Architecture & Design

6 | Architecture & Design C uriosity is the start to anything creative. "The project started off with the question - what if? As organisers of the Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (MASP) Awards we are constantly exploring and on the look-out for fresh and dynamic ways to showcase Maltese architecture, while supporting the remarkable work of local architects," explains Peter Gingell. "Involving fashion provided us with the means to be innovative and creative in raising awareness about some local buildings that have distinct forms, styles and functionality. We sensed that the parallel between the fashion and architecture industries cannot be ignored." Especially as architecture moved towards a more modern aesthetics the connection with fashion became more evident. Both architecture and fashion express the unique taste and identity of the individual and the society. From visualisation to conceptualisation, construction to craftsmanship, the design processes of each hold many similarities. Not only, they both share a vocabulary which has influenced each other. With the evolution of new building materials, fashion related practices normally used in the manufacture of clothing like wrapping, pleating and folding are now seen on the façade of new buildings. Coincidingly, terminology more commonly used in architecture such as massing and volumetrics can be noticed on today's catwalks. Although it is not unusual to see people studying architecture, to eventually branch off into the world of fashion. We were elated when we encountered local fashion designer brand Bajja. This company ticked all the boxes for us – not only are its designers warranted architects, the two Bezzina siblings are hardworking, passionate, meticulous and energetic. "One of the challenges was to decide on which buildings we were to choose for Bajja to draw their inspiration. The initial list was lengthy but after long-drawn debates with Samaria and Vincienne we managed to zone in and pick the four buildings that would be used for this project. All four buildings were designed and built with expert artistry, attention to detail and using quality materials, helping them stand the test of time and symbolising Maltese heritage for generations." pointed out Peter Gingell. The project took inspiration from the features, philosophy and design of four local landmark buildings, each good examples of architecture in their respective eras: Balluta Buildings, Dar il-Ħanin Samaritan, Tarxien Temples and the Fgura Parish Church. AN INSPIRATIONAL COLLABORATION BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND FASHION B o u n d a r i e s a r e i n t e n d e d t o b e p u s h e d i n t h e r e a l m o f d e s i g n . O v e r r e c e n t m o n t h s t h e P l a n n i n g A u t h o r i t y ( P A ) e m b a r k e d o n a c r e a t i v e a n d i n n o v a t i v e p r o j e c t t h a t h a s r e d e f i n e d t h e s e a m l e s s r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n f a s h i o n a n d a r c h i t e c t u r e . P e t e r G i n g e l l f r o m t h e P A a n d t w o P e r i t i / d e s i g n e r s f r o m M a l t e s e f a s h i o n b r a n d B A J J A s h a r e t h e p r o c e s s b e h i n d t h i s i n t r i g u i n g p r o j e c t . D A R I L - Ħ A N I N S A M A R I TA N

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