This evening, we are once again celebrating local talent in the architectural and spatial planning sectors.
The Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning Awards, now in their sixth edition, have established themselves as a leading recognition for architects, interior designers, and university students – for anyone who has made an outstanding contribution over the past year through an interdisciplinary approach involving research, education, theory, or practice in architecture and the built environment.
For another year, MASP is the platform promoting projects employing best practices in the fields of urban and rural landscaping.
I am particularly struck by the fact that MASP recognises the works of those who seek to showcase their creative side, from interior décor to building restoration, whilst maintaining and promoting the conservation and rehabilitation of existing buildings towards adaptive or alternative use. The various award categories are planned to showcase various angles of architectural and planning creativity in the upholding of certain key principles of the profession and trade.
Many of the successful submissions that have been recognised earlier this evening have a direct impact on our society, with many projects focusing on giving a fresh touch to edifices which, as a result of innovative approaches, are being utilised on a day-to-day basis.
As a progressive country with booming economic growth, an improved standard of living, together with a sharp increase in our country’s population, has necessitated the building of new edifices.
The challenge is to have new buildings which are not invasive as far as the surroundings are concerned.
The projects presented tonight provide examples of how new structures can be erected and still mingle and integrate smoothly into traditional landscapes, while satisfying the exigencies of present-day working and living.
This approach is in itself a manifestation of respect towards our heritage; it incorporates urban, rural architecture, the natural environment and also open landscapes, giving due importance to the seascapes encircling our landmass, and hence it results in the enhancement of our heritage.
These projects exemplify the respect necessary to set an example for both established and emerging architects, promoting sustainable development and fostering an ethical approach – an ethical approach, which gives due consideration to other aspects of people’s lives, and includes their physical, mental and psychological health.
Each project should be created with the intention to assimilate seamlessly with the old, without prejudicing its historic and social impact.
Precaution is key so that there is no risk of irreversible damage; due consideration has to be accorded to good stewardship of both old and new.
Also:
- environmental ethics,
- adopting a holistic approach, and
- acknowledging the inherent worth of all living organisms over and above their utility value,
should be an underlying basic standard for regulating approaches and operations.
I note and commend the space granted to the younger generation, with recognition being awarded to the outstanding student project.
The active participation of the young generation is to be encouraged since it will affect the future of our society. In this case, exposing young architects to real scenarios is essential in order to nurture in them passion and dedication in caring for and protecting characteristics particular to our islands, which characteristics are the foundation of our architectural heritage.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a living concept, I would add, a holistic organisation of living organisms meshed together, the Maltese architectural scene has evolved over the centuries, and it keeps evolving.
Edifices cannot be simply viewed as mere stone and mortar that stand in a landscape. Rather, they are an expression of a particular epoch that encapsulates the cultural, social, and historical narratives of their time, reflecting the values and aspirations of the societies that built them.
Hence, architecture and planning are an art; and art exemplifies the needs and aspirations of a populace at the time of its creation. As such, it is meant to withstand the test of time and transmit an epoch. Architects and planners owe it to their generation and to generations that come after them to continue enriching our heritage.
Once again, I congratulate the Planning Authority for organising this event. All participants merit congratulations and appreciation, not only the awardees who received recognition tonight, but also all the shortlisted entries for tonight’s event. Thank you for caring, your collective vision augurs well for the future of the built environment in Malta.
