Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 17 the landscapes and ecosystems it exists within. The impact of design extends beyond aesthetics—it becomes a catalyst for education, awareness, and long-term ecological resilience. What do you see as the biggest challenge in creating truly sustainable architecture today? The greatest challenge in sustainable architecture today is the construction industry's immense environmental footprint. The built environment contributes approximately 43% of global emissions—more than transportation and industry combined. Yet, the industry remains trapped in a cycle of efficiency, cost, and aesthetics—often at the expense of the environment. A major issue is our disconnection from the life cycles of materials. Modernist ideals—obsessed with permanence, industrial materials, and sterile forms—have distanced us from nature and the craft of building. With that loss came a disregard for care, maintenance and renewal. In Bali, at Green School, I witnessed a different philosophy: Thatching a roof with alang-alang, knowing it would need replacing in four years, was not a flaw but a rhythm of life. Growing, harvesting, and building with bamboo connected me to nature's cycles—a humbling contrast to the industrial detachment that dominates modern architecture. This disconnection fosters emotional unsustainability. The solution is a shift in mindset. We must ask not just how to build, but why. Is this project truly necessary? If so, it must give back—restoring ecosystems, fostering connection, and inspiring care. Only then can architecture heal—people, places, and the planet. What are your aspirations for Mizzi Studio in the coming years, both in London and Malta? We're in the midst of an exciting evolution—a full rebrand that will unite our diverse endeavours under one unified structure. Our vision is clear: to be at the forefront of regenerative design, crafting spaces that restore nature, celebrate heritage, and reconnect people with joy, beauty, and a deep sense of belonging. In Malta, we're focused on deeply meaningful projects that regenerate the island's soul—restoring landscapes, rewilding urban spaces, and reconnecting communities with their heritage and environment. We're particularly excited to be collaborating with the Research Innovation Development Trust (RIDT) on the Malta Bus and Regenerative Multi- Modal System project, to create a green future, alongside university professors and experts to solve key mobility challenges. In London, despite recent challenges—Brexit, the pandemic, and economic strain—we have not only survived but thrived, creating some of our most exciting work. Now, we look ahead with cautious optimism, ready to contribute positively to the city's evolving cultural and architectural landscape. We're also expanding to Bali and Brussels, which is incredibly exciting. Opening a studio base in Bali aligns perfectly with our regenerative design philosophy, whereas Brussels places us at the heart of the European Union and I'm thrilled by the opportunities they hold. As part of this expansion, we're exploring a team ownership structure, fostering a unified framework that empowers everyone to share in the studio's growth and success. B A R B A J E A N P H O T O C R E D I T: B R I A N G R E C H

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