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

Print Version EN

28/10/2024/by Kamra tal-Periti

News, Press Releases

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.