External access to Binja LaparelliExternal access to Binja Laparelli

The president of the Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers expressed serious concern about the alarming rate at which Malta’s unique built heritage was being lost to new development.

Addressing the Din l-Art Ħelwa Awards for best Architectural Heritage, Professor Alex Torpiano, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment at the University of Malta, did not mince his words when expressing his concern about the future of the built environment in the country.

He questioned the planning policies that were allowing full scale demolition of the island’s historic and traditional built heritage.

He said Malta’s unique built heritage was being lost as new development was not respectful of the past. He stressed the need to encourage the appreciation of the country’s historic built urban environment.

Prof. Torpiano questioned planning policies and challenged architects to use higher skills so as to leave future generations ‘new built heritage’ which is sympathetic to that which already exists.

After presenting the awards, Prof. Torpiano praised the successful projects and congratulated the winners. He said that they were outstanding examples of developments, which, through sensitive interventions, succeeded in adapting historic or traditional buildings to new use without sacrificing architectural fabric or surrounding context.

The winners were announced by Maria Grazia Cassar, Din l-Art Ħelwa executive president who chaired the judging panel, composed of Conrad Thake representing the Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers, Antonio Mollicone, from the University of Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa council member architect Joanna Spiteri Staines and architect David Pace.

Gaining internal heights at the MaċinaGaining internal heights at the Maċina

Ms Cassar said the awards were meant to highlight projects which made an outstanding contribution to architectural excellence in a Maltese context, with a focus on regeneration, re-use and conservation.

Binja Laparelli had successfully achieved its scope

The jury was unanimous in its decision to award the Prix d’Honneur for Category A, a Major Regeneration Project, to Binja Laparelli by Bezzina & Cole Architects & Civil Engineers.

The judges felt this new building had successfully achieved its scope within the brief, while at the same time respecting the context of the fortifications. Of particular note was the discreet rational approach, yet imaginative design in the stone screen created on the Bank’s façade and the integration of the design elements to complement the exterior walkway, and the historical structures.

The prize for Category B – The Rehabilitation and Re-Use of Buildings – went to Edwin Mintoff Architects for the Maċina project, which the judges felt was setting an example in the rehabilitation and re-use of military buildings.

This project achieved the necessary luxury for its new use as a high-end guesthouse, while the design concept retained the military functional feel of the building’s previous use, especially the staircase and courtyard.

In Category C – A Restoration and Conservation Project – the prize was awarded to The Coach House by Perit David Drago of Architecture Project.

The intervention and extension upon the existing building consisted of a stone volume above the existing fabric.

The limestone façade, detailed to mimic a weaved pattern, created a surface of changing shadows echoing the irregular surfaces of the historical walls below.

The Coach House was also found worthy of winning the Silver Medal Award, signifying the best overall in all categories because of the success in creating a harmonious intervention with the simple historical fabric of the existing farmhouse.

New accessible spaces at Binja LaparelliNew accessible spaces at Binja Laparelli

The Coach House by AP. Photo: Julian VassalloThe Coach House by AP. Photo: Julian Vassallo

 

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