Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1471699
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 JUNE 2022 14 COMMERCIAL 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. This year's edition which is being spon- sored by the Planning Authority (PA) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will offer students a diverse assort- ment of activities and include workshops on structural engineering and architec- tural design, exhibitions, walking tours and site visits. The group will be hosted by international reputable multi-discipli- nary architectural firms and respectable educational centres that include Arup, Hilson Moran, Thornton Tomasetti, Bu- roHappold Engineering, MAKE, Mizzi Studio, Bartlett School of Architecture and the Royal Institute of British Archi- tects (RIBA). The Minister for Public Works and Planning, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, said: "Our main thrust must be in favour of higher standards and the creation of sus- tainable projects that achieve the best possible results. We need to be ambitious and think of a long-term strategic plan to meet the goals set by the European Com- mission." The Minister ended his speech by praising the work of the two Author- ities 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 Plan- ning 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 piv- otal experiences and knowledge, we can help them jump-start their career. We want to help the next generation of archi- tecture students have the ambition, capa- bility and drive to create quality, inclusive places and spaces that meet pressing cli- ent and user needs but also addresses the physical, economic, social and environ- mental concerns of our communities." Jesmond Muscat, the Building and Con- struction Authority's Chief Executive Of- ficer said: "the BCA after almost a year since its establishment, together with the Planning Authority, sustained this initia- tive that started seeing students attend- ing the Faculty of the Built Environment. This is because the BCA fully supports educational programs that can lead the next generation of Architects to work to- wards a culture of excellence in the Build- ing and Construction industry." Muscat explained that this is a great op- portunity 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 measures before, this through international firms of fame. He said that the visit will expose these students to practices in designing and managing projects, innovative technolo- gies, and even green infrastructure prac- tices. This 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-energy efficiency buildings. Archivisit Founder and Co-ordinator Perit Mark Borg said "Archivisit exposes our students to the best practices in de- sign and project management. It is our duty to create these opportunities for the younger generation if we want to improve our industry." The trip will take place between Sunday 10 and 17 July 2022.