Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1502331
Architecture & Design | 13 The Rehabilitation and Conservation Award was won by the Restoration Directorate for the Valletta Design Cluster. This project is praiseworthy for the manner how a disused Grade 1 scheduled building within the heart of lower Valletta was rescued from obsolescence and given a new lease of life through sensitive adaptive reuse. The House for two sisters in Senglea by MODEL Architects and Ċentru Parrokkjali Santu Rokku in Valletta by Perit Silvienne Camilleri received a special commendation. AP Valletta won the Restoration Award for the Teatru Manoel in Valletta. This project illustrated that high-quality restoration can be achieved on the basis of extensive research into the history of the building as well as its socio-political and architectural context. One of the key components of the project was the reconstruction of the façade in accordance with the original façade drawing within the eighteenth-century Vilhena Cabreo. Here AP Valletta went further than mere reconstruction, but creatively suggested subtle changes to the facade to accommodate new elements which allow the façade to assume its historic prominence. The restoration of the Belvedere in Lija by Perit Amanda De Giovanni and Concrete Water Tower in Marsa by Prof Perit Ruben Paul Borg were given a special commendation. The Sterling HQ building in San Gwann by Christian Spiteri Architects was the winner of the Design Award for Good Architecture, Building and Structure. Although located within an industrial estate, this high-quality contemporary building is an ambitious attempt to reverse the nondescript architecture that characterises such places. The design is a play on visual lightness and heaviness that required the solution of several design challenges through structural design acumen. Serving as a multifunctional space, the design has successfully addressed the client's requirement for warehousing, manufacturing, exhibition spaces and offices within the same building. A special commendation within this category was given to MODEL Architects for House 51 in Sliema and EM Architects for OneOneO in Gzira. De Micoli & Associates won the Residential Architecture Award for the Portomaso Laguna. The " The MASP Awards aim to promote and give recognition to quality architectural and interior design projects that promise to leave a positive mark for decades to come " Design Award for Good Architecture, Building and Structure Award Winner 2021 Public Open Spaces Award Winner 2021