Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1331728
10 COMMERCIAL THIS year's 2020 MASP awards has seen a record number of entries from architectural firms, Periti, interior designers and architecture students. A total of seventy (70) entries were submitted for the respective ten (10) categories. These awards not only attracted the well-established architectural firms, but also a new generation of Periti and interior designers. The category which received the most entries was the Restoration and Conservation Award, for projects which enhance the historical integri- ty of old buildings and the legibility of their original design through sen- sitive interventions. This was closely followed by the Interior Architec- ture Award for Commercial or Pub- lic Buildings and the Urban Planning Concept Award. The Interior Architecture Award for Commercial or Public Buildings awards projects which excel in fulfill- ing the true potential of an interior space; be it a new or refurbished com- mercial or public building. The goal of such projects is to max- imise the benefit of environmental in- fluences, such as natural light, sound, ventilation and to incorporate inno- vative materials in the design. On the other hand, the Urban Planning Con- cept Award is given for projects which are still in their concept stage but in- corporate innovative planning solu- tions that address existing challenges in the given space. Other awards categories include: Urban Design, Public Open Spaces, Commercial and Public Buildings, Interior Architecture for Residential Projects, Hospitality, Tourism Ac- commodation & Leisure, Sustainabil- ity and Emerging Architect. MASP jury Chairperson, Perit Vin- cent Cassar, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic did not discourage Periti, interior designers and architecture students from enlisting those projects they feel proud of and consider to be award-winning." He added that, "The intensity and attractiveness of these awards is that you will find the creativity and geni- us of some well-known architectural firms 'competing' against the pioneer- ing brilliance and innovative solutions of younger Periti and interior design- ers, who are slowly making a name for themselves within the industry." The Authority also received four (4) nominations for the President's Award. This award is given to a per- son who would have made an out- standing contribution over the years through research, education, theory or practice of architecture and the built environment. Over the coming weeks, a jury panel of seven (7) members will be assessing all the entries to decide on the respec- tive winners. This jury is composed of foreign and local experts working within the academic and professional field of the built environment. They will also be assisted by a group of technical specialists when deciding on each category. The MASP awards fall under the Patronage of the President of Malta and the winners will be announced at a virtual award-winning ceremony, which will be held at the beginning of March. For more information, visit: https:// www.maspawards.com/ Record number of entries for this year's Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (masp) Awards 21.01.2021