Architecture & Design Issue 02 August 2021

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ARCHITECTURE ISSUE NO. 02 | AUGUST 2021

DESIGN

Joinwell Mill Street, Qormi +356 2278 2000 info@joinwell.com.mt www.joinwell.com.mt

MORE ECO THAN EGO

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his edition carries an interview with Malta’s most celebrated architect - Richard England. A man and an architect who has contributed more than one can possibly imagine to understanding the value of design and architecture in Malta.

Richard England repeatedly harps on the importance of architecture that serves a purpose, a goal and of the obligation architects have in creating the right tone for the object of a structure.

He says: “I would like to think of my buildings as primarily soul enhancing edifices, pastoral arcadias as opposed to fiscal dystopias, which adhere specifically to place and time. Site, context and the client’s brief remain paramount influencing factors in the design

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SALES COORDINATOR Adriana Farrugia afarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt +356 2138 2741 DESIGN Philippa Zammit PHOTOGRAPHY James Bianchi

process. According to the Roman architect Vitruvius’ definition, architecture must provide ‘commodity, firmness and delight’. It is however the element of ‘delight’ which lifts construction to the realm of architecture.”

Brave words in an urban setting that leaves many disturbed by the contentious design that ignores the surroundings and the long-term impact of that design.

Richard England offers the best paradigm for an intellectual and an architect and his parting shot in his interview he laments: “We need to tread gently on our planet, with architects thinking more of eco than ego. In view of the world’s current daunting situation my dream non-pollutive project would be one where the floor is the earth, the walls are the wind and the ceiling is the sky.”

REGISTERED ADDRESS MediaToday Co Ltd Vjal ir-Riħan San Gwann SGN9016 Malta CONTACT Philippa Zammit pzammit@mediatoday.com.mt +356 2138 2741

ON THE COVER The Quad, designed by DeMicoli & Associates Cover image by DPRO Studio

Architecture & Design | 1

CONTENTS 04

06

12

14

MERGING ARCHITECTURAL STYLES IN MALTA

INTERVIEW WITH PERIT RICHARD ENGLAND

LIGHTING TRENDS

THE ROAD BACK TO THE WORKPLACE

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27

PRESERVING THE SECRET HISTORY OF VALLETTA’S UNDERWORLD

2 | Architecture & Design

REAL ESTATE LICENSING BOARD

10 RESTORING THE EMBODIMENT OF A NATION

16 A CASE FOR MIXING OLD WITH NEW

30

HEALTH & SAFETY AT THE WORKPLACE

16 06 11 12

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Architecture & Design | 3

MERGING ARCHITECTURE STYLES IN MALTA Words by Perit Duncan Muscat

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rchitecture is often divided into various stages in its history, however different epochs tend to overlap, compelling historians to quote approximate dates when evaluating a particular style or design. This is equally true for local architectural styles which have merged over time, reflecting the evolving demography and the needs of the Maltese community and resulting functions of the buildings.

Malta’s architecture has been decisively influenced by the Islands’ various conquerors, with most incoming rulers attempting to impose their own style on the archipelago, without necessarily masking the styles left by their predecessors. More often than not, the imported designs had to be modified to suit the local climate and as a consequence of the ongoing transformation of the country’s functions over the ages. Indeed, the local architecture has often attempted to metamorphose in order to adapt to the evolving functions the Maltese society performed in the course of its rich history. This interera merger is visible in many Maltese villages and towns, where buildings having diverse purposes and designs originating from different epochs are found standing side by side, possibly so that logic is made out of their co-existence.

Malta’s landscape has changed considerably over the past century. Valletta, once the fortified city built by and inhabited by the Knights of the Order of St John, has managed to preserve its national importance as the main hub of most government activity, which felicitously complements the majestic buildings erected during the Knights’ and British epochs. The same, however, cannot be said for other less central areas. Many fishing villages such as St. Julian’s, Marsaxlokk and Marsalforn have, to a large extent been sacrificed to gratify an increased demand for waterfront property. Inland, a substantial percentage of agricultural activity and husbandry in towns like Rabat and Siggiewi have been abandoned due to rural depopulation and the resultant field neglect, paired with the ‘continuous need’ to stretch urban residential areas. The erstwhile

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A trade that has survived the local metamorphosis of society’s functions and architecture throughout the ages is that of the stone mason

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considerably large baking communities situated in inland areas such as Qormi have also been thinned out, as manual or artisanal jobs become less in demand by the Islands’ younger generation.

The three cities which border the Grand Harbour have also considerably altered their consistency, as a large percentage of families living here originally earned a living through the activities taking place in and around the harbour and the docks it housed. By the time this activity wound down towards the end of the 20th century, a significant number of families in the three cities had relocated. Although these communities and workforces were hugely depleted, these were never completely ‘eradicated’ from their original town of birth, and a small minority of families whose livelihood depended on these different trades have had to suffer the painful scourges of modernisation happening around them as time passed.

Malta has always been a popular touristic resort, with holidaymakers regularly seeking the clement Mediterranean climate. However, the country’s tourism sector has changed time and again over the years and many tourists no longer simply search for the ‘hot sun and clear blue sea’.

Some chose Malta when it became a hub for tourists intending to improve their grasp of the English language.

Although other changes have occurred throughout the history of the Islands, the residents have always seemed able to adapt to the needs of both the local society and tourists alike, sometimes changing the services provided so as to haul in better profits in a very flexible way. This can be confirmed through the mutating entertainment centres and supporting residential facilities which, over time, have been developed in strategic districts of Malta, Gozo and Comino. Due to the increased popularity of the archipelago with holidaymakers, the tourism industry has claimed many areas, to develop hotels and other catering or entertainment establishments. As expected, these ‘new’ establishments are erected in areas which are strategically chosen to benefit the project embarked upon. However, in many a case the new development cannot be said to have married its surroundings convincingly.

A trade that has survived the local metamorphosis of society’s functions and architecture throughout the ages is that of the stone mason. Undeniably, structural development had accelerated owing to the nation’s much needed rebuilding after the devastation caused by the Second World War. The role of the stone mason in this rebuilding was obviously essential. Modern-age rock cutting, carving and sculpting has also transformed, amid the country’s ongoing evolution of architecture and function. The depleting of natural rock resources and the adaptability of concrete has increased the popularity of the latter with stone masons. Thus, concrete has predominately overcome the use of stone in buildings, meaning that the stone mason has had to adapt to the new reality and was obliged to learn how to use concrete moulds and prefabricated concrete building elements. Over and above this, the trade has expanded to include the knowledge

of use of other materials such as wood, PVC and glass which are becoming increasingly popularity in modern design as they are partially replacing stone in walls and suspended floors.

One may argue that Malta has lost a considerable chunk of its culture and traditions through the country’s evolving way of life and the progress of the building industry. One must however recognise that this change is potentially unavoidable if Malta is to remain competitive. When youngsters decide to leave their family’s trade to venture into less manual careers, these unequivocally leave a void behind them. However, they also create a demand for accommodation in their location of choice. Property which is vacated due to the closing of a business venture, or resulting from the necessity of a family to pursue a living elsewhere, does not necessarily decrease in value. In fact, vacated property is nothing less than a hidden opportunity for a venture which has yet to be housed within it. Most often the function of the restored vacated house differs from the original purpose for which it was constructed.

Although it has frequently been pointed out that a new construction might stick out like a sore thumb when placed next to existing buildings, it is not impossible to strike a balanced merger through the careful eye of the designer. Over the past few decades, an increasingly community-conscious society has attempted to achieve the merging of old and new styles, architecture and functions. Architectural interventions vary from the ‘tasteful’ extensions of old buildings and the merging of new designs with old carved stones, to the transformation of use and function like the popular contemporary transformation of vacated domestic units into commercial outlets such as offices or boutique hotels.

Moreover, on an urban planning level, when the areas to be restored include multiple units or areas, initiatives are being carried out by both public and private investors to breathe life back into abandoned quarters in various locations around Malta and Gozo, often changing the original use for which they were constructed. A meticulous architect will try to maintain old features when Luluintroducing Hotel, Zebbug modern design and materials, while at the same time establishing a cohesion between the old function of the building, its imminent use and the use and design of its immediate surroundings. A balanced merger is necessary for the old and new designs to coexist in harmony.

Lulu Hotel, Zebbug

Lulu Hotel, Zebbug

Architecture & Design | 5

the archItect: RICHARD ENGLAND Interview by Paul Cocks 6 | Architecture & Design

WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES OF ARCHITECTURE? It is a truism that as William Blake stated ‘we become what we behold’. Apart from the initial imprint of my father being an architect, which meant that architecture was ever present in the home, there were specific loci which also influenced my formation. My pre-university days at St Edwards’s College furnished me with not only an excellent education, but its confines within the formidable St Clement’s bastions together with the College building’s elegant arches also served as inspirational fonts. Taking in the island’s South-North amalgam typology of the indigenous vernacular and imported baroque church domes also provided inspiration; as did my father’s imposed visits to the local Neolithic temple sites, all of which further served to stimulate an already nascent penchant for architecture.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK? I would like to think of my buildings as primarily soul enhancing edifices, pastoral arcadias as opposed to fiscal dystopias, which adhere specifically to place and time. Site, context and the client’s brief remain paramount influencing factors in the design process. According to the Roman architect Vitruvius’ definition, architecture must provide ‘commodity, firmness and delight’.

It is however the element of ‘delight’, which lifts construction to the realm of architecture. Le Corbusier verified this when he stated ‘you employ stone, wood and concrete and build houses and palaces. That is construction. You touch my heart, that is architecture’. In my work I search for an architecture of emotion, one which enriches both spirit and soul. My philosophy is perhaps best summed up by playwright Tennessee William’s words ‘I don’t want reality, I want magic’. Ultimately the job of the architect remains that of making the ordinary extraordinary, by adding poetry to the pragmatic.

Apart from aesthetically absorbed influences one needs an intellectual overlay. This was nurtured by a number of personalities I have been fortunate to have had as mentors; these included Gio Ponti, Basal Spence, Victor Pasmore, Quentin Hughes and Peter Serracino Inglott. Influences are also drawn from the literary works of such authors Bachelard, Tolkein, Juster, Lewis, Calvino, Okri, Pallasmaa and William J Curtis’s architectural bible ‘Modern Architecture since 1900’. The enigmatic dreamlike metaphysical paintings of De Chirico and Delvaux have also left their mark as have the symbolic narratives of mythology and the architecture of antiquity when architects were high priests, magicians and shamans.

WHAT LED TO YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS AS AN ARCHITECT? Success to me is a journey (even if at times a long and arduous one) but not a point of arrival. What is

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We need to tread gently on our planet, with architects thinking more of eco than ego. In view of the world’s current daunting situation my dream nonpollutive project would be one where the floor is the earth, the walls are the wind and the ceiling is the sky.

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personally more rewarding than prizes, awards and accolades are what architectural and critical peers have commented on my work.

Renzo Piano: ‘Richard England is a master builder.

His is an architecture which is local but also global.

His language is a language of poetry.’

Daniel Libeskind: ‘Richard England has built numerous projects, but what distinguishes his work in my view is his artistry; a great architect, brilliant artist and outstanding thinker’.

Charles Knevitt, former architecture correspondent of the London Times: ‘In Richard England we have

a magician of form, colour and chiaroscuro that makes him the architectural Caravaggio of our times’.

Denis Sharp, revered architectural critic: ‘Richard England has enhanced the architectural values and traditions of his island’.

CAN YOU COMMENT ON SOME OF YOUR RECENT PROJECTS? My recent work has focused more on writing and drawing (hoping that with ever progressing CAD techniques the mouse will not eventually eat the pencil). Recent publications include: Orpheus - his song and his music (Kite Malta 2017), Chambers of Memory (Kite 2018), Metropoli + Mythopoli (Timia Italy 2021), Lazarus (Kite 2021) and the forthcoming Cain and a collection of 200 drawings of Malta and Gozo entitled Melita et Gaulos also to be published

by Kite.

Recent architectural works include an ecclesiastical project for Simeri in Reggio Calabria Italy and the ongoing works in progress of a Biblical Meditation Garden, as an extension to the earlier M.U.S.E.U.M. Dar il-Hanin Samaritan enclave in St Venera.

WHICH ARE THE PROJECTS YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF AND WHICH ARE YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE? One’s projects are like one’s children, one cannot have preferences. One project however does harbor particular favour, due to its manifestation methodology, and the fact that not only was it my first work (first born), but that the commission was given to me as a gift by my father on my return from my study period in the studio of Gio Ponti.

Regretfully, father did not see it finished as he passed away before its completion. Another factor which contributes to my adhesion to this project is the fact that I was involved very much in the role of a medieval master-mason working hands on directly on the building, as opposed to the normal practice of others utilising an architect’s prepared drawings to manifest the building. This was due to the fact that building operations were carried out by the village’s farming community who were not versed to read architectural plans. What initially hovered as an irksome hindrance proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my whole architectural life. To this day I still encourage students and young architects to once in their lifetime make a building with their hands. Throughout my career I have been privileged and fortunate to have been involved in the design of numerous sacral spaces, the concept process of which constantly provided me with uplifting ethereal and spiritual experiences. In the |7 process of manifesting Architecture sacred loci one&isDesign measuring

against the immeasurable. There are many pathways to God, I have found mine through architecture.

Edifices which in a way I harbour an aversion towards are those of my design which have been changed and modified beyond recognition; not so much the totally destroyed ones, of which I still retain photographic documentation. Manifest architecture is temporary while renderings and photographs of buildings live on. It is a paradox that the real is transient and the virtual permanent.

WHAT CURRENT MALTA ARCHITECTURE PLEASES YOU AND WHAT HURTS? Malta and regretfully not only in architectural terms, today presents a sordid picture. My generation, which remembers the island before monetary greed and unsightly construction of oversized building projects by mammon worshipping adulterous developers completely destroyed its genius loci can only agonize and lament, but future generations will not even ever know that once their native land was a beautiful island. Form is now dictated by profit. The blame for this catastrophic metamorphosis must lie partially on architects who lend a hand to such projects (especially those who serve simply as maneuvering vehicles to obtain the necessary permits) while more guilt must be allocated to the greedy glutinous developers themselves, and even more so on the shoulders of an all too acquiescent Planning Authority, too often acceding to weighty political leverage. The truth is that we are going through a process which may well be termed ‘the uglification of Malta’.

The importation of foreign architects with no knowledge of the history, memory or understanding of the genius loci of our island is not the solution. The DB project, the Hadid Tower and the 7478 building all more suitable to a Las Vegas scenario, forcibly make the point. A welcome antidote is Ian Ritchie’s low lying Farson’s Trident Park sensibly integrated with Louis V Farrugia’s excellent 1930’s brewery, a fine example of an architect exercising respect and good manners in relation to his building’s existing context. Two buildings from the last century also offer admirable examples of an architecture by foreign architects (Hans Munk Hansen & John Madin) who understood and respected the genius loci of the island and modeled their buildings on local vernacular typologies. I refer specifically to the Mellieha Danish Village and the Wardija Tourist complex, both paradigm examples of a successful regionalist architecture.

My hope today lies with the handful of established architectural firms who still produce recommendable projects. Examples such as AP Valletta’s Phoenicia Hotel Spa Complex, MIDUM’s ongoing Gozo Museum,

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MED Design’s innovation Hub grafted to Joseph Huntingford’s excellent 1950’s Gozo MMU plant and Chris Briffa’s Casa Bottega are all too rare and gratifying examples, as are a number of promising talented young architects whose work on private residences promises great things for the future.

Government should take heed of them and entrust them with larger schemes.

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? There are of course numerous architects I admire, both past and present. The architect of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra whoever he or she was, I hold in the highest esteem as also Sennemut architect of Hatseptsut’s extraordinary mausoleum in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt and later the great architects of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the likes of Brunelleschi, Alberti, Palladio, Borromini, Bernini and Guarini. Locally of that period Lorenzo Gafa and Tumas Dingli feature strongly among my favourites.

From the last century to today the choice is more difficult as there are many I hold in high esteem. As a shortlist I would include Luigi Moretti, Carlo Scarpa, Louis Kahn, Denys Lasdun, Jorn Utzon, Alberto Campo Baeza, Carlos Ferrater, Peter Zunthor and for his forging novel forms and pushing architecture to its limits Daniel Libeskind.

One architect who in my mind remains unique is the late 20th century Mexican Luis Barragan, a visual poet whose work could well be termed ‘an architecture without adjectives’. Rarely has material poverty yielded such richness and provided such elevated levels of spiritual incantation. Echoing the chromatic tradition of his native land in a sparse and sparing architectural language he regaled us with mystical ambiences and paradigm projects to calm, soothe and enchant. He was without doubt the most lyrical, visual sonneteer and minstrel, the likes of whom we are unlikely to see again.

Parting words Architects must I believe think globally but act locally and now may well be the time to remind greedy speculators that once the last tree is cut and the last river runs dry, they will not be able to eat their money.

Also architects should remember that while there is a time to be bold more often than not there is a time to be humble. With climate change now rampant, stewardship of the earth has become an essential roadmap for the very survival of our species. We need to tread gently on our planet, with architects thinking more of eco than ego. In view of the world’s current daunting situation my dream non-pollutive project would be one where the floor is the earth, the walls are the wind and the ceiling is the sky.

Aquasun Lido, St Julian’s

Dar il-Hanin Samaritan meditaion garden.

Photo credit Daniel Cilia

Theatre Valletta, Malta

Manikata Church

Architecture & Design | 9 Ramla atrium

RestorIng the EmbodIment of a NatIon

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ominating St. George’s Square in the heart of Valletta, the Grandmaster’s Palace is the theatre where our nation was born. Built by the Knights of St. John for their illustrious Grandmasters, as from 1570, the Palace was a state within a building.

Sustaining the role of the central seat of power, by the French, British, and today the President of the Republic, the sovereign edifice on the Maltese Islands welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year. However, only the armoury (at ground floor) and five staterooms at the Piano Nobile level together with the main staircase, were open to the public. On the 19th of November 2018, Heritage Malta embarked on one of its most ambitious restoration projects. The entire project aims to attract a projected increased audience of 300,000 annual visitors and will grant access to over eighty-five percent of the building footprint.

Targeted to be completed by October 2022, the first phase of this project (€10 million part-financed via the European Regional Development Fund), shall see the reinstatement of the Armoury in its original location – the former Parliament Chamber; the restoration of the artworks in the corridors and Uccelliera of the Piano Nobile; and a visitor centre in the rehabilitated former Casa del Monte and Orangerie.

Covering a footprint of over 900sqm, the restoration of the Piano Nobile corridors and re-discovered Uccelliera (aviary) started with a 3D laser scanning documentation of the current condition. This was followed by the removal of the painted soffit and lunettes. The former revealed an unforeseen situation where large sections of the concrete ceiling – a post-war intervention - were

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severely damaged and threatening collapse. Heritage Malta acted fast, and after securing emergency funds, turned this challenging situation into an opportunity, reinstating the earlier timber beam and ‘xorok’ roofing system.

superimposed layers were revealed! Restoration in the Uccelliera and in the corridors brought to light many (lost) decorative features in the wall and lunette areas, including coat of arms and a landscape featuring a sea view with a flamingo previously unseen.

The restoration of the 18th century soffit paintings of the renowned decorator Niccolò Nasoni, painted in 1723-25, began by detaching the original canvas from its polystyrene backing. This methodology was adopted in the 1970s when the soffit was reinstalled after being taken down during WWII for safekeeping.

Sketches by German-Danish artist Charles Frederick de Brochtorff in the early 1800s demonstrate that the original floors of the corridor were paved with yellow limestone slabs. In the second half of the 19th century, they were replaced with marble, and the insignias and

A one-is-to-one print of the corridor was spread out in the former Armoury Hall, over which the canvases were re-laid. This allowed for missing segments and the original sizes of the canvases to be identified and be properly aligned. Conservator-restorers moved in, cleaning the over-painting and previous interventions to uncover the original paint layers. Missing areas of the painted surfaces were infilled and retouched to regain the unity of the entire decorative scheme.

In the meantime, a new hanging system for the soffit was being designed. The system enables conservators to easily handle the artworks for maintenance and future conservation interventions. The latest lightweight stateof-the-art materials, consisting of a sandwich panel with a core in aluminium honeycomb, were chosen over which the canvases were relined. Following the reinstallation of the panels, strips of Japanese paper were attached over the seams between the panels to conceal the gaps.

These were then retouched to integrate with the rest.

The intervention on wall paintings/decorations were preceded by an analysis of the paint layers via the preparation of ‘scaletti’; in some instances over 16

coats of arms were added at a later stage. Over the years, the polychromed marble floors have suffered from wear and tear and from past incompetent interventions. As a result, the restoration intervention started with the identification of those elements that survive from the original installation, and any ‘alien’ elements/materials are being replaced accordingly.

Grand Master’s Palace prior to restoration

“In such a complex 500-year old building with a juxtaposition of historic layers … deciding what to keep or remove is a difficult decision since the fabric itself is its best document … and tearing a page from a book is not recommended!

Hence any decision is based on thorough archival research, on-site testing, and multi-disciplinary discussions, keeping in line with the provisions of international charters, and when exposing underlying layers, the process is rigorously recorded.”

Perit David Zahra (project leader) added that “Restoration is a dynamic thought process … continuously developing … keeping true to the cultural significance and intrinsic values of the building … retaining its authenticity and increasing its legibility …. of its entire history!”

With the regeneration of the Grandmaster’s Palace, visitors will be able to experience the new interpretation of the centre of power in Malta for 500 years as a historic house based on the blueprint of a baroque palace.

The Grand Master’s Palace Regeneration Project is partfinanced by the European Union under the European Regional Developmental Fund – European Structural and Investement Funds 2014-2020 (ERDF.05.016).

Architecture & Design | 11

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ighting is an essential component to a successful design scheme, especially in winter when the days are shorter and we spend more time indoors than usual.

Everything including lighting needs to have a purpose, it also needs to look

good.

You can influence your homes atmosphere just by how you position the lighting and the kind of fixtures you use.

trends

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lIghtING

Lighting design should change from room to room to reflect the feel and function of the space.

Before, lighting used to be just a simple functional component in the home but with today’s trends, more light fixtures are becoming a centre piece and a work of art complimenting the character and the design of the home.

LARGE FIXTURES There will be elegant and extravagant light fittings for every style, from contemporary to cottage style feels, don’t be afraid to go bold with ceiling lights; larger spaces can take more daring pieces. Large pendant light fixtures can be used over the kitchen island, over the dining table, in a central corridor or even a wide, high staircase. The result of larger fixture trends is the result of more open floor plans with less walls and more shared space.

RETRO AND INDUSTRIAL Retro and Industrial styles are coming back but in more refined forms with sleek black pendant lights for a sophisticated look. Industrial lighting has always been about rustic finishes, neutral colours and an emphasis on metal. The retro and industrial lighting we know is the warehouse style lamps. In today’s living, we now can find a more modern, simple, sleek industrial style light fixtures that will suit any room in our homes with a variety of colours available. Black and brass finishes are dominating the market at this moment. The darkness of the black with the metallic shine of the brass creates sophisticated and show stopping fixtures.

STRIKING TABLE AND FLOOR LAMPS Striking table and floor lamps are also a lighting trend; since minimal fixtures are being used in all the areas of the home, a more decorative, bold and striking structural floor and table lamps are acting as both a light source and a piece of art in whatever room they are in.

TRACK LIGHTING Track lighting is also in trend, since it has a wide range of efficiency; serving as a downlight, spotlight or accent light. It is very flexible giving the

opportunity to modify the placement and direction of the separate fixtures to fit the room adjustment, since now a days there are height restrictions in buildings where suspended ceilings are difficult to install. Track lights will give the flexibility to illuminate any room creating different moods.

CORDLESS LIGHTING The cordless lighting trend is now here to stay and will stay in the years to come since advances in technology can also mean that lighting cables might disappear and be a thing of the past. With smaller homes and spending more time outdoors in the summer months, consumers are looking for flexible, portable, cordless lighting options that are able to create flexible atmospheres and can be used for many different lighting purposes.

Even though there are trends for light fixtures as there are trends for any other category, trends are there just to give an idea on what works best for the space you’re decorating. There is no pressure to choose a specific style. The best lighting design is always the one that you feel the most comfortable with and which you feel is the most appropriate for your space.

For more informtion contact Light Design Solutions Ltd on +356 2149 6843 or visit their website www. lds.com.mt

Architecture & Design | 13

the road back to the workplace Words by Perit Francesca Scicluna

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he pandemic has altered the way we work. We are now more focused on digital interaction than physical interaction. The office has become a virtual cloud and the physical office has been left void. As we rush towards normality, companies are faced with a challenge as they expect more employees to return to the office.

Some employees are keen to do so, others are not so eager to return to what we called normality pre COVID-19.

To a certain extent, the office is competing with the home office. How do we make the office a destination again?

CREATING A HYBRID Brainstorming sessions at the start of a project, quick huddles between meetings or a short coffee break in the afternoon have not been possible as people have been confined to working from home. It can easily be said that the lack of social interaction and employee engagement have been the main downfalls of working from home. Focusing on these aspects to encourage employees to return to their office space is key.

Greater engagement often leads to greater creativity and innovation which is important in this tiring time.

The office should be seen as an value-adding experience to the work which can get done at home.

It is an extension to the home office rather than a replacement, it is a place where people can engage and feel they belong to a community. In this way a hybrid working week can be established. It is natural for people to focus on individual work from home and more collaborative work from the office. The office should ensure it has sufficient space to cater for these collaborative spaces, being enough meeting rooms,

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To a certain extent, the office is competing with the home office.

How do we make the office a destination again?

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workshop areas, huddle rooms and coffee spots. The amount of private desk spaces might need to be reduced to make more space for these collaborative spaces which are not found at home.

Nonetheless, the reality is that some people will still join meetings virtually and therefore meeting rooms should ensure excellent video conferencing facilities at all times.

FOCUS ON WELLBEING The pandemic has had a toll on mental wellbeing.

The uncertainties have been exhausting and some people felt lonely and depressed as they faced long hours at home with lack of social interaction.

Naturally, the focus on wellbeing was prioritised.

People started enjoying the ‘little things in life’ such as a brisk walk after work or a mobile app meditation session in the morning. The office space should also prioritise wellbeing and take on this emerging trend.

We cannot allow people to associate an office with stressful environment as they will (obviously!) not be inclined to go back. A focus on wellbeing can take on a physical approach by introducing changes to the environment which can alter the way people perceive the space. Examples include maximising areas with natural light, adding plants in working areas and introducing wellness rooms for example.

Wellness rooms are private spaces where employees can escape to when the pressure of a fast-paced environment gets to them. This had started to be introduced before the pandemic but the need for these can be felt even more now that the home office has been experienced. The home office in way protects you from the fast paced office environment, it secludes you from physically confronting a colleague when you have contrasting views and it shies away from showing your disappointment when an idea falls on deaf ears. The home office can be somehow comforting in stressful periods.

The introduction of these rooms can give security when an employee needs to cut off for few moments from the general office environment. Furthermore, the introduction of these rooms portrays the company’s commitment and responsibility toward the workforce’s demand of a healthier lifestyle and focus on wellbeing.

This enhances the employees’ job satisfaction which will eventually ensure retention of the workforce, a major asset in today’s economy.

OPEN OFFICE

CONFERENCE

Reduced furniture density for real time utilisation data

Mixed-reality conference room to bridge virtual and physical worlds

OPEN OFFICE

Personalised, adaptive workstation

Other factors can be incorporated within work environments which go further than the physical space. Employees should be encouraged to have their lunch away from their desk space, and also be encouraged to have a proper break during the day and walk for a few minutes if possible. Employers should respect the working hours of the employees and encourage employees to enjoy their designated vacation leave. Wellbeing is a fine line which cannot be overlooked. The importance of employees’ wellbeing is vital to a company in the same way sales are vital for the company’s financial performance.

COVID-19 MEASURES WITHOUT COVID-19 FOCUS We cannot expect people to commute to the office when the office is a constant reminder of the pandemic we are living in. Perspex screens, social

WAR ROOM

Gesture-controlled digital boards for impromptu team collaboration meetings

distancing signs, alternate empty desks, hand sanitisers at every junction and the list can go on. All these measures are necessary and help in fighting the spread of the virus but we cannot deny that they make the employees feel that we are not back to normal and that employees should somehow thread with absolute caution across the office.

While it is important that caution is maintained, offices should start to develop a more long term approach to all of this. Office layouts can be changed to naturally respect social distancing and have desks in more spaced out fashion rather than having alternate empty spaces.

The maximum headcount in a space can no longer be given priority, especially since we do not have an end date for the pandemic. More elaborate boundary

SENSOR

Remote team members location

elements can be used rather than Perspex shields.

Doors should incorporate sensors to become selfopening and elevators can start to respond to voice prompts.

This will eliminate the need to constantly touch surfaces and applying hand sanitiser along every step. It is now time to increase health standards and hygiene standards in office spaces in a way that a solution is being sought and designed rather than applying short term quick fixes.

The road back to the office is not necessarily the road back to normality pre pandemic. Offices should seek help in ensuring the correct measures are being applied effectively to ensure employees are eager to return to the hustle and bustle of the office.

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A CASE FOR MIXING OLD WITH NEW 16 | Architecture & Design

Busy wallpaper placed behind this large mahogony buffet helps to balance this otherwise austere antique piece.

Words by Claire Galea, Interior Architect

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ew home, new furniture? Everyone needs a ‘refresh’ button sometimes so it’s tempting to start from scratch with a fresh style and brand new pieces when moving into your home.

But memories are what makes us, and the same is true of our living spaces. By adding pieces with a history, you’ll achieve a personal touch, and the space, no matter how new, will feel welcoming and warm.

THE OLD AND THE INHERITED Whether it is your second move or your very first home, it is highly likely that you already own some furniture pieces, objects and artwork that you’re unwilling to let go of. Be it a family heirloom or a piece you couldn’t keep your hands off of at the Birgu market, these items matter to you. By adding furniture with history, a new space suddenly feels lived in and welcoming; steering you away from the glaring and cold ‘showroom’ feel, sadly so apparent in many new homes. By adding a hint of tradition, your space is brought to life, you’ve added a welcome conversation piece and an object with memory – both tactile and visual.

STYLISH BUT NOT OVER-DESIGNED As an interior architect, one thing I definitely don’t want is for all my clients to have the same cookiecutter home. Your space should feel like it is unique, and incorporating retro and antique pieces can help to do just that. There is a cool casualness that seeps into a space once you’ve mixed old with new. An eclectic touch offered by adding a thrifted find or a family heirloom can help elevate your space, making it well designed but not over-designed.

TAKE YOUR TIME When furnishing a home, I always recommend that my clients take their time when choosing pieces. While it might seem daunting to move into a home with some empty spaces, it is these blanks in the overall scheme that will allow you to add the character and stylistic language that will make your home personal.

A home’s style, like one’s personality, should be ever evolving, a reflection of the passage of time and the owner’s own memories. Yes, by all means, do start with the essentials in place; your stomach and your back will most likely thank you for waiting to have the kitchen installed or the bed in place before moving in, for example, but do enjoy the process of finding your dream vintage lamp shade or the perfect G-Plan desk for your home office!

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THE DEVIL IS IN THE MIX The true essence of adding retro or antique pieces is careful consideration in mixing elements – both in era and colour. If you’re going full-on sixties furniture in an entire room, for example, you risk it looking pastiche, derivative and old-fashioned.

Finding balance is key; mix old with new, try to avoid a heavy mix of furniture pieces from the same era, and hold back on having too many shades of wood in the same area.

COLOUR WILL DO YOU GOOD In fact, don’t be scared to add a lick of paint. If you’ve got a heavier mahogany piece you’d like to repurpose, for example, consider what it would look like when painted. While painting an old piece means you can choose a tone that would complement your interior colour scheme better, another solid case for painting is the undeniable fact that some carved detailing on wooden pieces will actually stand out much better in a solid colour shade rather than the original wood vein. Try your hand at using chalk paint yourself if you’re crafty and love a DIY element or find a trustworthy professional to do it and see that heirloom come to life!

This peacock chair was a lucky find on facebook marketplace. It’s organic form and casual elegance are a welcoming focal point.

Once in mahogany, the detailwork on these antique dining chairs is so much more striking in a painted finish

THRIFTING IS SAVING Often times in a project you may have to increase your budget in some areas, so saving money where possible is definitely welcome. Needless to say, repurposing or including old furniture pieces will most likely save you some pennies. Identify your stylistic preferences and keep your eyes peeled for the perfect piece. Thrifting is exhilarating and the sourcing process is almost as rewarding as actually finding THE piece, so take your time and enjoy the ride! Keep an eye out on facebook marketplace for some interesting finds or visit antique markets during your travels – if not productive, this experience will definitely get your creative juices flowing!

backdrop for it. Avoid stark white walls; why not add some wallpaper or paint your walls in a deep striking tone? This will help to ‘absorb’ the visual heaviness of the antique piece, while also creating a strong visual element within a space. A statement piece should do just that after all, make a statement.

CONSCIOUS LIVING We owe it to the planet and to future generations to make conscious changes to our consumerist behaviour. Reusing and sourcing vintage and antique pieces is a more sustainable approach to designing your home’s interior, than merely shopping for new items.

The importance of the timeless interior Achieving a look that can stand the test of time is a key element in many clients’ design brief.

If a home reflects your style and taste, it will be timeless. Timelessness is an elusive concept, yet an important one to achieve. Ultimately, by mixing old with new, memory with a clean slate, a careful balance can create the ultimate symbiosis in your home – a home that is at once stylish, and simultaneously welcoming and unique. A home that you will truly never want to leave!

PROPORTION IS KEY It is important to keep proportions in mind when adding old pieces in a new home. Many newer apartments, for example, have smaller spaces and lower ceilings than traditionally built homes. Don’t swamp the space with heavy, austere antiques.

If you do have your eyes on a heavier piece, then make it a focal point and create the perfect

KEEP IT INTERESTING When it comes to sourcing vintage or antique pieces, opt for objects and furniture that are unique and interesting. Look out for eye-catching details in the items’ form or function; a space riddled with quirky pieces makes for a memorable and eclectic interior.

All photos used in this article are of Claire Galea’s own projects and are taken by Jamie Iain Genovese. If you would like to see more of Claire’s work find her on Instagram at clairegalea_studio.

This peacock chair was a lucky find on facebook marketA vintage place.

It’s organic lamp and form sideand table casual add elegance an eclectic aretouch a welcoming to the living point focal room.

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The client’s persian rug collection was extensively used to zone areas in the large open plan of this new penthouse

PreservIng the secret hIstory of

Valletta’s Under world B e n e a t h Va l l e t t a l i e s a n o t h e r u n i v e r s e , w i t h a h i s t o r y j u s t a s r i c h a n d d i v e r s e a s t h e c a p i t a l c i t y a b o v e i t . M a l t a ’s P l a n n i n g A u t h o r i t y n o w s e e k s t o p r e s e r v e t h e l e g a c y o f V a l l e t t a ’s u n d e r w o r l d b y c a p t u r i n g i t a s a 3 D m o d e l , a s D e p u t y D i r e c t o r f o r I C T, Mapping and Digital Services Joseph Gauci explains.

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he story of Valletta is one of intrigue, struggles and acts of sheer courage.

Ever since its foundations were laid by the Knights of the Order of St John centuries ago, Valletta has stood on the front line of Malta’s most historic events, evolving into a contemporary capital city that seamlessly blends the present with the past.

Yet, this fascinating heritage is not only found above ground. Beneath Valletta’s surface, a vast network of subterranean structures still stands as testament to the city’s rich history.

“The extensive underground labyrinth below Valletta is a treasure of our past. Still in relatively good condition despite being constructed during the time of the Knights, the place has cleverly engineered water and drainage systems, passageways and roads connecting landmark palaces and other important buildings in Valletta.

Tunnels also connect shelters that were constructed during World War II – some of which are only a few metres wide,” explains Joseph Gauci, Deputy Director for ICT, Mapping and Digital Services at the Planning Authority (PA). “These structures give us important insights into what life must have been like for people back then, so preserving them for

20 | Architecture & Design Piazzetta, Sliema by Martin Xuereb & Associates Villa La Fiorentina in Attard by Camilleri Mode Design Studio

“ These

structures give us important insights into what life must have been like for people back then, so preserving them for future generations is paramount

”

future generations is paramount.”

To do so, the PA, in collaboration with Professor Saviour Formosa from the University of Malta, has embarked on a project that aims to create a 3D model of Valletta’s underworld to safeguard its legacy using innovative scanning software. The PA’s project’s team has sourced specialised equipment and software, including terrestrial data scanners, to gather and process the colossal amount of data and site photographs required to create an accurate model of this kind.

“It has been a steep learning curve, which has inspired the development of new techniques and a shift in the way we operate internally,” shares Mr Gauci. “Nevertheless, this is a hugely interesting project that will help us determine exactly what lies beneath our capital city – information that is valuable to so many authorities and organisations across Malta.”

Working with Heritage Malta, the team’s findings will also clearly indicate the extent of restoration required to conserve the subterranean structures.

Likewise, the launch of the SIntegraM portal in late 2019 officialised the sharing of this data between relevant local authorities. Besides enabling a

deeper understanding of Malta’s development capacity, such data sharing ensures that the sites are carefully reviewed when installing underground utility supplies, for example.

“The scan allows us to determine what exists below our feet and ensures preservation through planning,” continues Mr Gauci.

“This seven-year project is led by the PA, so one of its primary goals is to strategise a way of collating data to bring together the stakeholders among Malta’s authorities. Through integration and cooperation, we can take a fresh look at how we process spatial data to work with Malta’s assets and boost people’s awareness of them.”

Scanning these subterranean structures has also been eye-opening for the project’s team. “I was born in Valletta and it had always been my dream to learnt more about what lay under my feet as I roamed the streets of our Capital,” remarks Steve Austin, a technical officer on the project. “When I first made the descent, I was in awe of the tunnels’ huge size and sheer number of WWII shelters. But I was most impressed by the large cisterns built by the Knights, in which we could even see roots hanging down from the ceiling, belonging to the trees in front of the Law Courts.”

Emanuel Pisani, also a technical officer on the project, had a similar experience, as he recalls.

“To explore the hidden treasures and mysterious underground world of Valletta, my team and I used three entrances to access the labyrinth of lost tunnels leading to the huge cisterns. Despite the humidity, some tunnel shelters are still decorated with beautiful tiles and paintings revealing religious devotion. There are also graffiti, symbols and historical marks from enemies who attacked Malta at the time, a sign of the torment suffered. The experience has shown me that there is so much more to Valletta than what first meets the eye.”

Giving the public a way to also experience this subterranean network first-hand is another key driver of the project, Mr Gauci explains in conclusion. “Valletta’s underworld is a significant part of our cultural heritage, with enormous scope not just for tourism but also for education. Imagine a student seeing a 3D model of these sites instead of solely learning about them via text descriptions.

Plus, those who can’t venture down to the tunnels in person, for whatever reason, will still be able to experience these structures through the model. We believe we’re making history come alive through our work, and we hope to inspire the continued study and celebration of Malta’s legacy for years to come.”

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LIGHTING INNOVATION HIGH TECH & HIGH STYLE

Chantal suspension

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lamp is an Italian designer lighting brand which specialises in handmade lighting, following the latest trends and taking inspiration from nature, architecture, sartorial virtuosity, and artistic developments to create light fittings that are versatile and suggestive. They have successfully managed to do so by utilising a new generation of materials and a unique manual assembly of parts that when put together form a sumptuous, figurative panorama.

The brand maintains its high design value by collaborating with key architects and designers to widen their product portfolio. Such fittings include

22 | Architecture & Design

Avia suspension; Atmosfera table lamp

La Fleur table lamp

Avia and Aria by Zaha Hadid, Charlotte and Chantal by Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas, and LaFleur by Marc Sadler.

Hospitality House of the Italian team’s athletes in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games. Following the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in 2018 and the Ski World Championships in Cortina in 2021, Slamp has been chosen among the excellences of Made in Italy to light the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Nuvem by Miguel Arruda, Clizia Mama non Mama by Adriano Rachele, and LaFleur by Marc Sadler were chosen from the brand’s collections.

Slamp’s technopolymers are a high-quality material that can be molded into a variety of beautiful forms and combined with other materials to achieve a look that is next to impossible, while making each fitting unique and identifiable. Each of the brand’s artistic products undergoes a precise, transformative, creative process that converts a two-dimensional sheet into a threedimensional shape through cold-cutting and handfolding, similar to a haute couture maison.

Slamp had the honour of being a part of the

ESS Ltd., are thrilled to have had the opportunity to introduce such a brand into the Maltese market, offering their customers such high-end, unique products from world-renowned architects and designers.

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Setting high standards for tomorrow’s workforce The Quad is set to offer an exciting mix of Grade A professional, retail and commercial office s p a c e i n t h e h e a r t o f M a l t a ’s c o m m e r c i a l h u b , M r i e h e l . T h e d e v e l o p m e n t w i l l b e s u p p o r t e d b y a diversified range of retail and amenity outlets, including popular brands such as Starbucks and D r. J u i c e , a n d a m p l e p a r k i n g f a c i l i t i e s , i n t e g r a t e d w i t h s p a c i o u s l a n d s c a p e d o u t d o o r a r e a s a n d a large open piazza.Architecture & Design speaks to some of the experts behind this groundbreaking project

CREATING NEXT-GENERATION OFFICES Ray DeMicoli, Principal, DeMicoli & Associates The initial brief for this project was to conceive and develop a sustainable purpose-built mixed-use complex, and to create a work environment that is adaptable, interactive, and accessible to everybody, in a location earmarked to emerge as Malta’s corporate services district. The design process kicked off by identifying key objectives while taking into consideration all those factors that need to be addressed at the initial stages of any development.

From green initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and collection, recycling of grey water in-house and good air circulation systems, to critical factors like the wind loads the development would face, which required several simulations to study the effects of funnelling created by multiple towers, the design team methodically and systematically drew up strategies for each of these and more at design stage.

Milan based structural and geotechnical engineers CEAS, were engaged to support the project, making vital contributions in offering elegant solutions to the issues that would most certainly arise. Initial concepts focussed on three towers, then a fourth was added to reduce the height of each building.

The decision to have four separate towers at varying heights – 13, 15, 16 and 19 storeys respectively, will

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ensure ample commercial space while allowing natural light to permeate between the buildings. The towers are juxtaposed to provide a framed view, with gentle curved façades to soften the height of the development. As the design developed, the designers reviewed the vista of the towers from the main piazza and eateries around it. In order to present the four towers as one whole architectural piece, a series of walkways and bridges on the lower levels were then incorporated to connect the four towers and bring them together as one, directly also greatly improving the spatial quality for the lower levels.

Ultimately the design team is quietly confident that The Quad looks set to be a highly photogenic building with diverse facade treatments and diminishing volumes as it rises upwards, certainly holding its own in any European financial district.

MEETING THE STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES HEAD ON Bruno Finzi, Founder and Managing Director, CEAS Milan The QUAD project represented a challenge, both from a geotechnical and structural engineering point of view. The presence of four underground floors and a large excavation in an already developed and built area has required a peculiar geotechnical design to allow a forecast of both short term and long-term settlements, and to allow for the design of the retaining walls and foundations of the four towers. A tailored monitoring of topographic displacements both for the existing buildings as well as for the excavation peculiar points has allowed the direction of works to verify, in each construction phase, that the geotechnical design had reached and respected the targets.

The structural design provided for some massive concrete raft foundations for the towers that necessitated a well-tested mix design for concrete in the attempt to reach a low heat of hydration. The design of slabs involved high design optimization, with the target of limiting masses and structural thickness; the choice of a lightening system inside the concrete slab required an accurate execution where three different concrete layers were cast in sequence: below, aside and on the top of the lightening systems. The limited structural thickness of slabs, while allowing for a better architectural interfloor height and an easier HVAC distribution, represented a challenge due to the large spans and cantilevers dimensions. These structural slabs are also fundamental in sustaining the glass façade systems.

Prefabrication has been used mainly for the underground floors while the main bracing systems for the towers are represented by the staircase cores that

are built with cast in situ concrete.

Another structural challenge was the steel bridges connecting the four towers. The architects provided a fantastic structurally sound design and layout that allowed for a construction that could be preassembled in parts, and erected and connected on site.

With this innovative design we faced almost all the structural challenges conceivable from excavations, foundations, use of prefabrication, type of formworks, erection and building timing and I believe all were met and solved through a great collaboration between the design team and the contractors entrusted with this project.

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH Paul Borg Senior Architect, DeMicoli & Associates The project at The Quad placed sustainability at the fore front of its agenda from inception, with integrated sustainable design features aimed at reducing energy consumption. American consultants were engaged at very early stages, to guide all the other consultants on the requirements needed for the development to achieve Platinum accreditation with LEED. After three years, the project is well on its way of achieving this goal.

Among the many measures required to achieve a high-quality sustainable building, in its day to day running, is water storage. A reservoir, with a capacity to hold 1900 cubic metres of water, was built to contain the majority of the rain water. A smaller reservoir of 931 cubic metres was also constructed at the lowest basement levels and will serve to be used in firefighting emergencies, irrigation purposes and in a dual flush system. Alongside these reservoirs, the project incorporated a Grey Water Treatment plant which will treat water from wash hand basins and showers and after treatment, the same water will be used in the flushing system. This plant will generate about 100 cubic metres of water during the summer months and 60 cubic metres in winter.

One of the bigger challenges has been the waste management during construction and subsequently during operations. Waste separation has been carried out by the different contractors during the works. The development was also bound by a Planning Authority permit condition where an independent body holds weekly site visits, checks the issues related to permit conditions and site management and reports to the Planning Authority. This has proven to be an effective tool to drive a much more organised and clean construction site. A team of people employed directly by the development, also constantly monitor, and clean the site and enforce health and safety

regulations. This has ensured that the site has been maintained to a high level of cleanliness and safety during the construction, servicing and finishing periods.

To adhere to the strict guidelines required by LEED, the reflective index and the insulation properties for the glazed façade are of a very high standard. This is even more important since the four towers are nearly completely clad with a curtain wall system composed either floor to ceiling panels or a curtain wall system suspended off Halfen brackets with some of the glazed panels as large as 4.75m in height and 1.7m in width.

The project incorporates a vertical photovoltaic panel system which cover a solid wall of one of the towers for the whole height of fifteen floors. The PV system has a capacity of over 110kWp and it is estimated that it will generate 120,000 units (kWHr ) of energy annually. This is just part of a sustainable lighting system where all the light fittings being used are LED and the design includes of low level and downward looking lights which will prevent any light pollution emitted from this large site.

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Real Estate LIcensIng Board Property brokers, Property Consultants, Branch Managers and Real estate agents gettIng theIr lIcense In check

I

f you are someone who is already working in the property trading industry, it is highly probable that you are already aware of the new regulations introduced through the Real Estate Agents, Property Brokers and Property Consultants Act (Chapter 615 of the Laws of Malta). If not, this article will give you some information with regards to the said Act, and the necessary steps to be taken in order to regularise your career.

Through the new Act, that came into force on the 7th of July 2020, real estate agents, property brokers, property consultants and branch managers in Malta, have become regulated through licensing, for the first time in Malta.

Pursuant to the provisions laid down by this Act, no person shall carry on the activity of a property broker or real estate agent or be employed or engaged as a branch manager or property consultant, after the 31st of December 2021, unless he/she is the holder of a license issued under the Act. Real estate agents, property brokers, property consultants and branch managers in Malta, are obliged to hold a license in order to be able to operate, from the 1st of January 2022 onwards. Individuals who desire obtaining such a licence under the said Act, shall submit an application to the Real Estate Licensing Board in the prescribed form.

The requirements to be fulfilled in order to make you eligible to apply are the following: 1. Being eighteen (18) years old, or having been emancipated to trade, in accordance with Article 9 of the Commercial Code; and, 2. Holding a certificate in real estate; or, 3. Having any other qualifications which the Malta

Qualifications Recognition Information Centre recognises as being equivalent.

Anyone who has not applied for their license, is urged to apply by the 17th September 2021, in order to allow sufficient time for the Board to review all applications, and address any issues that might arise, in good time to make the end of year deadline.

Unless you are a holder of a license issued under the Real Estate Agents, Property Brokers and Property Consultants Act (Chapter 615 of the Laws of Malta), you will not be legally permitted to carry on the activity of a property broker or real estate agent or even be employed or engaged as a branch manager or property consultant after the 31st of December 2021.

A licence issued, shall, unless it is sooner cancelled, or in accordance with the provisions of the Act, remain valid for five (5) years, from when it has been issued. It shall be renewed after such expiration, unless there are grounds not to renew the licence as provided under the Act. It is pertinent to note that, any person/licensee who does not comply with or contravenes the provisions of the said Act, shall be liable to an administrative fine (multa), which does not exceed twenty thousand euro (€20,000).

In order to get any more information about the Act, to download forms and to apply, visit https://environment. gov.mt/. For any guidance with regard to the application process, or any other queries arising from the Real Estate Agents, Property Brokers and Property Consultants Act (Chapter 615 of the Laws of Malta), an email should be sent to enquiriesreab@gov.mt

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T

he Quad Central is projected to achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification from U.S. Green Building Council (‘USGBC’), laying the ground to make this not only one of Malta’s, but also one of Europe’s most sustainable developments.

The Quad Central will be a true next-generation development, joining the ranks with some of Europe’s most iconic and ‘greenest’ buildings, including Frankfurt’s skyline-defining Messeturm and The Crystal in London.

HEALTH & SAFETY at the workplace As part of the certification process, the design submission was made to the USGBC for preliminary accreditation, with a further construction submission to be presented upon project completion.

interview with patrick parnis

we catch up with patrick parnis, an accomplished professional consultant with over twenty years experience in HSEQ Management, who speaks to us about the importance of the implementation of high-level Health, safety, evironmental and quality Management Systems in 28 | Architecture & Design every industry. patrick parnis took home Best Health & Safety Consulting Firm of the Year, Best Health & Safety Professional of the Year and awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MALTA’S REAL ESTATE, DEVELOPMENT & ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2021.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE HEALTH AND SAFETY INDUSTRY?

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE SERVICES YOU OFFER?

I have been involved in compliance management for over twenty-four (24) years when I joined Merit/Methode Electronics in 1997 as Quality Management Facilitator, responsible for the implementation and maintenance of International Management Systems ISO9001, QS9000, TS16949 and ISO14001 Standards. I had to further focus on the Health & Safety Management Systems when I joined VAOS Ltd, a multinational oilfield services company with over 1000 employees, which was heavily involved in the construction and maintenance of the Libyan Oil & Gas Infrastructure. For 12 years, I have led the company through the implementation and certification programs of ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 Management Systems Standards.

P&A provides a complete suite of HSEQ Management Systems Advisory Services ranging from: HSEQ Management Systems Advisory Services (ISO / Local / Industry Specific) This service is for any company having an interest to embark on a continuous improvement program by standardising their operations. Our services begin by conducting a Gap Analysis to identify the existing level of compliance against the local or International Standard Requirements. We will then assist companies to develop new or perhaps even improve on existing processes to the required standard. In general, we manage and lead our clients through the whole journey of ISO Certification.

Due to the civil war in Libya, I returned to Malta in 2014 where I set up my own consultancy company Parnis & Associates Ltd (P&A). My initial Health & Safety Advisory services in Malta started in the construction industry supervising multiple project sites. Other industries followed and I am now engaged in various Health & Safety jobs from Energy, Film Productions and Events.

Implementing Management Systems involves the development of policies and procedures, communication and awareness, training of employees, auditing and monitoring of processes and facilities, and conducting regular management reviews completing the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle.

Today, I am heavily involved in the construction and film industry which requires for me to spend a great amount of time monitoring safety at construction sites or on a filming location.

I enjoy both aspects, I can be the officer monitoring and enforcing safety on the shop-floor, construction site or film set as well as being the Executive at the office developing protocols and documents, auditing and monitoring company level key performance indicators.

Emergency Preparedness In anything we do we are exposed to various risks.

The employer is also responsible to ensure effective emergency protocols are implemented at the workplace.

This involves the development of Emergency Response Plans consisting of Emergency Response Protocols for Medical, Fire and Environmental Emergencies, Establishing Emergency Response Team, Training of ER Team and conducting regular Emergency Response Drills.

Emergency Preparedness will involve the setting up of Fire Protection/Fighting Systems, Signage and Plan Layouts, Emergency lightings systems, First Aid Provisions going into First-Aid Training, Fire Fighting and Chemical Spillage Training as required.

Incident Investigation and Reporting Incidents are unfortunately considered as the main source of great knowledge and information for safety protection.

It is very important that all incidents at the workplace are reported and addressed whether it is a ‘near miss’, ‘small injury’ or ‘fatality’. P&A provides the necessary resources for independent incident investigation and reporting for companies wishing to investigate incidents and deploy preventive measures to eliminate recurrence of similar incidents.

DO YOU SPECIALISE IN ANY PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY? I started my technical career as an apprentice at the Malta Shipbuilding Co. Ltd which exposed me to Heavy Industry Projects from an early age for 7 years.

When I joined Methode Electronics, I continued my studies and intensified further my development on ISO Management Systems where I was exposed to high precision engineering processes working in fast changing environment and demanding automotive industry.

systems. Generally, the Audit Cycle will be completed with a Follow-up Audit to confirm and verify the implementation of corrective actions.

Risk Assessments Risk Assessments is a legal requirement for Employers.

The employer is responsible to identify any risks generated by their processes, facilities and their operations in general and implement the necessary control measures to reduce the risk as low as reasonably practical. The development of Risk Assessment is required whenever there are newly introduced or changes in process, machinery and equipment, material and surrounding environment. Risk Assessments is one of fundamental requirements for implementing effective Health & Safety Management systems.

HSEQ Training P&A will assist companies in developing their own Health & Safety Training Needs Analysis by developing a Training Matrix. The matrix will define the necessary Health & Safety Training Programs/Sessions required for each designation within the organisation, whether it’s the company’s CEO, or the shop-floor cleaner. The provision of HS Training is a legal requirement and operator licences such as fork lift trucks operators and crane operator are mandatory. Same goes for operatives performing high risk tasks such as scaffolders etc.

Employers are to ensure that operatives have the necessary safety training to operate equipment and machinery as well as perform their routine tasks safely preventing injury to themselves, colleagues and the public or cause damage to machinery, plant and environment.

Inspections & Audits Audits are part of the appraisal process for Management Systems. P&A offers internal and second party auditor for those companies wishing independent auditors looking into their documented management system and operations. During audits, auditors will interview management and employees, review documents and observe activities. An audit report will be issued to top management highlighting the level of compliance and any improvement opportunities required to the management

All newly engaged employees shall go on an Induction Training & Awareness program. Normally this induction training is given within the first days of employment where the employees are informed about the company policies and procedures, operational & facilities hazards, do’s and don’ts, time and attendance, welfare, incident reporting and emergency response protocols in general.

P&A provides the necessary guidance and assistance to companies ensuring the right approach in provision of Health & Safety Training to its workforce.

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Project Supervisor Services Parnis & Associates provides supervision services in H&S matters at design and construction / execution stage as per LN88/2018 – Work Place (Minimum Health & Safety Requirements for Work at Construction Sites) Regulations.

At design stage, P&A will develop a Project Health & Safety Plan addressing the project safety requirements, risk assessments and control measures to be enforced throughout the whole project. Throughout the construction phase, P&A will monitor Health & Safety Practices on site by regular visits. Any hazards noted will be communicated directly with management and/or contractors and corrective measures will be tackled and enforced. The client will be notified of each visit with a Site Inspection Report.

HSEQutive (Saas Cloud Base Solution) One of the reasons why Parnis & Associates has developed this innovative solution is to offer a cloud-based Health & Safety, Environment and Quality Management Systems Platform providing HSEQ professionals with online tools they require to implement best HSEQ Management practices in their day-to-day operations (www.hsequtive. com) CAN YOU TELL US IN MORE DETAIL ABOUT THE ROLE OF A SAFETY OFFICER? The role of the safety officer is to ensure the implementation of Health & Safety Practices in the Workplace. This is done with some preparatory work in advance when establishing the Top Level Health & Safety Plan defining and laying out the Health & Safety policies and procedures at the workplace. The HS Plan shall be communicated to the operatives in the form of training sessions or toolbox talks on site, and provided to all subcontractors working on the project. Apart from the Health & Safety Plan, the Safety Officer is involved in the development and review of Risk Assessments.

The Safety Officer will ensure that the necessary resources and control measures listed in the H&S Plan and Risk Assessments are effectively implemented at the workplace.

H&S Officers shall review method statements and operating instructions to familiarise themselves better with the work plans. The safety officer is also responsible for observing ongoing works to ensure operations are carried out safely and in a planned and coordinated manner.

Emergency Response Planning is also part of the Health & Safety Officer Responsibilities. The risk assessment exercise shall identify the major hazards and risks and relevant control measures hence assist in defining emergency response requirements. In general, every workplace shall be equipped with a basic First Aid Box as minimum and adequate Fire Protection Systems. The safety officer shall ensure that an emergency response plan layout is developed, communicated to all employees and

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posted in common areas for all workers to see. The layout shall provide safe route directions leading workers towards the nearest assembly point, and marking the locations of fire extinguishing equipment, first aid box and emergency equipment, and spill kit location.

industry bringing in a lot of challenges for the locals and foreigners alike especially in communication. This for me is very concerning especially if one needs to communicate any special safety measures for the task at hand.

The Safety Officer will also lead the Emergency Response Team who will be acting specific tasks and duties in case of an emergency situation. Emergency Response Plans and Teams are to be regularly tested by means of an emergency drill where a simulation of emergency situations will be carried out to familiarise employees with emergency protocols and identify any failures/malfunctions and other emergency response improvements.

Another related challenge we are also facing is the fact that foreigners are bringing in their own method of working, which may not always be considered as safe at this side of the world. We witness a great amount of imaginative makeshift platforms and stages that are unsafe. We also see people working without giving any protection or respect to the public. These are all attributed to the lack of control of professionals in the Construction Industry. BICC’s Skill Card can play a great role in the regularization of Contractors, Self Employed and Professionals, however same with OHSA department, the resources are limited to control the overwhelming growth of the construction industry.

The safety officer is also responsible for investigating and reporting of incidents at the workplace. The safety officer will carry out investigations at the site of incident, interview injured persons and other witnesses. He/she will also look into machinery maintenance records, operator training records and other process related documentation. Based on his/her investigation, the safety officer will identify the root cause of incident and recommend the necessary corrective and preventive measures to eliminate recurrence of similar incident.

WHAT ARE THE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? The first common misconception is that people think that the OHSA in Malta is inexistent and not effective enough in its regulatory and enforcement obligations. Let me assure you that with its very limited resources OHSA is giving its best possible attention to the construction industry. They have a shortage of personnel and I strongly believe that this is where much technology is needed for OHSA to be able to cover 2000+ construction sites yearly.

The second misconception is that ALL developers are greedy and do not care for the health & safety of their workers. Reality shows that there is a greater amount of unsafe contractors than those who consider Health & Safety seriously and provides the necessary resources to comply to requirements. I believe this misconception of ‘ALL Developers are greedy’ is a very unfair statement on those contractors who are truly diligent and complaint.

Industry Contractor HS Audits and Contractor Safety Performance Classification Systems can be the way forward to evaluate the level of Safety of Contractors.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN YOUR ROLE? We face various safety challenges in the construction industry. The latest and most worrying issue is that of ‘communication’ and ‘introduction of new unsafe practices’ at construction sites. We have seen a drastic influx of foreign workers in the construction

I trust that the new Building and Construction Agency – BCA will eventually deploy the desperately needed contractor regularization in the Construction Industry.

WHERE DO YOU THINK MOST CONTRACTORS FALL SHORT IN TERMS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY? I believe that some contractors lack health & safety practices due to some old attitudes stating that safety is only creating additional costs and hindering work progress. These are very limited in number but somehow considered as a high risk.

Contractors must take Safety into account at quotation and budgeting phase. Missing this consideration out from project budget will only give way to some ‘surprise’ costs. Sensible contractors always budget for safety and ensure safety costs are effectively in use on site.

I also believe that there is a lack of general construction safety training programmes, which contractors can provide to their workforce. This lack of general training is attributed to the mentality of loss of production and an additional cost.

We are also still facing the old village mason working on alterations and additions who still works in old traditional unsafe ways. These people are now being phased out however they must realise that safety must be adhered to at all times whether you are working at a construction site or carrying out a small job at home.

I believe that businesses fall short of health and safety because they are solely focusing on their core business activity – producing and selling their product – forgetting the safety aspect of their operations.

YOUR PARTNER OF CHOICE IN PARTITIONS. VIVENDO SUPPLIES DIFFERENT TYPES OF QUALITY SOUNDPROOFING PARTITIONS IN DIFFERENT SIZES AND MATERIALS TO SUIT A VARIETY OF SPACES INCLUDING OFFICES, HOSPITALITY OUTLETS, GYMS AND RETAIL SPACES. THANKS TO FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW, OUR TEAM WILL FOLLOW THE DESIGN RIGHT FROM THE START, SUPPORTING BOTH THE ARCHITECT AND THE FINAL CUSTOMER AT EVERY STAGE OF INSTALLATION. GET IN TOUCH. 2277 3000 · WORKSPACES@VIVENDO.MT · VIVENDO.MT OR VISIT US AT VIVENDO, MDINA ROAD, QORMI, QRM 9011

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DIscover AcoustIcs wIth vIvendo workspaces

V

ivendo is proud to be the chosen supplier for acoustics in the recently restored conference room at MAPFRE Middlesea, designed by DHI Periti.

Vivendo has provided wooden wall panelling from Spigotec. The acoustic quality offers an optimum level of easy communication and privacy leaving room for better concentration.

In this project, DHI Periti have opted to go for the model ‘Leo 32’ in oak finish. This model is made of melamine with a thickness of 12mm and comes with circular perforations and an acoustic black veil on the back. It is damp-proof, easy to clean, impact-resistant, fire-resistant, and easy to install and dismantle.

The wooden material creates warmth, but it can also be exploited up to its most technical capacity to suit a variety of styles and finishes for walls and ceilings. This quality also allows it to be applied in different spaces including public venues, offices, theatres, auditoriums and hospitals.

Average absorption coefficient: Low frequency α = 0,63 Medium frequency α = 0,48 High frequency α = 0,20 0,433 / NRC 0,55 (Noise Reduction Coefficient) Conference room at MAPFRE MIDDLESEA, designed by DHI Periti, acoustic wood panelling executed by Vivendo Workspaces.

Conference room at MAPFRE MIDDLESEA, designed by DHI Periti, acoustic wood panelling executed by Vivendo Workspaces.

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Book a consultation: (+356) 2277 3000 | info@vivendo.mt | vivendo.mt Mdina Road, Qormi, QRM 9011

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BOOM Boom is an outdoor and indoor floor lamp with 2 versions exceeding 2 and 4 meters high.

A cylindrical aluminium spotlight is supported by two carbon stems fixed onto a marble base equipped with several points to adjust the inclina�on of the light beam.

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