Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1212321
20.02.2020 16 TOWNSCAPES Best architecture and design projects for SOME of Malta's best architectural firms, architects and interior designers were recognised for the way they skil- fully designed and carried out archi- tectural and design projects over the past year. With some surprise wins, along with some local favourites, these are the winners of the Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning Awards 2019 organ- ised by the Planning Authority under the Patronage of the President of Mal- ta. Architectural firm MODEL won the award for Restoration and Con- servation. eir project comprised a sensitive restoration of a townhouse in Sliema built during the first half of the 20th century in the Art Nouveau style. While intervening in a minimal- ist manner, the firm gave special atten- tion to the catchment of natural light through a central skylight and skilful use of compatible materials. Two commendations were also awarded. One was given to Dr Edwin Mintoff for the restoration and reha- bilitation of the British-period build- ing in Dock Number 1 in Cospicua and another to Perit Kenneth Zammit En- drich and Perit Samuel Cassar for the preservation and conversion of a tradi- tional house in Rabat into a restaurant. e Urban Design Award was won by architectural firm Studjurban for a mixed-use development combining residential units and a child-care facil- ity at ground floor level in Mosta. e design exploits the prominent corner location and makes a valiant effort to provide an alternative typology for me- dium-rise housing projects. Gnien Laparelli in Valletta was the winning project for the Public Open Spaces Award. Designed by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) in collaboration with the Restoration Directorate, the project successfully resolved the challenge of landscaping the ditch below the entrance to the Capital. e project managed to achieve the right balance between hard and soft landscaping in a dynamic manner that respects the im- posing mass of the fortifications that enclose the ditch. Perit Christopher Mintoff received a commendation for the design and im- plementation of the Paola Regenera- tion Project. Architectural firm Bezzina & Cole were named winners of the Commer- cial Buildings Award for their land- mark building project in Hal Far. e Crane Currency (Malta) building has a distinctive circular entrance which ex- tends into a linear form. e printing press/offices goes well beyond strictly functional requirements and produces a distinctive building that stands out from the surrounding factories. e Interior Architecture Award for Residential Projects was won by archi- tectural firm Forward Architects. e design of the single-family villa in Bir- guma is a sophisticated one, demon- strating a coherent and sustained phi- losophy where the attributes of natural light, material tectonics and synergy of various architectural elements are cel- ebrated. A commendation was awarded to Studio Nomad for the conversion of a small compact residence - House 17 in Triq Hilda Tabone, Birgu. Perit Kenneth Zammit Endrich and Perit Samuel Cassar were the winners of the Interior Architecture Award for Commercial Projects for the interior design of Vinaccia Restaurant in Ra- bat. While the project celebrates the authenticity and historical memory of an old building, the architects worked with corten-steel material to create a dynamic synergy between the new and the old fabric. Two commendations were awarded in this category. Perit Chris Briffa for his eloquent and sophisticated design for the Rolex Boutique in Valletta and Dr Edwin Mintoff for the interventions within the British-period buildings along Dock No. 1 as the American Uni- versity of Malta. e Cospicua Social Regeneration Project designed by X,Y,Z Architects and Design was the winner of the Ur- ban Planning Concept Award. e housing project adopts a sensitive ap- proach to achieving a balance between conservation and rehabilitation objec- tives and the need to provide an attrac- tive living environment for housing lo- cal residents. Ir-Rotta – e Alternative Grid by Perit Daniel Scerri and 'A garden in the city' by Studjurban received a com- mendation. e Award for Hospitality Tourism Accommodation and Leisure was won Urban Design Award Public Open Spaces Award Commercial Buildings Award Emerging Architects Award WINNER WINNER WINNER WINNER COMMENDATIONS Perit Christopher Mintoff Studjurban Gnien Laparelli Bezzina & Cole Atelier Maison