you imagine Wayne Rooney playing tennis?

Can you imagine an Air Malta pilot operating a Space shuttle?

So what is an ultra modern architect doing in a baroque city?

Gilormu Cassar must be turning in his grave!!

John Portelli

Mar 1st 2010, 10:59

This is the most degenerate idea I have seen for an OPERA HOUSE.No sence of aesthetics of art.
John Portelli
Perth
Western Australia

John Agius

Mar 1st 2010, 10:58

Eleanor Roosevelt: "Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people"

Malta version: "Great minds discuss results; Average minds discuss solutions; Small minds discuss justifications"

Perhaps, one day this country manages to vision the results of its actions, avoid ignoring inevitable consequences and, Act , not simply pretend to be smart.

With apologies to some.

G.Cassar

Mar 1st 2010, 10:56

@ N.J.Borg Prosit my friend you just hit the nail on its head. That is what it looks like exactly, a 7-a-side football pitch!!!!!!!!!!!

I am still flabbergasted why we are using this foreign architect when in Malta we have professional people who have designed wonders. Maltese Architects have designed hotels in Libya and Sudan and in other parts of Europe (ask Corinthia Group) but for the present government they are not good enough for Valletta.

I could never and will never be able to understand this attitude......................

Joe Xuereb

Mar 1st 2010, 10:51

2) To the people I say. Let go the nostalgia for a theatre on the old side. It is not etched in stone that a theatre has to occupy an old theatre site. In fact the best thing to do with the old site is to clean up and highlight/incorporate what remains of the ruins and serve it up as a monument to Malta's glorious history. A painful ruin finally laid to rest. And a monumental Phoenix rising from the ashes to replace them and bring joy and hope. Here in London, walking about at night in the centre is a delight, like walking through a stage set. Such is the clever but subtle lighting. This could be replicated on the dignified stones that were once-upon-a-time. They will relieve better than any theatre. On Summer nights one could relay the sounds of Aida's Truimphal March etc. This will move passers by to tears, nostalgia laid to rest at last. Knowing that there is a wonderful theatre just few hundred metres away around the corner. The Parliament building can sit in its shadow if it must.
This is my tuppenny's worth opinion. And I won't even charge the 2p.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 1st 2010, 10:45

1) 'Mr Piano had stressed that the opera house site was not big enough to house a contemporary theatre able to join the European opera circuit'. Really Signor Piano! I could have said that free of charge. I will continue to insist that a National theatre belongs to the people and all strata of it (implied there is the Maltese malaise that needs addressing). Build a space outside the City walls with no restrictions and incorporate within it whatever it takes to suit ALL tastes. If nothing else this will mean that, symbolically at least, the people of Malta can come under one roof - yes, it must have a roof - and be united. It is a start. Just outside the Capital, lame excuses like 'there is not much space' will not hold water.

cont./

J. Saliba

Mar 1st 2010, 10:44

@Ray Mangion. I agree totally, but i never meant to be disrespectful by using the word amateurs. I am convinced that the amateurs in question, me included, are surely able to come up with more dignified plans...imagine the pros. I can't believe that such a WORLD-RENOWNED architect would present such a distasteful proposal in the first place and to add insult to injury, such a WORLD-RENOWNED architect comes up with this compromise.

Dominic Fenech

Mar 1st 2010, 10:41

Just build a big box within the ruins and get on with it.

Joe Fenech

Mar 1st 2010, 10:34

I thinks this is also ethically wrong. To transform Barry's work in this shoddy way is a big insult to intelligence.

Joe Fenech

Mar 1st 2010, 10:33

Have you ever seen a building site abroad? It looks something like this!

Adrian Cachia

Mar 1st 2010, 10:29

Can we give the man a decent budget to work with...

Margaret Pace

Mar 1st 2010, 10:21

I couldn't agree with you more Mr Mangion, seeing Piano's proposals one worries that this is a quicky. Cashing on taxes paid by Maltese citizens who have no say on seeing their beloved city being raped of its architectural brilliance. Piano should go back to the drawing board & present us with a design worth the money (millions) we are paying. Dear Mr Prime Minister, as you clearly have bad taste to encourage such a design, kindly leave it to more capable hands. This is not something to be done in a hurry just for the sake of it.

Having said all this, there are other areas that need the immediate intervention of government. Priorities! Priorities! Our taxes should be more wisely managed.

J Scerri

Mar 1st 2010, 10:19

Why continue to waste taxpayer's money on the development of some sort of theatre on the old theatre site? Just forget about the theatre, and make use of the site for better purposes !!!!!!!!!!!!

BTheuma

Mar 1st 2010, 10:17

Milli qed nara, fejn konna bqajna !

N.J. Borg

Mar 1st 2010, 10:06

Now it looks more like a Seven-a-side football pitch. Welldone.

H Dempster

Mar 1st 2010, 10:03

@ Joseph Cauchi , being as famous as Renzo Piano does not necessary mean that all his works are superb. He has a great talent for modern architecture but is hopeless when it come to Barokk, which does not fit with the city built by a gentlemen for the gentleman.

Ray Mangion

Mar 1st 2010, 10:01

@ J Saliba Not all performers are amateur and it would be wise to meet with not just the 128 "closed shop' artistes, but others who truly are professional and performed and directed work abroad for many years.
@Joseph Cauchi, Disregarding the people of Malta is a trait the Prime Minister has become known for. None of us are "instant experts" Mr Cauchi and neither are you; your comment is obviously tainted by the colour Blue.

A.Busuttil

Mar 1st 2010, 09:59

Do I understand well that we are only going to cover the stage with canvas or another similar material? what about the audiance. We never talked about what type of chairs we are going to have. Surely not foamed like any other theatre, because otherwise with the rain they becaome soacked. So are we going to have hard seats for our national theatre.? Are we going to pay good money for a 3 hour concert on hard seats? I cannot understand how Gonzi and Piano they go ahead with something no body wants. look at times pool on line 80% said no. But as always the GONZIPN just walk over us with a steam roller.

Victor Laiviera

Mar 1st 2010, 09:57

So the new theatre(sic) will have a "partial roof".

I hope we can make arrangements with the Weather Gods to send only "partial showers" to Malta.

Jes Baldacchino

Mar 1st 2010, 09:56

In an on-going Poll by this newspaper, 80% out of 6267 participants voted against a roofless theatre!! Need to say more!!!

m.ellul

Mar 1st 2010, 09:54

We needed Renzo Piano to come up with the idea to build a replica of the MfCC tent !!!

Joe Borg

Mar 1st 2010, 09:44

I truly cannot understand Piano? He should be more than happy to meet the humble request from the Maltese citizens. This would only mean more commission in his pocket!

Unless he intends to open an umbrella shop at the entrance?

A Cremona

Mar 1st 2010, 09:36

Its getting better, a partial roof,

what’s next, perhaps PAC-a-MACs for the patrons

Yes very intelligent ideas!

n spagnol

Mar 1st 2010, 09:34

Did Mr. Piano study our climate and culture where we enjoy performances all year long, not like many countries on the continent where people will enjoy a piazza only in the summer months.

H.J. Bonett

Mar 1st 2010, 09:33

Placing an unsightly cat's cradle at one end exposes the paucity of their argument. Can't they accept once and for all that it is the unnecessary parliament building that has to go, stupid!

Joe Vella

Mar 1st 2010, 09:11

"I think this is going to be one of the most magic places in the Mediterranean," Mr Piano had said enthusiastically about the theatre in an interview about his plans. Isit 1 March or 1 April?

Marco Cremona

Mar 1st 2010, 09:08

Partial roof? haha....how's that for a compromise. This theatre business is a farce in itself.

Joseph Cauchi

Mar 1st 2010, 09:07

I just hope that the Prime Minister will show his true leadership and carry on with this Piano project and kindly disregard those “instant experts” who have the audacity of challenging the world’s renowned architect Renzo Piano.

Veru Pajjiz ta’ PRUZUNTUZI LI JIFHMU F’KOLLOX!

JC.

laurence schembri

Mar 1st 2010, 09:06

Sorry, forget my last comment, an error of all errors, just glanced through the Wimbledon Tennis Grounds magazines that I still keep. The retractable roof on Centre Court, wait for it, £80 million or thereabout.

I Abela

Mar 1st 2010, 09:05

Imagine a New Year's Eve concert in this thing.

J.Borg

Mar 1st 2010, 09:04

Partial roof to cover artists and equipment and if it rains. What about those attending the shows......should they bring with them the umbrellas. What a laugh....is this the social conscience that our PM has towards the people of Malta!!!

Marisa Bugeja

Mar 1st 2010, 09:03

Traqqa' l-pannu bil-qar'ahmar

Lara Vella

Mar 1st 2010, 09:03

LOL - this is funny! what are they trying to do? X'pika! If it rains the audience will have to get their umbrella! Or what about the pigeons flying?

SImon Borg

Mar 1st 2010, 08:59

Nisthi nghid li jien Malti, x'gharukaza

Neville Cassar

Mar 1st 2010, 08:58

Why are people so stubborn to give the people what they want? After all.... the whole of malta are paying for these works, so we are the Client. Piano should respect his clients and give us what we want.

We Pay... so We Decide. Lets not make this a political battle cry.... but a cry not to ruin our capital city!

Lets stop digging our heads in the sand and rethink the whole thing from the start. But it seems that someone has too much pride to walk with the people and hear what they have to say.

g.c.Forte

Mar 1st 2010, 08:55

@ All..... If it rains ?.......Everybody runs for shelter.......I want to imagine, about 400 persons, running to take cover under a 25 metre roof. Ma x`biza...

Lawrence Fenech

Mar 1st 2010, 08:53

Bdejna inraqqu bil qara hamra u l-ispejjes bdew tilghin.

Eric Gahn

Mar 1st 2010, 08:53

April 1st is next month.

"The plans, which have been submitted to the planning authority, are not conclusive but the idea is to shelter performers and any technical equipment from light showers..."

So it is expectd that audiences will attend whatever events are taking place be it raining cats and dogs or searing heat because now the performers and equipment are shaded. Dawn x'purcinellati huma???!!!!!

laurence schembri

Mar 1st 2010, 08:52

It all depend on what type of roof, it could be very costly. Example; if I remember rightly, the mechanicalily remote roof to cover the Centre Court at Wimbledon cost some £7 million,don`t take my word for it, the estimate goes back some years.

Franco Farrugia

Mar 1st 2010, 08:42

All this makes it all the more imperative that the whole 'theatre' be covered so that an eventual shower would also NOT discomfort patrons! But how silly can we get! Where is common sense? Where is reason? If a 'light shower' is bad for performers and equipment, it is equally bad for patrons! Or not???????

O.Grixti

Mar 1st 2010, 08:38

What will happen in case its raining ? Covering part of the roof is not the solution, when considering the amount of money being spent for these plans. Also in case it is raining and windy ? Will the equipment and actors be covered during training ? Check Times of malta poll, it say it all !

g.c.Forte

Mar 1st 2010, 08:35

Bdejna niccaqqalqu ftit, sa issa nofs " U " turn.

Manwel Debattista

Mar 1st 2010, 08:31

Austin Gatt said that the decision not to have a roof was final. Now we have plans for a partial roof. Dr. Gatt needs to look up the word 'final' in his dictionary. If GonziPN will justify this partial u-turn because of the protests, then they need to be consistent and after yesterdays' colossal protest in Valletta, a revision of the utility rates with the aim of reducing them, should be next.

Ray Mangion

Mar 1st 2010, 08:27

It gets worse. "A 25 metre lightweight cover"? Surely it must be a joke! A man with such experience in design; how can he come up with such a hopeless idea and still thinks its going to be "one of the most magic(cal) places in the Mediterranean? What an insult to the Maltese intellect. Even one who does not understand anything about acoustics, will comment the rain will cause even more noise pollution. Has Piano been told about our strong winds hitting our islands? It will surely behave like a sail!! I`m getting tired of this small amount of people who chose just 128 to put forward a petition to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister should invite all the artistic people on the island and I for one can put forward my comments on this massacre. I would like to be informed if and when this meeting with the Prime Minister is going to be held please. As for Piano saying the area of the ruins is not big enough, well there are other ways and enough space to make it big enough for an international Opera House. Forget Parliament Building.

J. Saliba

Mar 1st 2010, 08:26

So...the WORLD-RENOWNED architect needed advice from Maltese personalities in the local art scene (mostly amateurs)... to come up with this. Ah....sorry i forgot...& also the Prime Minister himself, who had to go to visit his studio (in Paris)!!

Money well spent....well done!!

N.Grikas

Mar 1st 2010, 08:24

Hopefully like this it could also be used as a GREENHOUSE! Maybe with the cabbages that could be grown inside, the Government would collect enough money to finally build it as it originally was.