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PR 13/24 | KTP welcomes increased investment in construction sector to raise quality

The Kamra tal-Periti notes with pleasure the increased budget allocation to the Building and Construction Authority and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority from €6.3 million to €7.5 million and €2 million to €2.7 million, respectively. This augurs well particularly as the rate of reform in these regulators continues to gather pace, and as the various recommendations in the Sofia public inquiry report are gradually implemented.

The Kamra tal-Periti is, however, particularly thrilled that its request for a budget allocation to fulfil its statutory functions as outlined in the Periti Act has finally been accepted. These statutory functions include:

  1. Conducting inquiries into any charge of professional misconduct or malpractice or abuse or failures made by or against any warrant holder in connection with the exercise of his profession or in connection with professional matters;
  2. Issuing Certificates to Practise to warrant holders who meet the minimum obligatory CPD requirements and mandatory professional indemnity insurance requirements;
  3. Issuing an official professional stamp and digital stamp to warrant holders;
  4. Organise the elections of the Periti Warranting Board;
  5. Regulate the profession by setting standards and codes of practice;
  6. Acting as an official consultant to the State on the formulation of public policy related to the built environment;
  7. Ensuring that all members of the profession act responsibly and ethically, having due regard for sustainable development practices, the protection of the national, cultural, social and environmental heritage, the upholding of public health and safety and structural integrity before, during and after construction processes, and the adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct, as may be prescribed by regulation.

 

The Kamra, which was set up in 1920, had been advocating for the allocation of a budget to fulfil its functions for decades. This is the first time that it shall receive a budget allocation amounting to €150,000 which it will dedicate to raising the quality of the services KTP and the profession provides to the public.

The Kamra tal-Periti vouches to make the best use of these public funds to uphold standards and the public good, and to ensure that we do indeed live in a country where high quality prevails.

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PR 12/24 | KTP President calls on Government to engage competent professionals to head public entities

During Saturday’s national architecture awards ceremony, the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia, the President of the Kamra tal-Periti called on the Government to ensure that public entities are headed by competent professional to ensure that quality in public space is upheld.

These remarks came after a “four-day celebration of the profession” during which twenty different architectural firms and public entities presented their projects to an international jury in public presentations. The event, which was held under the Distinguished Patronage of the President of the Republic of Malta, reached its climax on Saturday evening when the winners of the various categories were announced.

Pizzuto spoke about the “magic and power of good architecture” and how the difficulties faced by architects in Malta are more accentuated than in other parts of the world due to the very high population density raising the theme of over-development as a primary concern of the general public. Many finalists of the Premju Galizia were indeed focused on overcoming and addressing the theme of overdevelopment, demonstrating that the profession “is not only sensitive to this theme, but has actively pursued solutions to address this problem”.

He called on the Government to take ownership of the degradation of public space and recognise the impact this is having on well-being.

He was particularly critical of “public relations schemes” announced by Infrastructure Malta, which like the “predictable debacle of Project Green’s green walls” before, will only result in a waste of more public funds that will leave no tangible community benefits in the long-term.

Pizzuto also called on the Government to take heed of the public’s strong desire for the implementation the Msida Park project it had proposed in June to avoid the public’s resentment for what could have been. “It is never too late to do what is right,” Pizzuto remarked.

Pizzuto concluded by stating he is, however, optimistic for the future of the profession and the industry, pointing to fruitful and frequent meetings with various Ministers and senior public officials over recent months which he believes will result in higher standards in the industry and the elimination of unnecessary bureaucracy.

The KTP president also looked forward to the evening’s budget in the hope that the various proposals the chamber had been made over recent months will place the profession on a sounder footing and begin to restore the reputation of the construction industry.

The Kamra tal-Periti also gave an award for Architecture Leadership to Paul Buttiġieġ, Mayor of Qala for his unrelenting efforts to safeguard Ħondoq ir-Rummien from unsustainable speculative development.

Perit David Felice was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for the legacy his work has left on Malta’s built environment through the work he has done through his firm AP Valletta, his role as former president of the Kamra tal-Periti, as well as his chairmanship of V18.

The ultimate prize of the evening, awarded to the best overall project among the finalists – the President’s Award – was given to NIDUM for their project a City of a 1000 Gardens which envisions the transformation of Marsascala into a sustainable seaside village immersed in parks and gardens.

 

 

Read the full speech by KTP President

 

PREMJU GALIZIA WINNERS

 

Design Excellence Award

Bothouse by SON Architecture

 

 

Landscape Architecture Award

The Rehabilitation and Restoration of Wied Fulija Landfills by DTR

 

 

Innovation Special Commendation

Aircraft MRO Hangar Facility by EM Architects

 

 

Community Impact Award

Dar Tereża by Local Office for Architecture

 

 

Interior Architecture Award

Casa Ursula by Openworkstudio

 

 

Heritage Preservation Award

Casa Gourgion by MODEL Architects & CVC Architecture Studio

 

Architecture Vision Award

The Regenerative Multi-Modal Transport System by Mizzi Studio

 

AND

 

City of a 1000 Gardens by NIDUM

 

 

 

 

Architecture Vision Special Commendation for Sustainability

Help Malta Breathe by Periti Studio

 

AND

 

The Way We Live by Valentino Architects

 

 

Emerging Practice Award

SON Architecture

 

 

Architecture Leadership Award

Mayor Paul Buttiġieġ

 

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Perit David Felice

 

 

Special Contribution to the Profession Award

Mr Tony Cassar

 

 

 

 

President’s Award (the highest award of the night)

City of a 1000 Gardens by NIDUM

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PR 11/24 | Kamra tal-Periti a beacon for high standards – President Spiteri Debono

On Wednesday, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono opened the 2024 edition of the Premju Emanuel Luigi Galizia, the national architecture awards organised by the Kamra tal-Periti.

 

The President spoke about the impressive legacy Galizia has left on the country, with his work in the public and private sectors becoming landmarks of national importance, describing him as “a pioneer of the industry” and “the forefather of the modern perit”.

The impacts of industrial and technological development on the global environment posting threats to life and health, and to nature itself, was marked as a significant concern of the President. To this end, she emphasised the important of taking a holistic approach to development, to ensure that “people’s lives are not negatively affected” in particular mental health.

The President praised the Kamra tal-Periti’s efforts in maintaining discipline within the profession especially after recent tragic happenings. She also commended the Kamra for establishing the National Building Council with the Malta Development Association which she views as “a concrete way to instil the need for positive change in the mindset of those operating in the development industry”.

Her Excellency concluded her speech by stating that “[t]he Kamra tal-Periti has proved itself a guiding beacon in the development of high standards for the architectural profession, and these awards illustrate this in a very tangible way.” She concluded by thanking all the Premju Galizia finalists for their contribution to Maltese society.

KTP President Andre Pizzuto thanked the President of the Republic for the glowing review she has given the Kamra for the work it has been undertaking, and also for her incessant and generous support in promoting the Kamra’s positive agenda through the various branches of the State.

Public presentations of the finalists’ projects are being held every evening at the Valletta Local Council until Friday, with the winners being announced at the awards ceremony being held on Saturday evening at the Biblioteka Nazzjonali. Limited tickets are available to interested members of the public on the Kamra’s website.

 

 

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PR 10/24 | Perit Dr Jeanette Muñoz Abela Elected Vice-President of ECCE

Perit Dr Jeanette Muñoz Abela has been elected Vice-President of the European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE), bringing her extensive experience and leadership to this European institution. Dr Muñoz Abela, who currently serves as Chairperson of the Permanent Committee on Engineering within Kamra tal-Periti and has previously held the role of Vice-President of the Kamra, will continue to represent the voice of civil engineers at a European level, now as Vice-President.

Dr Muñoz Abela commented, “It is an honour to be elected as Vice-President of ECCE, an organisation that has consistently championed the civil engineering profession across Europe since 1985. As civil engineers, we are at a pivotal moment where our expertise in sustainable solutions and innovation is crucial in addressing challenges like the climate crisis and advancements in artificial intelligence.”

Her election not only underscores her individual contributions but also highlights Kamra tal-Periti’s ongoing role in shaping the profession both locally and internationally. The appointment brings valuable insights and influence to Malta’s civil engineering community, fostering stronger connections between national and European engineering bodies.

Dr Muñoz Abela will be collaborating with ECCE President, Platonas Stylianou, and the executive board to advance several initiatives, including a common training framework for easier mobility of engineers within Europe and the upcoming 2025 publication of the Civil Professional Book, which will outline the profession’s contributions across the continent.

ECCE is also focusing on digitisation within the construction industry, with a position paper addressing Building Information Modelling (BIM) and artificial intelligence in progress. As ECCE nears its 40th anniversary, it continues to work closely with universities and industry leaders to ensure the profession evolves in response to emerging challenges.

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PR 09/24 | Kamra tal-Periti calls for Freedom Square to be handed back to the public on World Architecture Day

The theme of this year’s World Architecture Day, celebrated every first Monday of October across the world, is “Empowering the next generation to participate in urban design”.

It is a day on which the Kamra tal-Periti calls on all citizens, and in particular policy makers, to reflect on the state of architecture on our islands.

The Kamra has always been vociferous about the importance of promoting high quality architecture to ensure a better quality of life for all. It most recently gave a concrete example of how to achieve such an aim, by publishing a proposal for an urban park in the heart of Msida to visually demonstrate to the public that this is indeed possible, and to challenge public authorities on outdated vision for our islands.

However, if there is one intervention in Malta’s public space that symbolically embodies the disregard, verging on contempt, with which architecture and the work of architects is generally held, it is the blight around Freedom Square upon which the parliament building designed by Renzo Piano stands.

The fact that such ignominy is carried out at the behest of the highest democratic institution in the country, just underscores the dire state of architecture and the long road towards achieving the cultural sensibilities and basic educational standards necessary to truly begin to understand and address the issues surrounding quality of public space and general wellbeing.

Renzo Piano’s Parliament Building and the surrounding urban space were designed to promote transparency of the democratic processes. The permanently installed barriers that are erected around this building completely reverse the design intent of the architect, and instead places a physical separation between the electors and the elected, a gap which the design sought to eradicate.

The irony of this situation is further compounded by the fact that the institution that is entrusted by the Constitution to enact the laws of the land, is brazenly breaching several provisions of the same laws its members have passed inside that very building.

We call upon all the responsible public institutions, starting of course from the Speaker of the House, but also the Planning Authority, Lands Authority, and Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation, among many others, to uphold their obligations in the law and return Freedom Square to the public to whom they ultimately should hold their allegiance.

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PR 08/24 | Kamra tal-Periti calls on Mosta Local Council to make pedestrianisation work rather than reverse it

With reference to media reports stating that the Mayor of Mosta presented a motion to reverse the pedestrianisation of the core of Mosta, the Kamra tal-Periti calls on the Councillors not to succumb to commercial pressures that disregard community wellbeing.

Rather, the Kamra tal-Periti calls on the Mosta Local Council to implement measures to ensure the success of the pedestrianisation project. It is inevitable that such a major change to the urban fabric of Mosta will bring about a transition period through which local businesses will need to adjust, as the type and behaviours of their patrons inevitably change. This should not, however, deter the Mosta community from seeing through this transitory phase, in part by also supporting their local businesses with their custom.

If, as reported, activity during the periods when the square is fully pedestrian is low causing a temporary business downturn, it is incumbent on local and national political leaders to intervene by incentivising greater social and commercial activity in the square. Indeed, the Local Council should partner with central government to develop cultural and fiscal incentives during this transition period.

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti is willing to support and discuss with the Mosta Local Council initiatives and incentives that can be developed, in consultation with Studjurban and local civic groups, to meet the needs of the various community interests.

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PR 07/24 | Minister Owen Bonnici visits Palestinian Student Workshop organised by Kamra tal-Periti

Zejtun, Malta – On Tuesday, 23 July, Kamra tal-Periti’s President, Perit Andre Pizzuto, welcomed Hon. Owen Bonnici, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, at the Parish Hall in Zejtun, where he had the opportunity to engage with the students from Birzeit University. This visit allowed him to observe the students’ interaction with the local community and their application of insights to the redesign of Misrah Santa Marija. The ambassador of Palestine for Malta, H.E. Fadi Hanania, was also present, reinforcing the atmosphere of collaboration.

This workshop, part of the Palestinian Student Initiative of Kamra tal-Periti in cooperation with the Architects Association in Palestine, forms a crucial part of the ongoing collaboration within UMAR (Union of Mediterranean Architects) to foster architectural innovation and cross-cultural exchange across the Mediterranean.

For more information, please contact:
Joeaby Vassallo
+356 99 202 406
jvassallo@kamratalperiti.org

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PR 06/24 | Team of Periti behind KTP’s proposal meet IM to explain Msida Park project

Following a meeting held yesterday between the President of the Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) André Pizzuto and Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Chris Bonett, another meeting was held this afternoon between members of the design team behind KTP’s Msida Park project and IM’s civil engineers. The purpose of the meeting was to explain the urban design and planning concepts behind the project to facilitate its development and implementation.

The parties are to reconvene at a future date to provide IM with the time necessary for the technical development of the new project. The KTP team committed to remain available to assist with its technical expertise as needed.

 

For more information on Msida Park visit kamratalperiti.org/msidapark

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PR 05/24 | Kamra Tal-Periti Unveils Proposal to convert the core of Msida into a Park

The Kamra tal-Periti, in collaboration with Periti Studio and designprinciple, has unveiled a new conceptual proposal that addresses concerns about Infrastructure Malta’s (IM) current plans for Msida creek, dominated by new roads and flyovers which would increase traffic flow through Msida. Indeed, IM’s project, which was approved by the PA late last year, aims to construct two 175-meter-long flyovers, with the objective of significantly increase the junction’s current capacity of over 4,500 vehicles per hour.

The IM proposal focuses on increasing vehicle throughput, radically contrasting with the international trend to remove motorways from city centres. In fact, there have been a number of successful international urban transformations over the years, some of which include:

  • In 2019 Düsseldorf, Germany: Major roads were relocated underground, creating a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment in the old town and shopping areas.
  • In 2020 Utrecht, Netherlands: The restoration of the Catharijnesingel canal prioritized pedestrians and cyclists, reconnecting the area with Zocherpark and improving public space and biodiversity.
  • In 2021 Toulouse, France: The renovation of Daurade Port resulted in lush green spaces, enhancing the area’s appeal and ecological health.

In line with international best practice, the Kamra’s proposal seeks to strike a more sustainable balance between the competing interests and users. Transport infrastructural needs are still met through its proposal, arguably more effectively, while also enhancing the local community’s quality of life.

The Kamra’s vision is to transform Msida’s core into a 20,000 square metre park, providing the densely-populated local community a much-needed public space for leisure and recreation. The proposal also reorganises two other junctions in the area such that the transport needs are concurrently addressed.

KTP’s proposal aligns with European Commission’s sustainability policies and climate targets such as Fit455, Green Deal, New European Bauhaus, and the Commission’s repeated recommendations under the European Semester process. It is indeed unfortunate that Malta is the only EU member state that saw an increase in transport-related emissions since 2005.

“Transforming Msida into a vibrant, people-centred, sustainable town, reflecting our broader vision for sustainable development in Malta. By prioritising public open space and accommodating various modes of transport, we can enhance the quality of life for our community and set a benchmark for future urban development., said Perit Andre Pizzuto, President, Kamra Tal-Periti

KTP’s new proposal aims to redirect traffic away from Msida, prioritize public transport routes with dedicated cycle lanes and freeing up space for urban greening. This reimagined area would significantly improve air quality, conserve the environment, and stimulate the local economy.

The proposal includes:

  • Preserving an uninterrupted public open space from Msida church to the newly proposed bus lanes, creating approximately 20,000 square meters of public open space and woodland.
  • Vehicular traffic will be diverted to the existing junction at the end of Valley Road, making it the primary North bound route to and from Valletta.
  • Two-way dedicated bus lanes throughout,
  • A dedicated bus lane from Msida to University skatepark.
  • Uninterrupted two-way single carriageway for private vehicles in Msida with traffic lights only for pedestrian crossings.

Perit Nicholas Mallia, one of the architects behind the redesign, stated that “our proposal reimagines Msida as a pedestrian-friendly, green space that improves air quality and offers a higher quality of life for its residents. This is about creating a sustainable future for Malta, one that prioritizes people over cars.”

KTP is committed to promoting thoughtful urban development, influencing government decisions, and educating the public on sustainable town-centre strategies. This proposal is a significant step towards making Malta more environmentally sustainable for future generations. Pizzuto also stated that “we look forward to discussing our proposals with the government, the opposition, the newly elected Local Council of Msida, and any other interested parties. It is not too late to revise the project to better serve the public good.”

For more information visit kamratalperiti.org/msidapark

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PR 04/24 | Kamra tal-Periti’s Palestinian Student Initiative Receives Government Support

Last Thursday, Perit Andre Pizzuto, President of Kamra tal-Periti, and Perit Joeaby Vassallo, Communications & International Secretary, met with Minister Ian Borg, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, to discuss the Chamber’s collaboration with Birzeit University, Palestine. This initiative is aimed at organising a practical architectural experience for Palestinian architecture students in Malta.

During the discussions, Minister Borg praised the initiative, stating, “The real test of our country’s commitment to peace, mutual respect, and generosity towards people living in conflict zones is the success of such intercultural collaborations.” The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to facilitate the smooth arrival and stay of the students in Malta and other logistical support.

Perit Andre Pizzuto reinforced the Minister’s sentiments: “Architecture is about building communities through cultural gestures in public spaces that aim to improve the quality of life of those who inhabit them. By establishing robust collaboration among Mediterranean architects, we not only strengthen our professional ties but also amplify our collective impact on regional development. This summer, we are dedicated to enriching the educational experiences of our Palestinian colleagues through international exposure.”

Project Development and Updates

Kamra tal-Periti is setting up a pop-up studio for 15 Palestinian architecture students who will spend a the second half of this July in Malta engaging in a hands-on, transformative educational program. The studio aims to blend Palestinian and Maltese design approaches, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing among participants while establishing significant connections in the international architectural community.

Since its launch in April, the initiative has received strong support, with numerous Periti, architecture students and other individuals offering their assistance. Discussions with the Embassy of Palestine in Malta are progressing well to enhance this collaboration. We are calling on the public to support this project through various means, including accommodation, travel sponsorships, resources for the pop-up studio, and mentorship opportunities with local professionals.

Expression of Interest for Accommodation

As July approaches, there is a pressing need to secure suitable accommodation for the 15 Palestinian architecture students and 3 tutors participating in our program. In response to this critical requirement, Kamra tal-Periti is officially launching an Expression of Interest for Accomodation. While the students are prepared to cover their accommodation costs, any form of sponsorship, whether partial or complete, would be greatly appreciated and would substantially facilitate the success of this experience.

We earnestly appeal to the public and potential sponsors to assist in meeting this crucial need. For details on how to submit your proposal or to discuss potential collaboration, please refer to the Expression of Interest here.

For more information or to offer support, contact Kamra tal-Periti by email at jvassallo@kamratalperiti.org or via phone or WhatsApp at +356 99 202 406.

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