Italian architect continues to promote Opera House site proposal
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
Italian architect Giovanni Trevisan is continuing to promote his proposal for the building of a roofed, 1,600-seat theatre on the site of the Opera House - and he says he knows people who can meet the €15m cost if the government would transfer the site for 30 years.
Mr Trevisan is currently holding an exhibition of his plans at the Hotel Phoenicia in Floriana.
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Stephen Deguara
Apr 23rd 2010, 13:52
L-Ahjar ghazla nahseb li nistghu naghmlu, ta' Piano jidher qisu xoghol mhux lest, nofs lehja. Dan tal-inqas ghandek the basic structure, li tista tal-inqas tassocja ma Opera House u mhux ma Pjazza. Issa OK, l-Opri bil-Maltin ma timlix 1600, imma "Gensna", "Dejjem Taghna", u ohrajn nahseb mhux 1600 mlew! U jekk jittellghu hawn f'dan il-bini propost ikun isbah u ahjar milli mikxuf.
Il-PM ghandu jikkunsidra l-ghazliet kollha. Ghandu jaghzel l-aqwa ghazla u fl-opinjoni fqira tieghi ghandu jintaghzel dan.
Susan Mompalao de Piro
Apr 23rd 2010, 12:27
Anyone who has seen the Centre Pompidou in Paris, where huge drainpipes are the main decoration of the outside of the building, will be really worried by anything to do with Piano. Apart from that this proposal by Trevisan seems very valid. The main criteria have to be sound-proofing, both from inside and outside, versatility, accessibility (not true for MCC), and state of the art planning. Anyone who has been backstage at the Manuel Theatre knows all that is lacking there. Our local production groups do superhuman jobs against all odds. And imagine being able to go to the theatre in winter without spending thre hours in your coat because the whole building is freezing, while the poor soprano stands on stage in an evening dress! Please give us a workable alternative and listen to the people!
R. Caruana
Apr 23rd 2010, 07:22
A final comment and I'll rest my case.
Only a couple of months ago Mario Philip Azzopardi launched a call for the rebuilding of the Opera House at an estimated cost of 30 million Euros. He was boo-hooed, and it ended there (http://www.timesofmalta.com.mt/articles/view/20100228/opinion/the-peoples-prima-donna).
Now a foreigner comes and tells us he can do better at half the price and people are ready to believe him! Quite honestly, I don't get it, something is terribly wrong with the way some people reason. My personal opinion is that 15 million will not give us an Opera House, neither would it give us a National Theatre. Had this Italian architect proposed something costing in the region of 20-25 million one could start to look at it in depth.
ray sacco
Apr 22nd 2010, 18:06
the capacity is not important as long as it is a building which compliments it's surrounding and not a roofless transparent plastic house!
K Spiteri
Apr 22nd 2010, 15:55
@R.Caruana:
So you're saying that Trevisan's project is not feasible financially? I think that You're overestimating a bit your figures. I've been in Theatre business as well and do not think that millions are required to purchase sound & light, believe me my friend.
R. Caruana
Apr 22nd 2010, 20:41
It would cost millions in sound if applied to such a concept. One has to think about acoustics and soundproofing.
Have you thought about what it would cost to achieve acceptable acoustics within a glass building? As you can see from the plans provided there will only be 'canvas curtains' covering the glass walls during performances. It would be a sound engineer's nightmare to cut down echo and resonance to acceptable levels in such conditions. Materials for such a job do not come cheap and can only be limited to floor and soffit (no walls exist).
To me the whole design is too sketchy.
K Spiteri
Apr 23rd 2010, 08:32
OK. I apologies for misunderstand your whole concept. I thought that you were actually taking into consideration the actual sound & light systems. But if you're taking into consideration as well the soundproofing and acoustics, there you'll be right.
I am opposing the glass structure proposed by Trevisan although I agree with him that there should be stalls, median balcony and top balcony. By that you can achieve the 1,600 seating capacity within the ROH footprint without reducing from the stage & facilities footprint.
Neville Calleja
Apr 22nd 2010, 15:17
We haven't heard much about this proposal in the past. If the airconditioning required here would cost a bomb - to me it seems uncannily similar to the lobby in Mater Dei Hospital, with even less glass. Wouldn't double glazing with automatic sunblocking blinds work?
http://www.caravaggio.com/projects/oh/operahouse.php
R. Caruana
Apr 23rd 2010, 07:12
There is no comparison between the Mater Dei lobby and this proposal.
Mater Dei lobby is a fraction of a much larger complex, used by hundreds if not thousands of people every day. This theatre project would need climate control 24-7 throughout the year when its auditorium (it's largest asset) is being used for not more than 4-6 hours a week when one considers our theatre season and number of performances possible. Here the scale of cost-effectiveness comes into play: at Mater Dei the cost per capita would come down to cents per day, at this theatre it would cost quite a few euros per capita. And it is the patrons of such a theatre that will be asked to foot the bill.
R. Caruana
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:23
@ Astrid Vella,
What I meant about R England's design for the Opera House is that he too went for glass walls, although he was clever enough to plan for an external solid shell on the sides.
I've been involved in theatre interior design and cannot believe that the project can be done within the budget stated. At least 2 million would be required for seating and flooring of the theatre area; cost of the stage, orchestra pit and back stage not included. Sound and lighting systems will cost just as much, if not more, and we're talking only of the auditorium.
On the question of the glass exterior and internal temperatures, rest assured that air conditioning will cost a bomb and would be required all year round 24-7, otherwise humidity levels will run riot.
K Spiteri
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:18
I agree with Ms. Galea. Plus in addition to her arguments, I would say that since we are renowned worldwide for having an Opera House ruined for more than 60 years, now it's the time to show the world that the proper Opera House is back again. And just the building of the Opera House itself is already good PR for Malta. Tourists will be curious to see it.
Unfortunately they will only see a variation of a Petrol Station though thanks to Mr. Piano and our Gonz...
veronica galea, munich
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:03
Part 2
Earlier plans for the site drawn up by Giovanni Trevisan are inspiring because they take the needs of different groups into consideration. A theatre/concert hall with areas for exhibition space would cater for Malta’s talent, for its musicians, performers, actors and artists. It would make us proud and we would have another tourist product with which to encourage visitors to the islands.
A social and cultural function and a high quality tourist product. In one breath, there could be new vision, new depth in the heart of the city. This is pride, and Malta needs it. Our future rests in nuturing our culture base. If we don’t see this is where its really at, then, in my opinion, we stand to lose our soul as a nation. Malta was devasted during World War II, but the people never lost their spirit. If Phoenix is not allowed to rise from the ashes in the heart of Valletta, then only we can be held responsible for it.
Astrid Vella1
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:51
Well said Ms Galea. As Joseph Calleja put it in a Times blog "What do we have against culture in this country"
Jovan Mizzi
Apr 22nd 2010, 13:41
thanks
veronica galea, munich
Apr 22nd 2010, 10:02
Part 1
Joseph Calleja was in town recently performing the role of McDuff at the Bavarian State Opera House, Verdi’s rendition of the Scottish play. Of course, the orchestra is the pride of Munich and something more too. Tax-funded institutions have their place in society. They perform both a social and cultural function. At a cultural level, such institutions instill an appreciation of a long-standing European musical heritage, while in their social function, they may serve as an outreach to younger audiences. This is true of many national and state orchestras around the world.
Now, our own national orchestra is housed at the Teatru Manoel in Valletta which really is not big enough to house a full orchestra. Maybe the opportunity is ripe to seize the chance to develop a cultural institution from the site of the former opera house, one that could house the national orchestra, and more as well.
K Spiteri
Apr 22nd 2010, 08:33
The glass element can be modified by doing partial glass and partial brick walls. So in my opinion it's no excuse.
Gianninu Saliba
Apr 21st 2010, 20:41
A glass theatre with a glass room. Well, it might look nice, but it will be as hot as hell in summer and as cold as the North Pole in winter. To get the right temperature in the theatre, the whole area will be taken up with air conditioners. This would mean another power station will have to be built to service Mr. Previsan's project. Does Mr. Trevisan know that he doesn't come anywhere close to Mr Piano street? The renowned architect must be laughing his head off and pity the gentleman, who unfortunately hails from the same country.
R. Caruana
Apr 21st 2010, 19:30
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't a 'glass cage' become an inferno inside in summer? Has the cost of keeping the temperature of such a structure reasonable even when there are no performances been taken into account? Such a structure will be bombared with sunlight practically all day long.
I doubt if such a significant point has been studied enough, as usual a foreigner comes along and proposes something that could possibly work in his country, but here?
Also, a correction please if I'm mistaken, but doesn't this architect's design look so similar, if not identical in many ways, to that produced by Richard England?
Antoine Vella
Apr 21st 2010, 21:43
To say nothing of the window-cleaners' bill.
Astrid Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 02:20
Your question about the glass walls is a fair comment, maybe a technical person can enlighten us.
Similarly your question whether these designs are similar to Richard England's made me look up Richard England's design which I found here: http://www.search.com/reference/Royal_Opera_House
I think the designs are as similar as any that draw inspiration from Barry's Royal Opera House in a modern idiom with extensive use of glass, however on closer scrutiny, that's where the similarities end. Trevisan integrates all the surviving facade of the Opera House-the entrances and grand steps-into his design,while England's building rises new from the pavement. Trevisan's has echoed the original columns along the sides,while England has a second, cavernous, modern entrance in stone on the side.
The treatment of the roof is also very different, with England opting for a monolithic structure while Trevisan again re-interprets the old theme, complete with trabeation.
Come to think of it, there is one important similarity: the fact that two great architects have both produced designs for full theatres complete with modern facilities on the Royal Opera House site, in spite of all those who tried to convince us that it can't be done.
Joe Fenech
Apr 21st 2010, 13:58
http://www.caravaggio.com/projects/oh/s_home.htm
I wish Gonzi stops fooling himself as to Piano's work. The petrol station he's proposing has nothing to do with the rest of his work. It is just a joke! I am he hasn't even touched it. Remember that when one says 'Renzo Piano' we mean whole ateliers in Italy, France and the US!
andreas w gerdes
Apr 21st 2010, 15:42
do I understand this correctly that the offer is to get a fully functioning and well designed opera house with a roof with no costs for the maltese?
if the above is correct some maltese may rise up and stop their funds being applied for a roofless investment which the majority did not approve. starting a movement might not be such a challenge as the linked video shows -
http://sivers.org/ff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ
Charles Micallef
Apr 21st 2010, 12:42
Having attented St Albert's College in Valletta in the early sixties and again for as long as I can remember I walked by the Opera House Ruins and wondered if during my lifetime I will ever this this eyesore and a past monument re-built? although I am not sure if the proposed Renzo Piano project is the right choice, and again although he is regognised as a genius in his field he is also known to design buildings that some wonder if they should have been built in the first instance, however it is about time that this project is now taken into hand and something is done irrespective of what our individual views are as leaving it as it is, is certainly not an option.......................
Alexander Azzopardi
Apr 21st 2010, 12:31
Forget it Mr Trevisan
Il gonz rasu tal gebel !!
Antoine Vella
Apr 21st 2010, 12:01
I like the idea of a huge glass box. When there are no performances we could fill it up with water and use it as a fish farm.
K Spiteri
Apr 21st 2010, 11:47
I think the architect is right.
1) Way back in 2007 when a temporary seating was set up to cater for the Malta Arts Festival, the open space could cater for approx. 1200 seats and there was quite a sizeable stage.
2) The idea of having 2 balconies is quite common in UK Theatres. If the median balcony is similar to the one at Temi Zammit Hall at University, it will contain approx. another 300 (Uni's one is approx 350)
3) So isn't it possible to have a second balcony containing merely 100 seats?
Simple Mathematics:
Stalls: 1200 + median balcony: 300 + upper balcony: 100 = 1600 seats.
So why does people (incl. art 'gurus' close to Gonzi) still doubt that the footprint is not big enough?
Astrid Vella
Apr 21st 2010, 11:32
@ Anthony Borg: I am told that the exhibition is open until Thursday.
@ Michael Vella: First we are told that the site is too small. Now that an architect has provided designs that can accommodate 1,600 on the ROH footprint without expansion onto Freedom Square, we're told that its too big for Malta? Come on!
Since this design has 900 seated in the stalls on the ground floor, then some 400 and 300 on each balcony respectively (in the style of the Conference Centre or University theatres) one could close off one or both of these balconies for smaller performances.
S Fenech
Apr 21st 2010, 10:50
Can this Sig Trevisan state on whose behalf he is speaking and what are his interests in this matter?
conrad vella
Apr 21st 2010, 10:49
We hardly fill up theatres with less seating capacity...........I would personally demolish the whole remains of the opera house as it is not part of the original architecture of Valletta and is in contrast with the beautiful baroque buildings sited in valletta.........am aginst the building of parliament as well....would have preferred an open square with a majestic staue of la vallette in the middle and have an open space with benches and some gazebos.
Astrid Vella
Apr 21st 2010, 11:50
It is a myth that we hardly fill theatres as it is. Certainly some performances are less patronised than others, but that is true all over the world. The recent performances of La Sylphide, and also 'the Importance of Being Earnest' were fully booked. We have many sell-out performances which need more space than the present theatres can offer, and cruise ships have often requested large afternoon matinees which cannot presently be accommodated - that and viewing visits from tourists would contribute significantly towards the upkeep of the theatre.
Also don't forget that an increased number of seats would help keep ticket prices down in large-scale performances.
conrad vella
Apr 21st 2010, 12:13
no offence ms.vella.......but are you serious in stating that tourists on board cruise liners that stop only for a few hours, and will have a crammed schedule, will be interested in attending a matinee performance of some sort especially considering that they have free evening entertainment??????
And why the opera house? why not upgrade the MCC theatre? isn't that another jewel in valletta??? and at least it was built by the knights, has an amazing history and is BAROQUE.
Astrid Vella
Apr 21st 2010, 21:43
Yes, Conrad, dead serious. Remember, a high percentage of cruise passengers are elderly and not up to running around all day. Sitting down in a theatre after touring Valletta all morning would is probably a good solution for them, which is why these enquiries have been made.
Why not the MCC theatre? Well these cruise organisers are very professional and have probably discovered that the MCC acoustics are abysmal.
Don't overlook income from tourists who just want to view the theatre either. With a history as chequered as ours would have, it is bound to attract tourists. Italy's theatres are always bustling with visitors, and I'm not talking only about the historic ones either, but also the rebuilt ones like the La Fenice and Bari's Petruzzelli.
K Spiteri
Apr 21st 2010, 10:37
@ Michael Vella:
Having an Opera House does not only mean that it has to house Operas only in it... An Opera house is a term, commonly referred to a grand Theatre. And I don't think that Only Operas has to be staged in a Grand Theatre.
Musicals, Drama Productions, Dance Shows and Concerts are other types of productions which are well attended and can be staged in a 1600-seat theatre.
Kevin Zammit
Apr 21st 2010, 09:21
Coraggio architetto ... ci sono molti che sono d'accordo con lei.
I hope the prime minister will finally see some sense ... we need to start somewhere ... enough commercialization of our lives .... enough existing for the sole purpose of consuming .... enough mediocrity. A people needs to absorb influences of value if it is to produce anything that is of value.
Michael Vella
Apr 22nd 2010, 12:55
Thanks so much for your clarification on what opera house means. Point is we do not need a 1,600 entertainment hall or whatever you want to call it.
Michael Mifsud
Apr 22nd 2010, 16:30
Excuse me Mr. Vella, but who are you to decide that WE do not need an opera house please?
Neville Borg
Apr 21st 2010, 09:01
It's no use Mr Trevisan as long as we have the stubborn Dr Gonzi hell-bent to build his parliament on stilts. The opera house always was of secondary importance..
G Pisani
Apr 21st 2010, 08:31
Of course!
He must and should continue working on this because there is a strong market of no less than 80% of the Maltese population who fervently want it. So although the current government/ Piano continue to refuse to oblige - There will be other governments in the near future who certainly will !
Michael Vella
Apr 21st 2010, 08:29
Problem is that we don't need a 1,600 seat opera house in Malta.
K Spiteri
Apr 21st 2010, 08:25
I'm surprised that the government did not consider Mr. Trevisan's proposal of transferring the site, knowing that the government itself is privatising everything that comes into his way.
To all people in favour of a proper Opera House... Let's support Mr. Trevisan's proposal.
anthony borg
Apr 21st 2010, 07:48
At least someone is offering an alternative. I was not aware of this and would surely visit this
exhibition.
I Abela
Apr 21st 2010, 07:33
Mr. Trevisan - Thank you for your proposal but please forget about it. Accepting your offer would be a major U-Turn for Gonzi and Austin Gatt. They are a bunch of proud people so there is no way on earth they will ever discard the original Piano plans. Pity though, looks like you have a really favourable offer which will surely go down well with most of the population.
Charles Caligari Conti
Apr 20th 2010, 23:10
Tailor Made for Malta... a better option I think.
Joe Fenech
Apr 20th 2010, 22:50
Give us this anytime over Piano's petrol station!
Kevin Zammit
Apr 21st 2010, 10:05
Joe .... you deserve the pulitzer for this ... perfect ... absolutely perfect. With just 2 words you have described precisely Piano's project. Piano must be dead broke to go for this sham ...
John Dimech
Apr 20th 2010, 22:11
Go on ... where are you, columnists DCG and ABC ... shoot him down, go on! Quick!
Robert Zammit
Apr 20th 2010, 22:10
PLease tell me when see exhibition of his plans at the Hotel Phoenicia in Floriana ?
C>Scerri
Apr 20th 2010, 21:39
Can Mr Trevisan give us more info on the business model that these individuals are using to coem to the conclusion that they can make their money out of 15M Euro investment within 30 years? Can we know who these individuals are? Or even better, can they identify themselves?
Charles Bartolo
Apr 21st 2010, 14:08
http://www.caravaggio.com/projects/oh/operahouse.php