Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 13 ARCHITECTS: CESAREO CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY INTO ARCHITECTURE? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS FIELD? Our journey into architecture is somewhat unique, as neither of us comes from a background or family rooted in the field. However, from a young age, we were both drawn to the world of design, creativity, and problem-solving in ways that naturally guided us toward architecture. This shared passion began to take shape during our formative years, where curiosity and imagination played a central role in how we engaged with the world around us. HOW DID CVC ARCHITECTURE STUDIO COME TO BE? WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START THE FIRM IN 2011? CVC Architecture Studio was officially established at the beginning of 2011, but its roots go much deeper, grounded in a friendship that spans many years. Our bond as childhood friends laid a solid and enduring foundation, not just for our personal connection, but also for the future of our professional endeavors. As life unfolded, we each followed our unique paths through academic studies and formative working experiences, gathering skills, perspectives, and insights along the way. Eventually, the idea of joining forces to create something of our own felt like the most natural and exciting progression. A key motivator behind this leap was the unwavering encouragement and belief from our families. Their support was instrumental not only in taking that initial step but also in shaping the values that continue to guide our studio today. AS LEADERS OF CVC ARCHITECTURE STUDIO, HOW DO YOU BOTH COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER'S SKILLS AND EXPERTISE IN MANAGING PROJECTS? There is a deep trust and understanding between us that allows for a seamless collaboration in the execution of our projects. This trust is extended across our whole team starting with lead architect Samuel Cremona, whereby we foster a creative collaborative spirit within the firm. Individually, our characters are quite different, yet complementary and this allows us to explore the requirements of each project from different perspectives which nonetheless invariably always lands us on the same page. This also comes through in the execution of our projects where a hands-on approach is balanced out by a pragmatic and thought-driven process. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON CURRENT STATE OF MALTESE ARCHITECTURE AND HOW DO YOU ENVISION ITS FUTURE? One needs to make the distinction between architecture and construction. There are many talented local architects, both past and present, who have positively contributed to the Maltese architecture scene. However, this is often unfortunately overshadowed by the aggressive nature of the profit-driven construction industry. Many-a-time, "architecture" is reduced to a relentless box-ticking exercise needed to satisfy planning policies and maximise profits. Only when the quality of space, function and design together with a sense of respect for the past, the present and the place is truly appreciated and valorised then the true spirit of Maltese architecture can shine through. WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES YOU FACE WORKING IN MALTA'S ARCHITECTURAL LANDSCAPE? Although necessary, navigating regulatory and bureaucratic constraints can sometimes be tedious, especially when challenging what is expected of us. On the other hand, this can present opportunities for creative solutions that respect our heritage whilst embracing innovation. Our inherently dense urban fabric and the substantial stock of existing buildings should incentivise the adaptive reuse of such buildings which in turn present a unique opportunity for quality yet respectful architecture. Architec- starting challenges of highlighting

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