Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539007
Architecture & Design | 15 but faces increasing pressure from modern development. What's your take on preserving heritage while embracing contemporary architecture? It's ultimately a question of balance and proportion. Heritage can only be preserved if it isn't overwhelmed by visual "noise", an excess of buildings, roads, and urban clutter. Context must be respected. One of the cornerstones of restoration philosophy, La reintegrazione dell'immagine, suggests that from afar, an intervention should harmonise with its surroundings, while up close it should remain distinguishable from the historic fabric. That principle guides my approach. You've been judging the Din l-Art Ħelwa Architectural Heritage Awards for over a decade. What trends or shifts have you observed in the way Malta approaches architectural conservation? It's been an incredibly positive experience. Over the years, I've seen more and more architectural firms dedicate themselves to excellence in conservation. There's a growing commitment to quality, which is heartening for the future of our built heritage. How do you see architecture in Malta evolving in the next decade? I hope we move towards fewer buildings and more landscaping, away from soul-less apartment blocks and towards vibrant, high-quality urban spaces. I'd like to see us embrace sustainable materials and environmentally responsive design. But this requires direction and courage at a political level, real change demands brave leadership. Among all your projects, which ones hold a particularly special place in your heart and why? That's such a difficult question. Early in my career, the Malta Stock Exchange was an incredibly formative and exciting project. Today, the Gozo Museum is closest to my heart, my "baby in the making". Having a world class museum on this tiny precious island is a very significant milestone and will hopefully generate more quality, less quantity, cultural tourism. I hope it will also spearhead a change in planning direction, to move away from the