Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1471449
10 COMMERCIAL 23.6.2022 PA and BCA sponsor architecture students' experience in London A group of 25 students from the Facul- ty of the Built Environment will be at- tending the third edition of Archivisit - a week-long hands-on experience pro- gramme in London. Organised by architecture student or- ganization SACES and supported by lo- cal Design & Project Management firm iAS, Archivisit provides exposure for lo- cal students to experience best practices in design and project management, new technologies, site processes/procedures and green infrastructure techniques. is year's edition which is being sponsored by the Planning Authority (PA) and the Building and Construc- tion Authority (BCA) will offer stu- dents a diverse assortment of activities and include workshops on structural engineering and architectural design, exhibitions, walking tours and site vis- its. e group will be hosted by inter- national reputable multi-disciplinary architectural firms and respectable educational centres that include Arup, Hilson Moran, ornton Tomasetti, BuroHappold Engineering, MAKE, Mizzi Studio, Bartlett School of Archi- tecture and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). e Minister for Public Works and Planning, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, said: "Our main thrust must be in fa- vour of higher standards and the crea- tion of sustainable projects that achieve the best possible results. We need to be ambitious and think of a long-term stra- tegic plan to meet the goals set by the European Commission." e Minister ended his speech by praising the work of the two Authorities concerned where together they are working hard to boost this sector which forms a substantial part of the economy of our country. Martin Saliba, Chairperson of the Planning Authority said "It is an honour but also a duty for us to be supporting this and other similar initiatives. We strongly believe that providing students with pivotal experiences and knowl- edge, we can help them jump-start their career. We want to help the next gener- ation of architecture students have the ambition, capability and drive to create quality, inclusive places and spaces that meet pressing client and user needs but also addresses the physical, economic, social and environmental concerns of our communities." Jesmond Muscat, the Building and Construction Authority's Chief Execu- tive Officer said: "the BCA after almost a year since its establishment, together with the Planning Authority, sustained this initiative that started seeing stu- dents attending the Faculty of the Built Environment. is is because the BCA fully supports educational programs that can lead the next generation of Ar- chitects to work towards a culture of ex- cellence in the Building and Construc- tion industry." Muscat explained that this is a great opportunity for students, as it should serve them to gain more knowledge about how this industry is operating in countries larger than Malta, and which they have implemented certain meas- ures before, this through international firms of fame. He said that the visit will expose these students to practices in designing and managing projects, innovative tech- nologies, and even green infrastructure practices. is is since all the European Union countries, and hence our country must establish a long-term renovation strategy to support the renovation of the existing building stock, in high-en- ergy efficiency buildings. Archivisit Founder and Co-ordinator Perit Mark Borg said "Archivisit expos- es our students to the best practices in design and project management. It is our duty to create these opportunities for the younger generation if we want to improve our industry." e trip will take place between Sun- day 10 and 17 July 2022.