University students provide design solutions in sensitive areas

Architecture awards set up by Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) in conjunction with the University Architecture Department are sensitising tomorrow’s architects to the particular needs of rural and historic areas. “FAA wanted to create something positive that would contribute to the nation so they set up the Julian Manduca Award for sustainable development of rural areas and the Tony Mifsud award for urban conservation projects” explained Sir Martin Laing, opening the award ceremony on behalf of FAA.

The award programme included lectures on subjects that students would not otherwise have been exposed to like beach management as well as the chance to work on ‘real’ rather than theoretical projects, providing sustainable alternatives to current problems. In fact the Julian Manduca award required students to design a nature park at Hondoq ir-Rummien as an alternative to a commercial touristic and yacht marina project. “Unfortunately in Malta many people think that architecture does not contribute to a healthy environment”, said Professor Denis de Lucca, head of the Architecture Department “however with careful planning and ‘good manners’ architecture can enrich our lives aesthetically as well as environmentally” 

Paul Buttigieg, Qala local councillor stated that the Hondoq ir-Rummien project sponsored by Qala Local Council with the collaboration of Moviment Harsien Hondoq, was aimed at creating awareness for local environment and heritage, so that it can be enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Although the project seems very innovative as it includes a submerged bar, zero-emission transport and many other novel features, it is in fact very practical and each of its modules is possible to implement.

FAA Julian Manduca Award winners Nicky Psaila Savona, Joe Galea and Zack Xuereb Conti.

The Tony Mifsud award for heritage areas this year focused on Valletta where the students faced the challenge of converting an old building for contemporary uses like a library, multi-media centre, gym or fashion expo house. The students also had to produce designs to create a harmonious uniformity for different blocks of shop fronts on Republic Street, another project where the Local Council can actually put the students’ ideas to good use. As in the Hondoq project, great emphasis has been laid on energy efficiency and access for the disabled.

While the Valletta project has not yet been adjudicated, the winners of the Julian Manduca Award, Joseph Galea, Nicky Psaila Savona and Zack Xuereb Conti all commented enthusiastically on the fact that the award gave them the chance to interact with clients like the Qala Local Council and Qala residents, while also giving them the opportunity to deal with the media and show their work to potential future employers.

With help also coming from the Malta Archaeological Society, NatureTrust and Ramblers’ Association of Malta, Astrid Vella, FAA Coordinator highlighted the fact that this award was the fruit of a wonderful synergy between NGOs, University, Heritage Malta and local councils, a very encouraging experience which shows that it is possible to achieve so much when such entities join forces. The Architecture Awards have also been supported by the US Embassy which marked the event with a donation of books to the University Architecture Department while Heritage Malta kindly hosted the student’s project exhibition.

The Julian Manduca Architecture Award for sustainable planning.
L-R Zack Xuereb Conti,Sir Martin Laing,Nicky Psaila Savona,Joe Galea,Paul Buttigieg,Astrid Vella and Profs.Denis de Lucca.