The Malta Architect Awards, recently launched by Executive Events, a brand of i-MNG Ltd, established publishers and event organisers, were received very positively. Supported by the planning authority and sponsored by Jaguar, their objective is to stimulate the creativity of local architects while simultaneously prompting collaboration.

Deborah Schembri, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Simplification of Administrative processes, said that while today we rightly placed a lot of importance on the environment, one of the factors affecting it was the aesthetics of construction.

“Throughout the years, we have amassed a wide variety of buildings which reflect our country’s long-standing architectural history and this places on us the responsibility to conserve and rehabilitate that which we have found, as well as to ensure that we hand over an aesthetically-pleasing country to future generations.”

She felt that while several public and private buildings were designed by foreign architects of international fame, “we greatly wish that our Maltese periti too are honoured for their high-quality work, whether their projects are based in Malta or overseas. It is therefore important that we acknowledge the ideas and talent of our architects in various sectors and these awards have been specifically organised with this aim,” she said.

Dr Schembri added this was the first time in which the planning authority took the initiative to financially assist these awards and would be doing so for the next three years. She explained that eight categories were being allotted awards, which varied from rehabilitation and conservation projects to infrastructural and engineering ones.

Importance has also been given to sustainable development and to projects pertaining to hospitality and leisure projects. She said since the range was wide, it provided the possibility for architects to choose which categories to submit within, according to their understanding of excellence.

She added: “It is with pleasure that I note that among the various categories, there is one dedicated to the talent of young architects; they are the future of the planning of construction in our country and it is important that we stimulate their imagination via such initiatives.

“While architecture should always be a reflection of our times it should also aspire to its beautification. We are keenly looking forward to viewing the projects to be submitted and I am certain that we will witness a competition of high quality that will honour both the profession and Malta.”

The first edition of the Malta Architect Awards will take place during the Construction, Property and Interiors Expo on September 24.

Further details can be found at www.architectawards.com.mt.