Outstanding works recognised at Malta Architect Awards

For the second consecutive year the Malta Architect Awards was a showcase for outstanding works in the architecture and interior design profession. The winners of this year’s awards were announced at a special ceremony which was held at Villa Arrigo in Naxxar. The awards initiative, which is a collaborative effort between the Planning Authority and event organisers i MNG Ltd saw an increase in submission entries over last year. A total of 44 projects competed for eight different award categories. The winners were chosen by a jury made up of Maltese and foreign professionals, supported by technical teams, made up of experts in each of the fields represented by the award categories.

The award for Innovative Design, Rehabilitation and Conservation was won by Perit Karl Ebejer for his innovative solution in constructing an additional floor to an existing building in the urban conservation area of St Julian’s.

In this same category, a commendation was given to Perit Ed- ward Scerri for the restoration of three churches in the village of Għarb, Gozo.

In the category for Urban Design Projects, the award was givento Perit Edward Scerri for the sensitive regeneration of a main square in the village of San Lawrenz, Gozo.

The Award for Housing Architecture was given to Perit Christian Spiteri for the way the multi unit residential project was designed and integrated within the topography of the landscape in Madliena.

A commendation within this same category was given to Perit Ian Critien and Perit Andrea Vassallo Cesareo for a private residence in San Pawl tat-Tarġa.

The Award category for Interior Design was won by Perit Anthea Huber for her work at the AAT Research Laboratories offices in San Gwann. The project showed the designer’s ability to create a spatial sequence of well-articulated ‘humane environments’ without falling into the all-toocommon pitfall of ending up with sterile institutional space.

Two commendations were also given, one went to Perit Ray Demicoli for the interior design of the Vodafone Headquarters at Skyparks in Luqa and another to Perit Paula Agius Vadala and Perit Katja Abela for Bertie’s Place in Sliema.

Dr Edwin Mintoff won the award for Hospitality, Tourism Accommodation & Leisure for the conversion into a hotel of the historic building known as the Macina in Senglea. The project gave a new lease of life to a historic military building, thus ensuring its preservation through an economically-viable use.

A commendation in this cate- gory was given to Perit Victoria Farrugia Galea for the Hilltop Gardens retirement village in Naxxar.

The category award for Sustainable Development Award was given to Perit Roderick Camilleri and designer Mario Cassar for the Water Conservation Awareness Centre in Rabat. This project is an educational building that disseminates knowledge and awareness for the need to conserve water.

Perit Steve Scicluna won the award for Emerging Architects for a private residence in Msida. This project showed the architect’s capability to transform conceptual ideas from freehand-drawings to three-dimensional spatial solutions.

Perit Alan Galea for a housing development project in Swieqi and Perit Diane Psaila and Perit Dirk Psaila for a KUBU installation in Valletta, all received a commendation within this same category.

No award was given for the category covering Commercial Buildings.