Architecture & Design | 1
T
his edition carries an interview with Malta's
most celebrated architect - Richard
England. A man and an architect who has
contributed more than one can possibly
imagine to understanding the value of
design and architecture in Malta.
Richard England repeatedly harps on the importance
of architecture that serves a purpose, a goal and of the
obligation architects have in creating the right tone for
the object of a structure.
He says: "I would like to think of my buildings as
primarily soul enhancing edifices, pastoral arcadias as
opposed to fiscal dystopias, which adhere specifically
to place and time. Site, context and the client's brief
remain paramount influencing factors in the design
process. According to the Roman architect Vitruvius'
definition, architecture must provide 'commodity,
firmness and delight'. It is however the element
of 'delight' which lifts construction to the realm of
architecture."
Brave words in an urban setting that leaves many
disturbed by the contentious design that ignores the
surroundings and the long-term impact of that design.
Richard England offers the best paradigm for an
intellectual and an architect and his parting shot in his
interview he laments: "We need to tread gently on our
planet, with architects thinking more of eco than ego. In
view of the world's current daunting situation my dream
non-pollutive project would be one where the floor is the
earth, the walls are the wind and the ceiling is the sky."
MORE ECO THAN EGO
PUBLISHED BY
MediaToday Co Ltd
PUBLISHER AND REGISTERED
EDITOR
Saviour Balzan
DISTRIBUTION
Free with the MaltaToday
Eur2 when sold
SALES COORDINATOR
Adriana Farrugia
afarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt
+356 2138 2741
DESIGN
Philippa Zammit
PHOTOGRAPHY
James Bianchi
REGISTERED ADDRESS
MediaToday Co Ltd
Vjal ir-Riħan
San Gwann SGN9016
Malta
CONTACT
Philippa Zammit
pzammit@mediatoday.com.mt
+356 2138 2741
ON THE COVER
The Quad, designed by
DeMicoli & Associates
Cover image by DPRO Studio
