Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 15 WHAT CURRENT MALTA ARCHITECTURE PLEASES YOU AND WHAT HURTS? Maltese architecture has drastically changed since I first graduated, and in particular I am pleased to see so many young and talented architects completing truly fancinating buildings. With the emerging technology which is now available, I am however disappointed when I see a lack of sustainable initiative or green architecture being employed. We also need to ensure that our amazing village cores which form such an integral part of our culture, are protected, enhanced and kept in use for future generations to enjoy. CAN YOU NAME A FEW BUILDINGS THAT SHOULD BE ON THE 'TRAVEL LIST' OF YOUNG AND UPCOMING, BUT ALSO ESTABLISHED ARCHITECTS. My reaction would always be to firstly look at the rich traditional architectural heritage we have all around us in Malta, which can teach us a lot. As a lover of Gaudí, I have to mention Casa Milà and La Sagrada Familia in Spain, as well as the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Pavilion which I always love to visit. I would however like to add that besides visiting buildings, whenever abroad one should admire the urban planning of any city as this too can impart wisdom, from the radial form from which Paris was developed to the careful planned integration of greenery and land reclamation in Singapore. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? The list of all those who I admire would be never- ending! I admire any architect who has managed to leave a positive lasting mark in our architectural landscape. However, in particular I admire the late Perit Joseph Spiteri, an Architect who I believe helped inspire and shape the minds of many Maltese architects who practice today. I would also take this opportunity to mention all the outstanding work carried by Perit Martin Xeureb who recently passed away. It goes without saying that an International architect I would like to mention is of course Renzo Piano, who I had the pleasure of communicating with directly when he himself contacted me regarding my PhD thesis which focused on the Urban Renewal of Valletta. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ASPIRING ARCHITECTS? I would give the same advice that I have always given to my students at the University of Malta, that I hope that they realise the contribution they can give to present and future generations by being creative and by acknowledging their responsibility in shaping our surroundings and in improving standards of quality of life. They should always continue to look for inspiration, both locally and overseas, and if possible, even try to continue their studies internationally. I myself was extremely influenced by my time abroad, and I can credit a lot of what I have today achieved to both my PhD studies in the UK as well as my work experience there, which indubitably enriched me and gave me new perspectives into my work. I believe that through creativity as well as hard work, any aspiring architect will receive much satisfaction in practising this profession. WHAT'S NEXT? I am hopeful that EM Architects will continue to grow and develop as we have been doing now for more than thirty years, as always trying to utilise the best construction methodologies and urban design principles in our work. We do have several exciting upcoming projects, such as hotels, high-rise buildings and large-scale projects, both in Malta as well as abroad. To name just a few, we are particularly excited to be working on the design of the new Acute Psychiatric hospital in Malta, a project which I feel is much needed as the importance of having a new mental health facility cannot be understated. Additionally, we will soon be starting works on the new Marsa Race Track, our Jerma development and the Metropolis development, to mention just a few. WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR? Rather than an 'ultimate' goal, I have had the same continued goal since I commenced with my architectural studies, that of contributing to the Maltese architectural landscape in a positive way. I honestly believe that ultimately what counts most is the improvement of the quality of life of people from all walks of life. It is difficult to describe the satisfaction of realising this, very often through a very simple measure integrated in design which can only be achieved by understanding what is most important for the end users. In fact, one of the first lessons I always share with my students is the importance of creating a simple dialogue with the persons who will be directly or indirectly impacted by any project. Rather than being remembered, I believe in the continuation of EM Architects and all the architectural work that will be achieved by the firm in the future. I am extremely fortunate that my daughter, who is also a Perit, has been working with me for some years now and her input will certainly ensure the continuity of what I originally created. When I started my own firm alone more than thirty years ago in very humble beginnings, I could never have imagined that now I would be running a team of some fifty hard-working and talented individuals, who I am extremely proud of. F I M B A N K B U I L D I N G S K Y PA R K S B U I L D I N G

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