, ,

PR 15/25 | Court confirms legality of KTP disciplinary procedures

In a landmark ruling delivered this morning, the First Hall of the Civil Court (Constitutional Jurisdiction), presided over by Justice Henri Mizzi, confirmed that the laws and regulations governing the Kamra tal-Periti’s disciplinary procedures, when taken as a whole, do not infringe the right to a fair hearing.

The judgment followed a request for a constitutional reference filed earlier this year by periti Roderick Camilleri and Anthony Mangion as part of their appeal against the KTP Council’s decision to suspend their warrant due to professional shortcomings related to the tragedy that led to Miriam Pace’s death in 2020.

The appeal centred on  several constitutional matters, including an alleged lack of impartiality arising from the Council’s dual role in conducting preliminary investigations and making disciplinary determinations. The Court found that while this arrangement, taken in isolation, could appear to breach Article 39 of the Constitution and Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the disciplinary process as a whole – particularly the unrestricted right of appeal to the Court of Appeal – provides full safeguards to periti and satisfies the requirements of a fair hearing.

The Kamra tal-Periti welcomes this judgment and looks forward to further strengthening its disciplinary and regulatory functions in the months ahead, supported by the resources allocated in the recent budget and through partnerships with various public and private entities.

The Kamra underscores the importance of effective and well-resourced professional bodies tasked with self-regulation which is free from political interference is essential to safeguard the public interest and the standing of the profession.

The Kamra was represented in these proceedings by Dr Joseph Mizzi and Dr Ylenia Busuttil of Muscat Mizzi Advocates. This decision is still subject to appeal.

 

 

Print Version EN

 

Read also: PR 04/25

/by
,

PR 14/25 | Kamra tal-Periti calls for preservation of modernist military heritage at White Rocks

 

The Kamra tal-Periti welcomes the Government’s recent announcement to designate the White Rocks site as a National Park, a landmark decision that will safeguard this coastal area from future development. This initiative represents a significant step toward environmental stewardship and sustainable land use.

In this regard, the Kamra strongly urges that this vision be extended to include the protection and restoration of the historic White Rocks Barracks, originally known as the Officers’ Married Quarters. Constructed in the 1960s under the War Office Works Directorate. These buildings are a rare example of modernist military and residential architecture in Malta. Designed by leading Maltese and British architects, the complex was celebrated internationally, featuring twice in international magazine The Architectural Review (1965 and 1969) for its “simple dignity” and harmonious integration with the landscape.

The ‘tower-in-park’ design adopted at the White Rocks is a modernist concept, championed by Le Corbusier. Across the European continent, in cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, London, modernist housing estates embraced this concept which placed multi-unit blocks within landscaped areas. This urban design principle of the last century is a direct product of the experimentation and advances of the architecture and technological industries at the time, and it should be protected both as built heritage, as well as cultural landscape

The Kamra tal-Periti supports the Government’s designation of White Rocks as a National Park but insists that the conservation of this complex cannot be a success if either the built or the natural fabric is excluded. Therefore, the Kamra advocates for a wholistic approach towards the area, inclusive of full protection and restoration of the original 1960s barracks. White Rocks is an opportunity for a unique cultural landscape on the islands, and the Kamra trusts that adaptive reuse strategies, serving a cultural and educational purposes, are employed.

The Kamra recommends that:

  • The White Rocks complex is afforded statutory protection under both the Development Planning Act and the Cultural Heritage Act, and
  • That the regeneration project of the area is undertaken through an architectural design competition.

 

 

 

A Brief Historical Timeline

1960s – Built as Officers’ Married Quarters for British military personnel, showcasing modernist design principles.

1979 – British forces withdraw; site handed over to Maltese authorities.

1980s–1995 – Converted into a holiday complex serving language students.

1995 onwards – Site abandoned; multiple redevelopment proposals fail.

2025 – Government announces designation as a National Park.

 

Print Version EN

Images from wikimedia.org

/by
, ,

PR 13/25 | European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Awards 2026 (EUmies Awards)

Following a formal request for nominations from The European Commission and Fundació Mies van der Rohe earlier this year, 410 nominees for the prestigious EUmies award, 2026 were announced last week. Six of the nominees are Maltese projects;

  • Malta International Airport VIP Terminal (Luqa), by Valentino Architects (Hospitality Design Award winner, Premju Galizia 2025)
  • BOTHOUSE (San Ġwann), by SON Architecture (Design Excellence Award winner, Premju Galizia 2024)
  • Casa Ursula (Valletta), by Open Work Studio (Interior Architecture Award winner, Premju Galizia 2024)
  • Twentyfour (Rabat), by 3dmarchitecture (Interior Architecture Special Commendation, Premju Galizia 2024)
  • Casa Gourgion (Mdina), by MODEL CVC architecture (Heritage Preservation Award winner, Premju Galizia 2024)
  • Dar Tereża (Bormla), by Local Office for Architecture (Community Impact Award winner, Premju Galizia 2024)

 

 

Initiated in 1988, the Prize is awarded by the European Commission and Fundació Mies van der Rohe. It recognises excellence, innovation, and sustainability in architecture, and highlights the transformative power of design in shaping Europe’s environment and society. All the works participating in the EUmies Awards Architecture & Emerging are nominated by European independent experts, the national architecture associations and the Prize Advisory Committee. The Kamra tal-Periti, as the national association, was asked to recommend 5 projects for this award. The Kamra’s recommendations were selected from the winners of the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia 2024. In addition, a sixth project was nominated by the independent experts

 

This 19th cycle of the Prize, with the support of the European Union’s Creative Europe Programme, brings together 410 works from 40 countries and 143 regions, reflecting the diversity, creativity, and richness of Europe’s architectural landscape. Submitted by a broad network of national architectural associations, independent experts, and the Advisory Committee, the nominations showcase the most significant built works completed between May 2023 and April 2025.

 

From this list, the jury will identify a shortlist of 40 outstanding projects which will be announced in January 2026, narrowing it down to seven finalists the following month. In spring 2026, jury members will visit the sites of the finalists, engaging directly with architects, clients, users, and local communities. The winners in the Architecture and Emerging Architecture categories will then be unveiled in Oulu—one of the two 2026 European Capitals of Culture—in April 2026, celebrating projects that define the future of European architecture.

 

 

The announcement of last week also revealed the jury panel for this cycle, which features Maltese architect Chris Briffa, Founder of Chris Briffa Architects, along Carl Bäckstrand (Sweden), Zaiga Gaile (Latvia), Tina Gregorič (Slovenia), Nikolaus Hirsch (Germany/Belgium), Rosa Rull (Spain) and chaired by Smiljan Radić.

 

 

The Kamra wishes the best of luck to all six local nominees in this competition.

 

Print Version EN
Press Pack
/by
,

PR 12/25 | Prioritise Good Architectural Outcomes Rather Than Good Legal Outcomes, KTP President during Premju Galizia

During Saturday’s National Awards for the Built Environment, Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia 2025, the President of the Kamra tal-Periti called for a prioritisation of design quality and for respect towards the role of Periti in shaping the built environment.

These remarks came at the end of the largest-scale Premju Galizia organised by the Kamra tal-Periti so far, which spanned over six days, culminating in the awards ceremony on Saturday night, with over forty nominations considered, in eight different categories. For the event, both the Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority, Mr Johann Buttigieg and the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, Mr Kurt Farrugia were in attendance. The Planning Authority was the national partner of this event, whilst the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and JMV Vibro Steel Limited also supported the event as platinum partners.

Perit André Pizzuto spoke about this year’s theme for the awards: Legacy. This was introduced earlier by the Artistic Director for Premju Galizia, Perit Joeaby Vassallo (I+A), who asked the question, “What would Galizia do?” as this year’s point of reflection — a question that set a compass which guided the international jury in measuring how the submissions align with Galizia’s values and his enduring standard of quality. Pizzuto emphasised that legacy is both what we inherit and what we leave behind. It reflects how decisions today shape the future of Malta.

In the lead up to the President’s Award, a yearly recognition of the best submission or nomination during the night, KTP’s President underlined the challenges in the planning approval process, often undermining design integrity, leading to compromises and diminished architectural quality. This, Perit Pizzuto said, is exacerbated by clients prioritising permits over good architecture, calling for a reform in the system to prioritise design quality and foster respect towards the professions.

In light of the ongoing debate on the proposed planning reforms, Perit Pizzuto highlighted the importance of trust and dialogue, whilst expressing disappointment at the current public debate, overly focused on legal outcomes rather than achieving good architectural outcomes for the community. The KTP president mentioned the ongoing work to develop a National Architecture Policy, to which he happily acknowledged Mr Buttigieg’s earlier intervention, in which it was confirmed that Planning Authority will be moving on with this policy, in collaboration with the Kamra tal-Periti. The speech concluded with a call to ensure Malta’s future reflects thoughtful, courageous, and purposeful design, serving the greater good, as well as acknowledgement to the jury, sponsors and contributors of the event.

After the categorial awards, the KTP further recognised Ms Simone Mizzi, Perit Vincent Cassar and Valentino Architects with the Galizia Leadership Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and President’s Award, respectively. Vice President of the Kamra tal-Periti, Perit Matias Camilleri de Marco outlined how through decades of tireless service, Ms Simone Mizzi never led from a distance, and her influence extended beyond the Maltese shores. Citing personal inspiration from Malta’s archaeology and historic fabric, Perit Camilleri de Marco awarded the Galizia Leadership Award, stating that Mizzi’s work remind us that leadership in architecture and heritage is, at its heart, about stewardship.

Perit Nicholas Mallia, Honorary Secretary of the Kamra followed by highlighting decades of devotion to shaping Malta’s physical and environmental landscape of Perit Vincent Cassar. Perit Mallia presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Perit Cassar, describing him as a true gentleman, pragmatic and level-headed, never to be swayed by noise and always focused on what is fair, reasonable, and right for the profession and for Malta.

Finally, the President Award 2025 was awarded to Valentino Architects, in what Perit André Pizzuto said was a clear recommendation by the international jury, diverting from previous years where the award recognised the ‘winner of winners’ amongst all awarded designs. The jury’s recommendation was based on the high quality of the several entries in different categories by this firm which spoke to their remarkable consistency and high design ethic.

 

Read the full speech by KTP President

 

Winners of Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia 2025

PREMJU GALIZIA WINNERS

Adaptive Renovation Award

Teatru Salesjan

Single Dwelling Design Award

Dar iċ-Ċitru

Workplace Design Award

Architect’s Workshop

Hospitality Design Award

VIP Terminal

Engineering Innovation Award

Sustainable Living Complex

Emerging Practice Award

EBEJER BONNICI

Unbuilt Projects Award

Forgotten Stories

Galizia Leadership Award

Ms Simone Mizzi

Lifetime Achievement Award

Perit Vincent Cassar

President’s Award

Valentino Architects

PREMJU GALIZIA PARTNERS

National Partner

Planning Authority

Platinum Partners

Superintendence and JMV Vibro Steel Limited

Silver Partners

Vivendo Projects, ICI Limited, and Vassallo Builders

Media Partner

Design Dispatch

Venue Partners

Villa Bighi and Social Care Standards Authority

Special Thanks

Heritage Malta and SHARE Architects

 

www.premjugalizia.org

 

Print Version EN
Press Pack
/by
,

PR 11/25 | KTP marks World Architecture Day 2025: Reiterates call for National Architecture Policy

Verżjoni bil-Malti

The Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) joins architects worldwide in celebrating World Architecture Day 2025, established by the International Union of Architects (UIA). This year’s theme, “Design for Strength”, calls on architects to embrace approaches that enable the built environment to withstand, adapt, and regenerate while promoting equity, continuity, and resilience.

At a time when Malta’s planning system has once again become the subject of public controversy, this theme resonates profoundly. The recent debates surrounding the government’s proposed planning law reforms have reignited public frustration over overdevelopment, the erosion of environmental quality, and the growing disconnection between planning policy and public wellbeing.

Yet, amid the polarisation between developers and environmental activists, architecture – the very discipline that shapes the spaces we live in – has been completely sidelined.

For decades, Malta has been burdened with a planning system designed to legalise architecture rather than enable it. A system that seeks to codify design into rules and formulas, believing that good architecture can be legislated into existence. It cannot.

While legal certainty is essential for regulating processes, it is anathema to the creative and contextual nature of architecture. Laws may provide clarity for lawyers defending or contesting permits, but they do little to support architects striving to create spaces that uplift communities, respect context, and enhance the environment. The evidence of this failure is visible in every corner of our towns and landscapes.

KTP notes with dismay the mockery expressed in public debate toward proposals aimed at elevating spatial, architectural, and contextual considerations in planning decisions. These are not subjective whims; they are the very foundation of high-quality, resilient, and meaningful built environments.

To “Design for Strength” in Malta, we must first design for integrity – of our profession, our institutions, and our public spaces. True resilience in the built environment requires a vision that transcends short-term interests and procedural certainty. It requires a commitment to architecture as a cultural, social, and environmental act.

For this reason, on this World Architecture Day, the Kamra tal-Periti reiterates its long-standing call for Government to partner with it for the development of a National Architecture Policy for Malta – one of only two European countries that still lacks such a framework. This policy would establish a national vision for architecture, urban design, and placemaking rooted in quality, sustainability, and cultural identity.

 

A City of a Thousand Gardens by Openworks Studio – Winner of the President’s Award for Best Overall Project at the 2024 edition of Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia

 

Print Version EN
Print Version MT
/by
,

PR 10/25 | A Legacy of Excellence – KTP President sends open letter to the profession

Kamra tal-Periti has officially launched the 2025 edition of the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia, Malta’s national architecture awards. Entries are now being accepted online at www.premjugalizia.org, with a closing date of 26 September 2025.

To mark this occasion, KTP President André Pizzuto wrote an open letter to the profession highlighting the need for architects and civil engineers to adopt values grounded in rigorous attention to detail, a sense of civic duty, and a holistic view of how buildings sit within wider urban systems, inspired by Emanuele Luigi Galizia after whom the national architecture awards organised by the Kamra are named – one of Malta’s most significant 19th-century architects and civil engineers.

The Premju Galizia recognises excellence in architecture, urban design, engineering and conservation within the built environment across Malta and Gozo. The awards foreground multidisciplinary teamwork, encouraging submissions from full project teams rather than individuals.

Clients, architects, engineers, designers and specialists all share in the recognition. In his letter, Pizzuto outlined the values underpinning this year’s edition: “Good architecture is not only about strong design concepts, but also about effective engineering and meticulous detailing solutions, the urban forms and spatial impacts, the sensitive conservation strategies, skilled execution of works, and the stamina and financial backing of clients”.

Award categories have been strategically chosen to reflect pressing national priorities: adaptive reuse of existing buildings, density and housing, hospitality, open space design, and public projects. The programme is inspired by the legacy of Emanuele Luigi Galizia, whose values, rigour, civic commitment, and systemic thinking, remain urgently relevant today.

Shortlisted projects will be invited to present publicly during awards week in October

2025 at Villa Bighi, Kalkara.

Submissions must include the full list of team members, with their consent. Guidance, eligibility, and submission requirements can be found in detail at www.premjugalizia.org.

 

Full open letter to the profession by KTP President

 

Print Version EN
/by
,

PR 09/25 | KTP calls for national unity around deep and meaningful planning reforms

For decades the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti has been advocating for the need to reform Malta’s planning regime. The gradual, yet inexorable, decay of our built environment and quality of life over the past four decades has seen inevitably ever-increasing dissatisfaction and anger from the general public about the planning system and the construction industry in general. This, coupled with the several major construction incidents in recent years, makes the need for deep and meaningful reform not only more pressing, but inescapable.

The Kamra has been having several discussions with various Ministers, public entities, and NGOs on the need for reform over recent months. Indeed, it was recently entrusted to embark on a three-year project of completely overhauling Malta’s building and construction regulation framework through an agreement it signed with the Building and Construction Authority.

In the past weeks, it has also been engaged in regular and fruitful discussions with the Planning Authority about the need to collaborate on developing a National Architecture Policy which would analyse and address the strategic issues facing the practice of architecture in Malta. These discussions are at an advanced stage, and it trusted a detailed announcement on this matter will be made in the weeks ahead.

The Council of the Kamra was also concurrently engaged in discussions with the PA through the National Building Council on reforms to the planning appeal process – a reform that was long overdue. The inability to suspend planning permits during the appeal phase was a preposterous situation that needed to be addressed with urgency.

The Kamra’s position has been clear from the start: all permits should be suspended during the appeal phase which, however, should be shortened and made more efficient thereby striking a balance between the opposing interests in this debate. Indeed, the Kamra’s position has consistently been that the appeal timeframes should not exceed three months before the EPRT, and a further three months before the Court of Appeal, to which the standard statutory timelines for filing and responses were to be added.

In recent weeks, Council representatives were presented with draft text related to the EPRT Act to which it gave its feedback. The Council is satisfied that most of its recommendations were included in the final Bill. Nevertheless, a number of provisions found therein were not previously discussed.

A second Bill, however, was also concurrently published with the one governing the planning appeal process. This second Bill, Bill 143, proposes amendments to the Development Planning Act. It must be stated that the Kamra was never presented with this text and was only able to review it over the past three days.

Given the nature of the proposals in both Bills and the impact they may have on people’s lives, the Council felt it was prudent to review them thoroughly and dispassionately. An analysis report about each of the Bills has been drawn up outlining the Council’s detailed technical review, together with its comments and recommendations.

The reports seek to present a balanced, objective, and constructive assessment of what is actually being proposed. The reports include proposals for amendment or outright deletion of some of the articles in the Bills. They also, however, address incorrect misinterpretations of the content of the Bills that are being reported in the media.

Indeed, it is incorrect to state that only objections filed within the 30-day representation window will be considered. The actual text is exceedingly clear that objections can be changed and extended until the two-week deadline to respond to the case officer’s report. Moreover, objectors are given the right to file further submissions if any plans are changed at the request of the Planning Board.

There are, however, aspects of Bill 143 which the Council finds objectionable. This is particularly in relation to the change in planning document hierarchy and the provisions to modify plans.

While the Kamra recognises that Malta’s planning documents are poorly crafted and grossly outdated, piecemeal revisions and the absence of broad public participation in decisions affecting the well-being of this country and its citizens is not the correct approach.

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti calls, yet again, for the initiation of a formal process for deep and meaningful planning reform, looking at rebuilding the entire planning system from first principles, informed by contemporary and sustainable planning paradigms.

The Kamra tal-Periti is willing to step up and lead the process, as it has already been entrusted to do with other reforms. The Council believes it is in a privileged position to take on this role, given the broad confidence and trust of opposing and varying interests it enjoys.

Finally, the Council welcomes the Prime Minister’s statements that the Government will be considering feedback about the Bills and trusts that the amendments put forward by the Kamra tal-Periti will be considered and adopted.

Analysis Report

BILL 143

An Act to Amend the Development Planning Act, Cap. 552

Analysis Report

BILL 144

Environment and Planning Review Tribunal Act, 2025

 

Print Version EN
/by

PR 08/25 | Kamra tal-Periti announces 4th edition of Premju Galizia and appoints I+A as Artistic Directors

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti is pleased to announce that the fourth edition of the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia (Premju Galizia) will take place in October 2025. This national award scheme recognises excellence across architectural practice, engineering, planning, and design, and is named in honour of one of Malta’s most influential historic figures of the profession.

In a first for the award, the Council has appointed I+A as Artistic Directors for the upcoming edition. The studio will be entrusted with curating the visual identity, event experience, and thematic framing of Premju Galizia 2025, ensuring the programme resonates with both the profession and the wider public.

Premju Galizia 2024 awards ceremony

 

Perit André Pizzuto, President of the Kamra tal-Periti, commented:

“Premju Galizia has matured into an essential instrument for recognising excellence and integrity within our profession. By appointing I+A as Artistic Directors, we are taking a critical step towards expanding the award’s cultural and civic relevance.”

 

Perit Joeaby Vassallo, Director and Co-founder at I+A, stated:

“Premju Galizia is one of the only opportunity for us Periti to be appraised and celebrated by those who understand the real complexity of the our work. It is an immense responsibility to shape this edition with the respect and clarity it deserves. Our goal is to ensure that the profession sees itself in this edition: honestly, intelligently, and with a renewed sense of purpose.”

 

Further details on Premju Galizia 2025 – including submission dates, programme components, and jury composition – will be issued in the coming weeks.

Premju Galizia 2024 President’s Award winner – City of 1000 Gardens – a vision for Marsascala by NIDUM

 

Premju Galizia 2019 President’s Award winner – Reef Villa, Bahrain – by Chris Briffa Architects (Photo: Aldo Amoretti)

 

Premju Galizia 2018 President’s Award winner – San Pawl tat-Targa Villa – by CVC architecture (Photo: Sean Mallia)
Print Version EN

 

/by
,

PR 07/25 | KTP Council conducts site inspection as part of ongoing investigation into Paceville building collapse

This morning, the Council of the Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) continued its investigation into the building collapse in Paceville that occurred on Wednesday night.

Escorted by Deputy Director of the Civil Protection Department, Perit Graham Attard, Council members were shown the emergency stabilisation works carried out under his direction in the affected area. The Council then conducted a thorough inspection of the site, including the remains of Tania Flats, to help form a collective professional opinion on the cause of the collapse and determine whether professional negligence by a warrant holder was a contributing factor.

While the investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse is ongoing, the Council noted that there was no evidence of excavation work having been conducted on-site at any point during the project. This was corroborated by the fact that the perit in charge of the project had not sought clearance for excavation works, nor had the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) granted any authorisation for such works. As a result, geological investigations were neither technically required under Eurocodes nor legally mandated.

The Kamra tal-Periti urges all stakeholders to exercise restraint and caution when making public statements about such incidents without first-hand knowledge of the facts.

 

Print Version EN
/by
,

PR 06/25 | KTP commends the decisive action of periti that saved 32 lives

The Council of the Kamra tal-Periti has immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the collapse of an apartment block in Paceville last night. While the investigation is still ongoing, a clear picture of what happened is beginning to emerge.

At the onset, the Council feels it is opportune to commend the two periti who raised the alarm with the authorities leading to the evacuation of the building. Without their timely action, at least 32 lives could have been lost.

The Council must also commend the public authorities, particularly the BCA, OHSA, Perit Nadia Curmi, and the police, for taking decisive action to avert what could have been a tragedy of proportions not witnessed in living memory.

Nevertheless, the role of a number of periti directly or indirectly involved in the incident is subject of an ongoing disciplinary investigation which will ascertain if there was any professional negligence or misconduct leading to the collapse of the building last night.

This incident, however, reinforces the Kamra tal-Periti’s considered opinion that the building and construction reform, which it was recently entrusted by the Government to lead, must not be solely limited to new buildings, but must also encompass all existing buildings.

This means that a review of the existing building stock and a strategy for retrofitting, maintenance, and repair must form part of the overall exercise that is currently being undertaken. The Kamra will indeed be putting such proposals to the stakeholders being consulted about the draft building and construction regulations.

 

Print Version EN
/by