MONEY ISSUE 70 by BE.COMMUNICATIONS

BUSINESS

LIFEST YLE

DESIGN

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION ISSUE 70

OVERDEVELOPMENT & SPATIAL PLANNING

Alex Torpiano (12)

WHEN THE ORDINARY BECOMES SPECIAL

Konrad Buhagiar & Erica Giusta (38)

SURROUNDED BY INSPIRATION

Stephanie Farrugia, Ritienne Zammit & Tünde Valiszka (22)

COVER STORY

FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF NOUV’S ACQUISITION OF TUNING FORK James Sammut

(2 0)

Helping you reach new heights. A banking partner you can rely on— with you for the journey. At Sparkasse Bank Malta plc we aim to deliver personal, efficient and effective solutions supported by a highly skilled and dedicated team of bankers.

Banking & Investments: a personalised service through one relationship.

Banking | Custody | Investments

Speak to an advisor today. T. +356 21 335 705 E. PrivateBanking@sparkasse-bank-malta.com Sparkasse Bank Malta plc, 101 Townsquare Ix-Xatt ta’ Qui-si-Sana, Sliema SLM3112, Malta Sparkasse Bank Malta plc is a public limited liability company registered in Malta with registration number C27152 and registered office at 101 Townsquare, Ix-Xatt ta’ Qui-si-Sana, Sliema SLM3112, Malta. Sparkasse Bank Malta plc is licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta), and to provide investment services and custody and depositary services in terms of the Investment Services Act (Cap. 370 of the Laws of Malta).

WELCOME

Editor’s letter — It’s election month. “State

Victor Paul Borg’s article on rewilding should

COVER

the obvious, why don’t you?!” I hear you

certainly strike a few chords if politicians

James Sammut

cry. And you’re right. We can hardly escape

want to walk the walk and not just talk the talk

Read the full story on P.20

the propaganda, the blocked roads, the

when it comes to the environment and Malta’s

billboards, and the daily faux pas committed

efforts toward sustainability. Many other

by one candidate. We’re being bombarded by

countries have been in Malta’s position, where

electoral promises offering us more money,

the focus is given to road infrastructure for

more incentives, more this, more that – what

cars and other polluting vehicles, without any

can we believe, though? What have we seen in

long-term planning for other healthier modes

recent years?

of transport. However, it is never (hopefully) too late to change things around. Yet, there

More buildings, more roadworks, more

needs to be a complete change in mentality

pollution? Yes, yes, yes. Prof. Alex Torpiano

for that to happen — an overhaul of what is

very interestingly points out a study by

essential to the Maltese Islands and the people

Briguglio that quantifies the GDP impact

who live here. The majority of people want to

that development has on the island, but that

contribute to living in a beautiful and peaceful

also states that there is no research on the

country, as opposed to one engulfed in traffic

negative impact of this development, and

and chaos; however, for this to happen, there

that “if we could quantify all this, we might

has to be a suitable alternative to what we

“discover that construction costs this country

currently have.

E D I T O R Anthony P. Bernard

a lot more than it contributes”.”

[anthony@moneymag.me] Removing parking spaces will not encourage

When will the political parties realise that

people to use public transport if public

D E S I G N BloomCreative

people are tired of living on an island

transport doesn’t improve. It’s just going

[bloomcreative.com.mt]

described as idyllic to tourists when they

to create more frustrated drivers and

know better? There is nothing idyllic about

potentially lead to increased road rage and

walking along the Sliema promenade and

traffic accidents.

playing Count the crane (it was 13 last time

P R I N T I N G Print It D I S T R I B U T I O N JD Distributors

I checked). There is nothing idyllic about

Ray De Micoli speaks about the need for

needing to calculate a 45-minute commute

proper planning to develop sustainably and

time for a 10-kilometre trip. And there is

with the future of the country in mind. We

undoubtedly nothing idyllic about reading

also look at the possibility of renovating

MONEY is hand-delivered to businesses in Malta,

that the usual suspects will always be

old properties rather than allowing them

including all managers and directors of the TOP 300

given the green light despite any protests,

to crumble and become dilapidated and

campaigns and petitions by civic society.

dangerous to the point that tearing them down is the only available option.

companies; iGaming, yachting and boating businesses, marinas, all 5-star hotels and boutique guesthouses including their business centres, executive lounges and rooms (where allowed), embassies and Maltese embassies abroad (UK, Rome, Brussels and Moscow);

Maltese architecture boasts wonderful gems

all government ministries and entities.

that deserve to be preserved and promoted

For information regarding promotion and advertising:

without being exploited. But, again, this boils

(+356) 2134 2155 · [hello@moneymag.me]

down to long-term planning and decisions for the good of the people who live in Malta and Gozo – all the people, and not just those who seemingly have more political power. Only once this becomes the rule, rather than the exception, can we have an island that is worthy of being described as idyllic.

Money is published by Be Communications Ltd, No. 81, Howard Street, Sliema, Malta SLM 1754

FACEBOOK-SQUARE LINKEDIN · [becommunications.com]

Until then, the country will vote on the 26th

March – some hoping for change, others

is strictly prohibited without written permission.

hoping that things will remain the same. And Malta and Gozo will continue being idyllic for

Opinions expressed in Money are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor

promotional purposes only.

and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors

Plus ça change.

or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome but cannot be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The editor is not responsible for material submitted for consideration.

ISSUE 70

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April 2016 / Issue 01

ISSUE 2 - AUGUST 2013 BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE | DESIGN

THE CREATIVITY AND DESIGN ISSUE

THE TOURISM ISSUE

ISSUE 27 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Issue 13 June/July 2012

¤5 WHERE SOLD

INTERVIEWS:

HARLEQUIN DESIGN, DUNCAN BONE, NOMAD

Travel essentials The best cars for overland travel

Creating niche markets Exceeding visitor expectations Make No Misteak Victor Paul Borg p.16 // Starry nights with Vincenzo Guarino Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.20 Feeling Puckish Nick Diacono p.38 // Never Too La[t]te Trevor Diacono p.44

ISSUE 12

TECHNOLOGY AT SEA MALTA CRUISING CLUB TROPHÉE BAILLI DE SUFFREN LATEST MOTOR BOATS REVIEWED

START-UPS

CONTAGIOUS CAMPAIGNS

GAME CHANGER Peter Valentino on MSF and the Olympic Games • TOP TIPS Stay safe when sailing at night AT THE HELM Peter Valentino speaks to Mario Aquilina • AMAZONS A swim-wear shoot that's surely to rock your boat

July 2016 / Issue 02

MAY 2009 – ISSUE 137

December 2016 / Issue 03

JUNE 2008 - ISSUE 131

OFFICE DESIGN

Chefs with tattoos / The cocktail hour cometh / Recipes for success

ISSUE 9 - AUGUST 2015

181

Cheers for cocktails / Summer recipes / Tasting Tokyo / Street Food

JUNE 2016

FEMME MAGAZINE

THE ECO AND IT ISSUE

COOL OFFICE WEAR

FM IS ThE MaLTa FaShIOn awardS OFFICIaL MagazInE Special Cannes review

BEACH FASHION

CITADEL KEELBOAT SPRING SERIES

ROLEX FASTNET RACE

INTERVIEW:

KEN READ

REVIEWS:

SEALINE F530 AND JEANNEAU 54

VOLVO OCEAN RACE:

A SPECTACULAR FINISH

HOLIDAY WARDROBE MAY 2008 - ISSUE 130

JUNE 2006 - ISSUE 115

MAY 2007 - ISSUE 122

October 2019 / Issue 11

SUMMER COLOURS

June 2010. ISSUE 14 6. FMLIFEST Y LE.COM

Maltese flavours in Mexico / Christmas: food that sings / Nuts for coconut / A fish called lampuka

FMLIFESTYLE.COM

MALTA FASHION AWARDS OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

MAY 2010. ISSUE 1 4 5. FMLIFEST Y LE.COM

FEMME MAGAZINE

Winter 2020 / Issue 14

Trying out new recipes? BUY YOUR GROCERIES ONLINE AT

FEM EMME ME MAG MA AZI A NE | NOV AZ N OV ISS S UE 164 | FML FMLIFE IFESTY TYLE. LE COM BUSINESS

Issue 08 July/August 2011

LIFEST YLE

DESIGN

THE FINANCE EDITION ISSUE 69

COVER STORY

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE Alistair Muscat

(1 6)

POLITICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPERATIVES IN A POST-COVID-19 REALITY Colin Lawrence & Paul Bonello (8) SOFT POWER: THE DIPLOMATIC FRONTIER Hon Evarist Bartolo (3 0) FINANCING GREEN & GREENING FINANCE JP Fabri (3 6)

WHAT YOUR HAIR COLOUR SAYS ABOUT YOU

TIFFANY PISANI

WINTER WARMERS ROCK THE BAROQUE LOOK

BERLIN FASHION WEEK

reasons why you should SHOP on myfood.mt

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WIN A CANON FULL HD CAMCORDER

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€3 Voucher when spending €50

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Normal Delivery Service Charge Monday to Sunday €5.00

1970s: THE DECADE OF FASHION LOVE

APRIL 2015

July 2019 / Issue 10

ISSUE 14

ISSUE 11

RUFFLES HER FEATHERS

177

CLEAN TECHNOLOGY / GREEN FINANCE / INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER AUSTIN GATT

The Foodist Elsa Messi p.8 // Endorsing local seafood JD Farrugia p.12 Food Art Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.16 // Oh, dear summer, where have you gone? Trevor Diacono p.45

0033-CE20 myfood Q4 Campaign September 2020 Ad 265x210.indd 3

Chef Zoran Bogdanovski Elsa Messi p.10 // Xmassing Cranberries Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.19 Tongue-In-Stew Nick Diacono p.37 // It takes two to Mango Trevor Diacono p.45

09/10/2020 15:41

OCTOBER 2007 - ISSUE 125

FM Issue 177 - 1

December 2018 / Issue 08

ISSUE 6 - JULY 2014

ISSUE 3 - OCTOBER 2013

FEMME MAGAZINE | ISSUE 172 | FMLIFESTYLE.COM

Eat rEligiously

SPECIAL MIDDLE SEA RACE FEATURE

KURT ARRIGO NEW MODEL REVIEWS LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

LOVE TIFFinterview with the

OCTOBER 2010. ISSUE 14 8. FMLIFEST Y LE.COM

CLUB EVENTS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: VOLVO OCEAN RACE TEAMS

NOVEMBER 2010. ISSUE 14 9. FMLIFES T Y LE.COM

ORACLE TEAM USA CONQUERS AMERICA ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE

Exclusive Next Top Model winner of Britain’s

FEMME MAGAZINE | DEC ISSUE 165 | FMLIFESTYLE.COM

Esimit Europa 2 takes line honours NEW YEAR FASHION RESOLUTIONS

ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2012 SPECIAL EDITION

HISTORY

BUILD

Sir Francis Chichester

Lupo Di Mare

INTERVIEW

THIS MONTH'S TOP 10

Patrick Pollacco

Yachts and Powerboats

IIG Bank Gozo Race RMSR 2012 in pictures Taking line honours RMSR 2012

TROUSERS VS SKIRTS RECYCLING YOUR LOOK

MONSOON ACCESSORIZE CATALOGUE PULLOUT INSIDE

CHRISTMAS IN PURPLE

Winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race

NOVEMBER 2007 - ISSUE 126

JUNE 2007 - ISSUE 123

ISSUE 31 - DECEMBER 12

May 2017

May 2018 / Issue 06

ISSUE 8 - MAY 2015

REVIEWS THOMAS MEACHEN RC44 VALLETTA CUP

Renzo Grottesi – a sailor’s life

the Malta team

PRINTS AND ACCESSORIES

AND THE GUEST WORE...

ISSUE 27 - DEC 11

GETTING A SPRING COMPLEXION

BACK TO THE 1990s

/ Festive Twists Alex Mattei / p.10 // Unwrapped Victor Paul Borg / p.22 // // Say Cheese! Chef Dario / p.40 // I Can Feel It Ramen...Fat Louis’s / p.46 //

ISSUe 08

ALEX THOMSON: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW KAYAKING ADVENTURES

The Foodist Elsa Messi p.10 // Will Malta shine in fine dining? Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.12 A diﬀerent kettle of fish Nicholas Diacono p.18 // Beat the heat Emma Mattei p.24 ISSUE 30 - OCTOBER 12

// Strawberry Fields / p.20 // Breakfasts From Around The World / p.33 //

VOLVO OCEAN RACE BARCELONA WORLD RACE

// Think Outside The Sandwich Box / p.42 // Ditching Plastics / p.49 //

Winter 2019 / Issue 12

April 2016 / Issue 01

ISSUE 6 - JULY 2014

ISSUE 2 - AUGUST 2013 BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE | DESIGN

THE CREATIVITY AND DESIGN ISSUE ISSUE 27 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

INTERVIEWS:

HARLEQUIN DESIGN, DUNCAN BONE, NOMAD

CLUB EVENTS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: VOLVO OCEAN RACE TEAMS

KURT ARRIGO NEW MODEL REVIEWS LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Make No Misteak Victor Paul Borg p.16 // Starry nights with Vincenzo Guarino Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.20 Feeling Puckish Nick Diacono p.38 // Never Too La[t]te Trevor Diacono p.44

ISSUE 12

TECHNOLOGY AT SEA MALTA CRUISING CLUB TROPHÉE BAILLI DE SUFFREN LATEST MOTOR BOATS REVIEWED

START-UPS

CONTAGIOUS CAMPAIGNS

July 2016 / Issue 02

MAY 2009 – ISSUE 137

December 2016 / Issue 03

JUNE 2008 - ISSUE 131

OFFICE DESIGN

Chefs with tattoos / The cocktail hour cometh / Recipes for success

ISSUE 9 - AUGUST 2015

181

Cheers for cocktails / Summer recipes / Tasting Tokyo / Street Food

JUNE 2016

Special Cannes review

BEACH FASHION

INTERVIEW:

KEN READ

REVIEWS:

SEALINE F530 AND JEANNEAU 54

VOLVO OCEAN RACE:

A SPECTACULAR FINISH

HOLIDAY WARDROBE MAY 2008 - ISSUE 130

JUNE 2006 - ISSUE 115

MAY 2007 - ISSUE 122

FEMME MAGAZINE

THE ECO AND IT ISSUE

COOL OFFICE WEAR

FM IS ThE MaLTa FaShIOn awardS OFFICIaL MagazInE

CITADEL KEELBOAT SPRING SERIES

ROLEX FASTNET RACE

June 2010. ISSUE 1 4 6. FMLIFES T Y LE.COM

Maltese flavours in Mexico / Christmas: food that sings / Nuts for coconut / A fish called lampuka

October 2019 / Issue 11

SUMMER COLOURS

FMLIFEST YLE.COM

MALTA FASHION AWARDS OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

MAY 2010. ISSUE 1 4 5. FMLIFES T YLE.COM

FEMME MAGAZINE

Winter 2020 / Issue 14

Trying out new recipes? BUY YOUR GROCERIES ONLINE AT

FEM EMME ME MAG MA AZI A NE | NOV AZ N OV ISS S UE 164 | FML FMLIFE IFESTY TYLE. LE COM BUSINESS

Issue 08 July/August 2011

LIFEST YLE

DESIGN

THE FINANCE EDITION ISSUE 69

COVER STORY

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE Alistair Muscat

(1 6)

WHAT YOUR HAIR COLOUR SAYS ABOUT YOU

TIFFANY PISANI

WINTER WARMERS ROCK THE BAROQUE LOOK

BERLIN FASHION WEEK

reasons why you should SHOP on myfood.mt

Easy to use

WIN A CANON FULL HD CAMCORDER

Next day delivery

€3 Voucher when spending €50

Free delivery over €75

€7 Voucher when spending €100

Normal Delivery Service Charge Monday to Sunday €5.00

1970s: THE DECADE OF FASHION LOVE

APRIL 2015

July 2019 / Issue 10

ISSUE 14

ISSUE 11

RUFFLES HER FEATHERS

177

CLEAN TECHNOLOGY / GREEN FINANCE / INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER AUSTIN GATT

The Foodist Elsa Messi p.8 // Endorsing local seafood JD Farrugia p.12 Food Art Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.16 // Oh, dear summer, where have you gone? Trevor Diacono p.45

0033-CE20 myfood Q4 Campaign September 2020 Ad 265x210.indd 3

Chef Zoran Bogdanovski Elsa Messi p.10 // Xmassing Cranberries Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.19 Tongue-In-Stew Nick Diacono p.37 // It takes two to Mango Trevor Diacono p.45

09/10/2020 15:41

OCTOBER 2007 - ISSUE 125

FM Issue 177 - 1

December 2018 / Issue 08

ISSUE 6 - JULY 2014

ISSUE 3 - OCTOBER 2013

FEMME MAGAZINE | ISSUE 172 | FMLIFESTYLE.COM

Eat rEligiously

SPECIAL MIDDLE SEA RACE FEATURE

KURT ARRIGO NEW MODEL REVIEWS LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

LOVE TIFFinterview with the

OCTOBER 2010. ISSUE 1 4 8. FMLIFEST Y LE.COM

CLUB EVENTS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: VOLVO OCEAN RACE TEAMS

NOVEMBER 2010. ISSUE 1 4 9. FMLIFEST Y LE.COM

ORACLE TEAM USA CONQUERS AMERICA ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE

Exclusive Next Top Model winner of Britain’s

May 2017

FEMME MAGAZINE | DEC ISSUE 165 | FMLIFESTYLE.COM

Esimit Europa 2 takes line honours NEW YEAR FASHION RESOLUTIONS

ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2012 SPECIAL EDITION

HISTORY

BUILD

Sir Francis Chichester

IIG Bank Gozo Race RMSR 2012 in pictures Taking line honours RMSR 2012

TROUSERS VS SKIRTS

Lupo Di Mare

INTERVIEW

THIS MONTH'S TOP 10

Patrick Pollacco

Yachts and Powerboats

RECYCLING YOUR LOOK

MONSOON ACCESSORIZE CATALOGUE PULLOUT INSIDE

CHRISTMAS IN PURPLE

Winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race

NOVEMBER 2007 - ISSUE 126

JUNE 2007 - ISSUE 123

ISSUE 31 - DECEMBER 12

May 2018 / Issue 06

ISSUE 8 - MAY 2015

REVIEWS THOMAS MEACHEN RC44 VALLETTA CUP

Renzo Grottesi – a sailor’s life

the Malta team

PRINTS AND ACCESSORIES

AND THE GUEST WORE...

ISSUE 27 - DEC 11

ISSUE 30 - OCTOBER 12

GETTING A SPRING COMPLEXION

BACK TO THE 1990s

/ Festive Twists Alex Mattei / p.10 // Unwrapped Victor Paul Borg / p.22 // // Say Cheese! Chef Dario / p.40 // I Can Feel It Ramen...Fat Louis’s / p.46 //

ISSUe 08

ALEX THOMSON: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW KAYAKING ADVENTURES

The Foodist Elsa Messi p.10 // Will Malta shine in fine dining? Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.12 A diﬀerent kettle of fish Nicholas Diacono p.18 // Beat the heat Emma Mattei p.24

// Strawberry Fields / p.20 // Breakfasts From Around The World / p.33 //

VOLVO OCEAN RACE BARCELONA WORLD RACE

// Think Outside The Sandwich Box / p.42 // Ditching Plastics / p.49 //

Winter 2019 / Issue 12

April 2016 / Issue 01

ISSUE 2 - AUGUST 2013 BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE | DESIGN

THE CREATIVITY AND DESIGN ISSUE ISSUE 27 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

INTERVIEWS:

HARLEQUIN DESIGN, DUNCAN BONE, NOMAD

Make No Misteak Victor Paul Borg p.16 // Starry nights with Vincenzo Guarino Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.20 Feeling Puckish Nick Diacono p.38 // Never Too La[t]te Trevor Diacono p.44

ISSUE 12

TECHNOLOGY AT SEA MALTA CRUISING CLUB TROPHÉE BAILLI DE SUFFREN LATEST MOTOR BOATS REVIEWED

START-UPS

CONTAGIOUS CAMPAIGNS

July 2016 / Issue 02

MAY 2009 – ISSUE 137

December 2016 / Issue 03

JUNE 2008 - ISSUE 131

OFFICE DESIGN

Chefs with tattoos / The cocktail hour cometh / Recipes for success

ISSUE 9 - AUGUST 2015

181

Cheers for cocktails / Summer recipes / Tasting Tokyo / Street Food

JUNE 2016

FM IS ThE MaLTa FaShIOn awardS OFFICIaL MagazInE Special Cannes review

BEACH FASHION

REVIEWS:

SEALINE F530 AND JEANNEAU 54

CITADEL KEELBOAT SPRING SERIES INTERVIEW:

KEN READ VOLVO OCEAN RACE:

A SPECTACULAR FINISH

HOLIDAY WARDROBE MAY 2008 - ISSUE 130

JUNE 2006 - ISSUE 115

MAY 2007 - ISSUE 122

FEMME MAGAZINE

THE ECO AND IT ISSUE

COOL OFFICE WEAR

ROLEX FASTNET RACE

June 2010. ISSUE 1 4 6. FMLIFES T Y LE.COM

Maltese flavours in Mexico / Christmas: food that sings / Nuts for coconut / A fish called lampuka

October 2019 / Issue 11

SUMMER COLOURS

FMLIFEST YLE.COM

MALTA FASHION AWARDS OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

MAY 2010. ISSUE 1 4 5. FMLIFES T YLE.COM

FEMME MAGAZINE

Winter 2020 / Issue 14

Trying out new recipes? BUY YOUR GROCERIES ONLINE AT

FEM EMME ME MAG MA AZI A NE | NOV AZ N OV ISS S UE 164 | FML FMLIFE IFESTY TYLE. LE COM BUSINESS

Issue 08 July/August 2011

LIFEST YLE

DESIGN

THE FINANCE EDITION ISSUE 69

COVER STORY

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE Alistair Muscat

(1 6)

APRIL 2015

July 2019 / Issue 10

WHAT YOUR HAIR COLOUR SAYS ABOUT YOU

TIFFANY PISANI

WINTER WARMERS

RUFFLES HER FEATHERS

ROCK THE BAROQUE LOOK

BERLIN FASHION WEEK

reasons why you should SHOP on myfood.mt

Easy to use

WIN A CANON FULL HD CAMCORDER

Next day delivery

€3 Voucher when spending €50

Free delivery over €75

€7 Voucher when spending €100

ISSUE 14

ISSUE 11

177

CLEAN TECHNOLOGY / GREEN FINANCE / INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER AUSTIN GATT

The Foodist Elsa Messi p.8 // Endorsing local seafood JD Farrugia p.12 Food Art Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.16 // Oh, dear summer, where have you gone? Trevor Diacono p.45

Normal Delivery Service Charge Monday to Sunday €5.00

1970s: THE DECADE OF FASHION LOVE

0033-CE20 myfood Q4 Campaign September 2020 Ad 265x210.indd 3

09/10/2020 15:41

ISSUE 6 - JULY 2014

ISSUE 3 - OCTOBER 2013

ORACLE TEAM USA CONQUERS AMERICA ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE

SPECIAL MIDDLE SEA RACE FEATURE

CLUB EVENTS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: VOLVO OCEAN RACE TEAMS

NOVEMBER 2010. ISSUE 1 4 9. FMLIFES T Y LE.COM

ALEX THOMSON: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW KAYAKING ADVENTURES

The Foodist Elsa Messi p.10 // Will Malta shine in fine dining? Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.12 A diﬀerent kettle of fish Nicholas Diacono p.18 // Beat the heat Emma Mattei p.24

FEMME MAGAZINE | ISSUE 172 | FMLIFESTYLE.COM

KURT ARRIGO NEW MODEL REVIEWS LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

LOVE TIFFinterview with the

Exclusive Next Top Model winner of Britain’s

OCTOBER 2010. ISSUE 1 4 8. FMLIFES T Y LE.COM

OCTOBER 2007 - ISSUE 125

FM Issue 177 - 1

BACK TO THE 1990s AND THE GUEST WORE...

ISSUE 27 - DEC 11

ISSUE 30 - OCTOBER 12

May 2017

FEMME MAGAZINE | DEC ISSUE 165 | FMLIFESTYLE.COM

Esimit Europa 2 takes line honours ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2012 SPECIAL EDITION

NEW YEAR FASHION RESOLUTIONS HISTORY Sir Francis Chichester INTERVIEW Patrick Pollacco

BUILD

TROUSERS VS SKIRTS

Lupo Di Mare

THIS MONTH'S TOP 10 Yachts and Powerboats

RECYCLING YOUR LOOK CHRISTMAS IN PURPLE

MONSOON ACCESSORIZE CATALOGUE PULLOUT INSIDE

IIG Bank Gozo Race RMSR 2012 in pictures Taking line honours RMSR 2012 the Malta team

Winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race

NOVEMBER 2007 - ISSUE 126

JUNE 2007 - ISSUE 123

ISSUE 31 - DECEMBER 12

May 2018 / Issue 06

ISSUE 8 - MAY 2015

Renzo Grottesi – a sailor’s life // Strawberry Fields / p.20 // Breakfasts From Around The World / p.33 // // Think Outside The Sandwich Box / p.42 // Ditching Plastics / p.49 //

REVIEWS THOMAS MEACHEN RC44 VALLETTA CUP

VOLVO OCEAN RACE BARCELONA WORLD RACE

GETTING A SPRING COMPLEXION

PRINTS AND ACCESSORIES

Chef Zoran Bogdanovski Elsa Messi p.10 // Xmassing Cranberries Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.19 Tongue-In-Stew Nick Diacono p.37 // It takes two to Mango Trevor Diacono p.45

Winter 2019 / Issue 12

April 2016 / Issue 01

ISSUE 9 - AUGUST 2015

ISSUE 2 - AUGUST 2013 BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE | DESIGN

THE CREATIVITY AND DESIGN ISSUE ISSUE 27 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

INTERVIEWS:

HARLEQUIN DESIGN, DUNCAN BONE, NOMAD

ROLEX FASTNET RACE REVIEWS:

SEALINE F530 AND JEANNEAU 54

CITADEL KEELBOAT SPRING SERIES INTERVIEW:

KEN READ VOLVO OCEAN RACE:

A SPECTACULAR FINISH

Make No Misteak Victor Paul Borg p.16 // Starry nights with Vincenzo Guarino Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.20 Feeling Puckish Nick Diacono p.38 // Never Too La[t]te Trevor Diacono p.44

ISSUE 12

Chefs with tattoos / The cocktail hour cometh / Recipes for success

TECHNOLOGY AT SEA MALTA CRUISING CLUB TROPHÉE BAILLI DE SUFFREN LATEST MOTOR BOATS REVIEWED

START-UPS

CONTAGIOUS CAMPAIGNS

July 2016 / Issue 02

MAY 2009 – ISSUE 137

December 2016 / Issue 03

JUNE 2008 - ISSUE 131

OFFICE DESIGN

ISSUE 9 - AUGUST 2015

181

Cheers for cocktails / Summer recipes / Tasting Tokyo / Street Food

JUNE 2016

FEMME MAGAZINE

THE ECO AND IT ISSUE

COOL OFFICE WEAR

FM IS ThE MaLTa FaShIOn awardS OFFICIaL MagazInE Special Cannes review

BEACH FASHION

CITADEL KEELBOAT SPRING SERIES

ROLEX FASTNET RACE

INTERVIEW:

KEN READ

REVIEWS:

SEALINE F530 AND JEANNEAU 54

VOLVO OCEAN RACE:

A SPECTACULAR FINISH

HOLIDAY WARDROBE MAY 2008 - ISSUE 130

JUNE 2006 - ISSUE 115

MAY 2007 - ISSUE 122

October 2019 / Issue 11

SUMMER COLOURS

June 2010. ISSUE 14 6. FMLIFEST Y LE.COM

Maltese flavours in Mexico / Christmas: food that sings / Nuts for coconut / A fish called lampuka

FMLIFESTYLE.COM

MALTA FASHION AWARDS OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

MAY 2010. ISSUE 1 4 5. FMLIFEST Y LE.COM

FEMME MAGAZINE

Winter 2020 / Issue 14

Trying out new recipes? BUY YOUR GROCERIES ONLINE AT

FEM EMME ME MAG MA AZI A NE | NOV AZ N OV ISS S UE 164 | FML FMLIFE IFESTY TYLE. LE COM BUSINESS

Issue 08 July/August 2011

LIFEST YLE

DESIGN

THE FINANCE EDITION ISSUE 69

COVER STORY

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE Alistair Muscat

(1 6)

WINTER WARMERS ROCK THE BAROQUE LOOK

BERLIN FASHION WEEK

reasons why you should SHOP on myfood.mt

Easy to use

WIN A CANON FULL HD CAMCORDER

Next day delivery

€3 Voucher when spending €50

Free delivery over €75

€7 Voucher when spending €100

ISSUE 14

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(1 6)

APRIL 2015

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NEW YEAR FASHION RESOLUTIONS HISTORY Sir Francis Chichester INTERVIEW Patrick Pollacco

BUILD

TROUSERS VS SKIRTS

Lupo Di Mare

THIS MONTH'S TOP 10 Yachts and Powerboats

RECYCLING YOUR LOOK CHRISTMAS IN PURPLE

MONSOON ACCESSORIZE CATALOGUE PULLOUT INSIDE

IIG Bank Gozo Race RMSR 2012 in pictures Taking line honours RMSR 2012 the Malta team

Winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race

NOVEMBER 2007 - ISSUE 126

MALTA FASHION AWARDS OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

SUMMER COLOURS

June 2010. ISSUE 1 4 6. FMLIFES T Y LE.COM

FEMME MAGAZINE

May 2018 / Issue 06

ISSUE 8 - MAY 2015

Renzo Grottesi – a sailor’s life // Strawberry Fields / p.20 // Breakfasts From Around The World / p.33 // // Think Outside The Sandwich Box / p.42 // Ditching Plastics / p.49 //

REVIEWS THOMAS MEACHEN RC44 VALLETTA CUP

VOLVO OCEAN RACE BARCELONA WORLD RACE

GETTING A SPRING COMPLEXION

PRINTS AND ACCESSORIES

Chef Zoran Bogdanovski Elsa Messi p.10 // Xmassing Cranberries Rachel Zammit Cutajar p.19 Tongue-In-Stew Nick Diacono p.37 // It takes two to Mango Trevor Diacono p.45

CONTENTS

Overdevelopment & spatial planning

Surrounded by inspiration

When the ordinary becomes special

Last October, a leading consultancy firm published the findings of their Generate Youth Survey, which found that as many as 70% of our young people would rather have a future away from Malta and Gozo. The survey showed that “overdevelopment” and the linked environmental concern ranked the top issues with Gen-Z and Millenials. The issue of overdevelopment, as a public concern, was raised on many occasions, as Alex Torpiano explains.

16 Three centuries of transformation Presiding over the transformation of Teatru Manoel is chief executive officer Massimo Zammit. In a conversation with Lea Hogg, he shares milestones in the theatre’s history and his plans to reinvigorate the artistic and commercial success of the Grade 1 Listed building.

20 First anniversary of NOUV’s acquisition of Tuning Fork COVER STORY

“Companies are increasingly pursuing niche domains such as sustainability, cybersecurity, human capital and business optimisation and have understood that embracing these principles will make them future-proof,” says James Sammut, partner and chief sustainability officer at NOUV, who is also responsible for Tuning Fork’s strategic direction.

Conflict has only served to enhance and exasperate the importance of national landmarks. In times of duress such as these, they become symbols of national pride and containers of the people’s unity, hope, and perseverance, as Konrad Buhagiar and Erica Giusta from AP Valletta explain. Lyndsey Grima catches up with Stephanie Farrugia and Ritienne Zammit, both local designers, and Tünde Valiszka, a professional photographer, to talk about how their surroundings, particularly local architecture and heritage, impact their creative work.

46 Seeing beyond face value

28 Malta has yet to join the effort of rewilding in Europe Have you heard of rewilding? Victor Paul Borg asks. The concept has become the latest trend in nature conservation, but you hardly hear of it in Malta. In its essence, it means restoring landscapes to their wild, natural state and making the ecosystem intact again.

34 The future of design and urban planning Lyndsey Grima caught up with Ray De Micoli, principal at DeMicoli & Associates, to discuss Malta’s current plan for development, the future of urban planning and how the country can improve to support a more sustainable approach towards design and architecture.

ISSUE 70

Some townhouses and houses of character are being left unconverted, sometimes not even listed on the property catalogue, making the conventional apartments the more attractive go-to-choice in the market. Orlanda Grech examines.

48 Greening the employment market Apart from the positive environmental impact, a green economy is critical to creating new ‘green’ jobs. However, there is no agreed definition of green jobs with different institutions adopting different definitions. JP Fabri explains.

MONEY

CONTENTS

50 The rush towards reaching net-zero The reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is being treated with the highest priority. This new wave of urgency means that businesses will be rushing towards reaching the status of “net-zero” carbon emissions within the coming years. Giorgio Saronne and Daniel Galea explain.

54 The eco-friendly house hunt Professional real estate agent Brian Magri discusses eco-conscious home design and the essential factors to consider when looking for a sustainable place to live in Malta.

56 Inflation: An ache in an unprecedented economic environment Lea produces and hosts a popular

Today central banks are facing a dilemma on how to control the recent spike in inflation. However, as Jordan Portelli examines, a rushed reaction could emerge as an economic detractor rather than an inflation stabiliser.

within the Economics Advisory sub-service

media content, analysis, forecasting and

line at EY Malta.

assessment reporting for a number of

R E N O VAT I O N P.46

international corporates. C U LT U R E P.16

Web Design Trends for 2022

MONEY

E C O N O M Y P.48

media marketeer. When she’s not typing away, you will find her focusing on her training at

Jordan is an economist and CIO / portfolio

the gym.

manager for a local financial services

A R T S P.22 · U R B A N P L A N N I N G P.34

company. E C O N O M Y P.56

Victor is an investigative journalist with more than two million words and

Web design is changing, and 2022 will show us how much those changes are worth for brands. Richard Muscat Azzopardi recommends keeping an eye on trends.

JP is a founding partner at Seed, a multi-disciplinary advisory practice.

Lyndsey is a freelance writer and social

Orlanda is an economist and manager

current affairs TV show. She provides multi

Richard is the CEO of Switch — Digital

hundreds of pictures to his name, in books,

& Brand, a marketing agency that forms

magazines, and newspapers in every corner

part of ICOM, the world’s largest network of

of the world.

independent agencies.

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y P.28

M A R K E T I N G P.58

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

OVERDEVELOPMENT & SPATIAL PLANNING Last October, a leading consultancy firm published the findings of their Generate Youth Survey, which found that as many as 70% of our young people would rather have a future away from Malta and Gozo. The survey showed that “overdevelopment” and the linked environmental concern ranked the top issues with Gen-Z and Millenials. Concern with “overdevelopment” has also been expressed by other groups, including eNGOs, local councils, statutory bodies, and the general public contributing to the printed and social media. A cursory glance at media headlines over the last three years would show that the issue of overdevelopment, as a public concern, was raised on many occasions, as Alex Torpiano explains.

Somewhat against this trend, a partner of a

Development, IDS Working Paper 238, 2004)

a new purpose”, or “the process of building

leading young architectural firm commented,

offers a simple definition of development

houses, stores or offices, especially by a

also last October, that the problem in Malta

as “good change”, or change for the better.

company to make a profit, on an area of land

was not that it was “overdeveloped”, but that it

Development in a global context generally

where there were none before” (Oxford and

was “overbuilt”; and some people commented

implies the eradication of poverty and

Cambridge English dictionaries). Even in these

about whether the distinction between the

hunger. Hence, we refer to “development aid”

definitions, the implied assumption is that the

two terms was a sophism.

or the “Millenium Development Goals”. The

process of conversion of land into building

Cambridge English Dictionary includes the

“to make a profit” is a positive one. It seems,

It can be argued that the use of the term

definition that development is the organised

however, that when such a process reaches

“overdevelopment” is not quite a good term to

increase in the country’s industry and wealth.

certain levels, the impact can be counter-

describe what is currently happening to Malta

And we refer to “developing” countries like

productive. In this context, change can be

and Gozo and that the adoption of this term

those in the process of getting “better”, that

harmful for the worse.

can be used to cloud the discussion.

is, wealthier, healthier, more educated. So, how can, in this context, anybody complain

Unfortunately, the use of the two terms

The word “development” is often used to imply

about overdevelopment. Can one ever have too

is often conflated. This can be observed

evolution, growth, betterment, advancement

much growth, too much betterment, too much

when environmental activists are accused,

especially, but not only in economic terms.

industry, too much prosperity?

generally by politicians, of “being against all development’, implying that such activists

Governments regularly tout development as an action to “improve” and “better”

The term “development” is also used to

do not want growth, do not want more

many of its citizens. Chambers (Ideas for

describe “the process of converting land to

employment, and do not want greater

ISSUE 70

MONEY

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

prosperity for the community. It is, of course,

event, such as a fire, or a hurricane, GDP on

other illnesses), noise, damage to pavements

true that according to some methods of

its own may not correctly measure the impact

and roads (which must be repaired), traffic

measuring “growth”, development – in

on a community. It has also been argued that

disruption (which requires detours, and loss

this case, meaning real estate – directly

issues, which do not have an economic tag

of productive time). In addition, there are

contributes to socio-economic growth or

attached to them, do not register on the GDP

other, more challenging to assess issues, such

advancement. At what stage, then, does it

counter.

as the impact of the loss of views (or loss of solar rights) on specific existing properties,

become overdevelopment? Conversely, when does development become negative? And

The direct contribution of the construction

the potential consequences of oversupply.

when does overdevelopment become a severe

industry to the GDP in Malta has been

Briguglio also mentions the potential for

problem affecting the community?

quantified at anything between 4.2% and 8%

construction to be used as “storage for

The definitions above give us hints about

(Briguglio, 2021); Briguglio points out that even

wealth”, hence opening the door to money-

when building development could be too

at the lower estimate, this represents half a

laundering, tax evasion, etc. Briguglio

much. Much depends on how growth, or

billion-euro produced by the construction

concludes that if we could quantify all this, we

advancement, is measured. The ubiquitous

industry. The indirect contribution, which

might “discover that construction costs this

measure of growth[1], used universally, is

is related to the ancillary activities around

country a lot more than it contributes”.

Gross Development Product, GDP, reflecting

construction, adds another half a billion euro,

economic activity in a region. Since any level

which is not trivial. However, Briguglio points

The truth is that an excessive volume of

of economic activity adds to GDP, irrespective

out that there are negative impacts that are

“conversion of land to a new purpose by

of whether that economic activity is desired,

not quantified when looking at the contribution

constructing buildings” will gradually lead

or beneficial, or even, for example resulting

of the industry, such as air pollution (dust

to less betterment and less prosperity. This

from reconstruction after a catastrophic

and diesel fumes contributing to asthma and

occurs when the betterment or prosperity »

The truth is that an excessive volume of “conversion of land to a new purpose by constructing buildings” will gradually lead to less betterment less prosperity.

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

measurement tools are not evaluated against

by its natural capital, that is, its biodiversity,

are also social considerations. For example,

the negative impacts that may nullify any

including ecosystems that provide essential

the transformation of land into buildings

positive contributions.

goods and services, from fertile soil and

can become “bad” when the benefits of such

multi-functional forests to protective land and

change accrue to individuals instead of to the

Development becomes negative when, for

seas, from good quality fresh water and clean

community, especially when nobody except

example, the take-up of land for “converting

air to pollination and climate regulation and

the community in general experiences the

to a new purpose” impacts agriculture and

protection against natural disasters” [5]. This

negative impacts. In other words, the benefits

food production, or impacts amenity, bio-

approach has also been taken up at the United

go to a small number whilst the disbenefits

diversity, and well-being, or even when it

Nations level, with a new statistical framework

burden everybody else. This can apply to

impacts the aesthetics of the landscape.

that accounts for biodiversity and ecosystems

building projects, as well as to infrastructural

The importance of agriculture and food

in national economic planning and policy

projects.

production to our community is obvious – it

decision-making in a better way – a framework

mitigates our dependence on importation for

that goes beyond the measure of the GDP. The

The inadequacy of GDP has been picked up by

our food requirements. The recent pandemic

EU Commission has expressed its intention to

many in Malta (Justice and Peace Commission,

highlighted the significance of this when

go further in this regard with the revision of

EY Malta) and abroad. The Council of the

several logistic supply routes were shut down

the Regulation on European Environmental-

European Union has adopted the conclusions

An erroneous and dangerous idea of development entitlement by land/property owners has been allowed to evolve – and this continues to hamper proper spatial planning.

or impacted, even temporarily. The same

Economic Accounts, including natural capital

of an OECD Background Paper “The Economy

pandemic also highlighted the critical role

accounting, and its ambition to be a “global

of Well-being” [6], 2019, re-focusing the

that open countryside, as a place of leisure

front-runner” on such accounting.

objective of economic development towards

and relaxation, has for the community of

“People’s Wellbeing”, which encompasses

open countryside. The loss of landscape also

This approach could be of great importance

health, social services, education, training,

impacts the tourism industry.

in Malta in evaluating the impact of building

employment and occupational health and

on virgin land. Hitherto, land value has been

safety, as well as equal opportunities, gender

Can these costs be quantified? The

crudely divided between developable land and

equality and social inclusion. The OECD

Lifescape Project, through its Natural

undeveloped land. This approach permeates,

has proposed a Better Life Index, which

Capital Laboratory[2] set up in Birchfield,

for example, the expropriation of agricultural

comprises eleven facets: housing, income,

in the Scottish Highlands, in 2019, is one

land for infrastructural projects, with the

jobs, community education, environment,

initiative to try to calculate “the worth of

rates of compensation for such land remaining

civic engagement, health, life satisfaction,

nature”, considering factors like air pollution,

unreasonably low. It is as if the land has no

safety, and work-life balance. The UNDP

flooding risk, insect pollination, carbon

value unless transformed into a building. In

has proposed a Human Development Index

sequestration, and other ecosystem services.

simplistic terms, the value of such land is tied

alongside the Gross National Income data.

A natural capital accounting tool has also

to potential direct income from the produce

Individual states have already gone there. For

been developed[3]. The concept is not an

and nothing else. For example, it has been

example, Iceland uses an economic growth

isolated, utopian dream. In 2021, the European

reported that between 2017 and 2020, the

model that adopts 30 criteria for well-being.

Commission published a report “Accounting

equivalent of 250 football pitches (1.83 sq. km)

The Green Gross Domestic Product developed

for ecosystems and their services in the

of areas of soil, garigue, shrubs, trees etc., has

in China monetises environmental damage and

European Union (INCA)” [4] aimed at developing

been lost to “development”. How would the

impact on climate change. Some US states

a pilot for an integrated system of ecosystem

negative value of such loss be reflected in the

have adopted a Genuine Progress Indicator;

accounts for the EU. In fact, the European

GDP?

the United Kingdom, the Thriving Places Index; Bhutan, the Gross National Happiness Index.

Union has acknowledged that its economic prosperity and well-being “is underpinned

Besides environmental cost issues, there

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One of the more exciting models has been

a national or city scale. This outer boundary

How is all this related to Malta and local socio-

developed in the Netherlands, referred to as

would then provide a means of measuring

economic and construction development

Doughnut Economics. In simple terms, this

“overdevelopment” because there is a limit to

and spatial planning? Spatial planning is the

means that instead of “chasing the false goal

development for it to remain positive. The idea

physical framework within which the chosen

of GDP growth”, development is assessed

of perpetual growth is, therefore, a myth – and

socio-economic model can grow. The problem

against two concentric boundaries. The outer

this applies to all economic areas, be it tourism

is that spatial planning has remained stuck at

boundary refers to the ecological ceiling,

or office accommodation. The inner boundary

the level of giving development permission or

which should limit development. In global

refers to the minimum social foundations that

not. There is a mistaken perception within the

terms, this includes things like climate change,

should be ensured for all, such as access to

upper echelons of the Planning Authority that

land-use change, biodiversity loss, ozone

water, adequate income, education, resilience,

if there is “demand”, this will justify supply

depletion, aerosol loading, chemical pollution,

community voice, jobs, access to energy,

(Martin Saliba)[7]. At a political level, there are

ocean acidification, nitrogen and phosphorus

social equity, gender equality, health, and food.

two main drivers for development. The first is

use, freshwater use. The appropriate external

Anything below this boundary would create

the perception that the relaxation of planning

ecological boundary must be developed at

“poverty”, in some form or other.

parameters will encourage more building and drive the economy. Therefore, encouraging the issuance of building permits is seen as encouraging GDP and hence economic well-being. Not giving permits or creating “bureaucratic” hurdles (as developers have described planning rules) is seen as against development. The second driver is the belief that one must do whatever one can for one’s constituent, even if this is not necessarily beneficial to the whole community. An erroneous and dangerous idea of development entitlement by land/property owners has been allowed to evolve – and this continues to hamper proper spatial planning. As can be seen from the above, there is, sadly, a very simplistic view of the importance and meaning of spatial development. The many eNGOs and civic entities, as well as members of the public, who have complained of “overdevelopment”, are saying that our socioeconomic, and hence, spatial planning model, is short-sighted, focuses on short-term, and is hence wrong and unsustainable if the objective is to have a better quality of life for everybody now and for future generations. [1] Lino Briguglio, The unquantifiable cost of construction to our society, MaltaToday, 13th October 2021 [2] aecom.com/uk/natural-capital-laboratory [3] planengageuk.alytics.com/aecom-ncl-digitalnatcap/home [4] ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/productsstatistical-reports/-/ks-ft-20-002 [5] ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/capital_ accounting/index_en.html [6] data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/documents/ST10414-2019-ADD-1/en/pdf [7] We have to accept that Malta is moving into a modern era: PA Chief, interview with Martin Saliba by Fiona Galea Debono, Times of Malta, 23rd May 2021

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THREE CENTURIES OF TRANSFORMATION Presiding over the transformation of Teatru Manoel is chief executive officer Massimo Zammit. In a conversation with Lea Hogg, he shares milestones in the theatre’s history and his plans to reinvigorate the artistic and commercial success of the Grade 1 Listed building.

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Commissioned over 290 years ago by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, the ‘Manoel’, as it is affectionately known, is located on Old Theatre Street (Triq it-Teatru l-Antik) in Valletta. Reputed to be the third-oldest working theatre in Europe, it is also the oldest operational theatre in the Commonwealth of Nations. Today, Teatru Manoel is considered one of the World’s top 15 most beautiful theatres, an accolade shared with architectural icons such as London’s Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tokyo’s National Noh Theatre and the State Theatre Sydney. Designed by Romano Carapecchia, Francesco Zerafa and Antonio Azzopardi built the theatre in only ten months by incorporating three houses together. Behind Carapecchia’s unprepossessing façade was a semicircular auditorium with an illuminated parterre surrounded by three tiers of boxes constructed entirely of wood decorated with gold leaf and a pale blue Trompe-œil ceiling that resembles a round cupola. Originally called the Teatro Pubblico, it was changed to Teatro Reale (‘Theatre Royal’) in

that provide a window into the theatre’s development.

1812 and renamed Teatru Manoel in 1866.

In 2006 the ceiling’s restoration was inaugurated, and subsequently, the foyer was enlarged by annexing the

Teatru Publica, as it was then known, was altered

adjacent Palazzo Bonnici to house a bar and restaurant.

extensively in 1783 and again in 1812 when it was enlarged and remodelled to modify the auditorium to today’s oval

Importantly, two water reservoirs were installed beneath

shape. Another storey was added to include a gallery, a

the floor in further renovations that significantly improved

proscenium and eight more boxes. However, when the

the acoustic environment. This resulted in acoustics so

Royal Opera House opened in 1866, the theatre fell into

defined that it was reported that the audience could hear

disrepair and at times served as a dosshouse for the

the conductor turning the pages of the score throughout

homeless who rented out the stalls for a few pennies a

the auditorium. More contentious was the restoration of

night. It enjoyed a brief revival in the 1900s, being used for

the façade, which was completed in 2017. Changes were

occasional Carnival Balls but then operated as a cinema

also proposed to the original frontage that incorporated a

for two decades. In 1923, it was the venue for the first

doorway surmounted by a stone balustraded open balcony,

public performance of the National Anthem, and in 1925

supported by three heavy scroll corbels designed in

it was added to the Antiquities list, only to close again

Valletta’s Mannerist style.

during World War II when the theatre served as emergency accommodation for victims of the German bombardment.

Being Malta’s national theatre, any proposed restoration of The Manoel attracts scrutiny from MASP and the

Expropriated by the government in 1956, a restoration

broader architecture and theatre community. Thus, the

was completed in 1960. Further restoration attempts in

rejuvenation project was approached in stages. The latest

the 1970s drew much criticism as a balcony was removed,

is an inspired and sympathetic restoration that is nearing

and the reinforcement of old stone with new masonry was

completion. Given the sensitivity needed to modernise

deemed to have changed the character of the building.

the facility while preserving its architectural integrity

In 2003/04 the auditorium was restored by a team of

and adhering to strict building regulations, recently

Sante Guido Restauro e Conservazione di Opere d’Arte.

appointed CEO Massimo Zammit’s ability to manage a

The proscenium arch and the boxes it incorporates were

multi-disciplinary team proved essential. Experienced

renovated, and, in the process, paintings were discovered

in overseeing large, complex, cross-functional projects, Massimo was ideally qualified to navigate through the

By acknowledging and embracing differences, Teatru Manoel fosters inclusion and diversity. MONEY

often-disparate objectives of public and private sector stakeholders. The result is a project that enhances the audience experience and improves access and sightlines. The most recent phase of transformation was completed under the auspices of the European Union. The Perspective Association of Historic Theatres of Europe engaged Sound Space Vision (SSV) in collaboration with the multi-awardwinning Maltese firm AP Valletta. Their projects include »

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the Central Library, St Gilles Museum, Barrakka Lift and

includes several innovative, high-quality artistic

the Valletta Waterfront. AP’s work on the façade and

productions and concerts. These events will attract people

hybrid climate control system has been nominated in the

from different walks of life, some of whom might not have

restoration category of the MASP Awards.

attended a theatre performance before. As a theatre, we hope that people can connect with the variety offered and

SSV considered several options to address the rake of the

join our family of regular patrons.”

seating to improve the poor sightlines to the flat stage, ultimately deciding on a moderate, three-part parabolic

The theatre’s importance and place in Maltese society are

slope. The solution enhanced the audience’s view of the

evident by the broad spectrum of organisations that have

stage and improved access for patrons with mobility

provided sponsorship, including Phoenicia Hotel, FIMBank,

difficulties. In addition, a sophisticated acclimatisation

Mediterranean Bank, Attard & Co, and Is-Suq Tal-Belt. in

system designed to keep the temperature in the auditorium

addition to renting accommodation in an adjacent facility,

comfortable whilst preserving the historic decorative

theatre tours, costume hire, balls and events all accrue

woodwork was incorporated. By reconfiguring the layout

funds for the theatre. Besides renting accommodation

to eliminate the centre aisle, SSV provided more cohesive

in an adjoining facility, theatre tours, costume hire, balls

and intimate stalls seating. Parterre boxes were restored,

and events all accrue funds for the theatre. Massimo

accessibility improved, and a lighting control desk was

continues to pursue support and other appropriate revenue

incorporated.

generation opportunities.

New Baroque-inspired seating was installed before the

The venue is also no stranger to film and video productions.

theatre’s 2018/19 season, forming part of Valletta’s

The New Victorians (Maltese exponents of electronic music)

European Capital of Culture and January 2019’s Baroque

chose the Manoel for their video, produced and directed by

Festival. The seating by France’s Quinette Gallay,

V Squared Media and filmed entirely within Teatru Manoel.

sponsored by Malta Airports, allows the rows to become

It gave audiences a preview of the show while letting them

benches increasing capacity by 18 for more popular

into areas of the building that they may not have seen

performances. The unique design of this seating facilitates

before. The band is quoted as stating, “Our wish for this

their removal and storage for standing audiences or to

project is to bring contemporary Maltese electronic music

transform the space into a ballroom. In addition, the

to the theatre. To encourage our music fans to approach

stage floor has been restored, and new curtains have

the theatre. To celebrate a historic gem like the Manoel in a

been hung. Finally, audiences and visitors can admire the Murano glass chandelier and sconces in the Rezzonico style that completes the scene. Ambitious additional works involve refurbishment of the Priory of Navarre building, enlargement of the booking office, an exhibition area for costume and theatre artefact displays, a cafeteria, toilet facilities, an extension of the Maria Ghirlando Hall and the installation of an elevator to improve access. “The structural and restoration works at Teatru Manoel

The goal is to increase the use of digital tools and cross-sectoral collaborations.

are an important venture to preserve and sustain Malta’s national theatre not just for artists today but also for the future artistic and cultural community,” explains Massimo Zammit. Few would argue that preserving a facility with rich provenance and architectural significance is the government’s responsibility. But is this small 623 seat venue and its performances worthy of continued investment and subsidies? Zammit is adamant that it is, stating that “Teatru Manoel has a public policy objective to fulfil. Primarily to serve as a platform for creativity, provide more opportunities to producers and artists as well as to increase its presence, in order magnify the impact it can have on our society”. Mr Zammit observes that “by acknowledging and embracing differences, Teatru Manoel fosters inclusion and diversity. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in its artistic programme. This year’s programme

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Massimo believes that “there is only so much adapting Teatru Manoel can do. Watching something on your screen cannot compare to live theatre”. However, a recent study explored the extent to which English theatres lost audiences to Live-to-Digital productions. The study reported that “many theatres experienced positive effects from Live-to-Digital work, including re-energised audiences who can now access theatre content, a more comprehensive range of productions on offer, and a ‘halo effect’ increased interest in their live repertoire.” Most theatres in the analysis agreed that Live-to-Digital work did not displace audiences. When asked what benefits Live-to-Digital productions have brought their organisations, nearly three quarters cite new audiences, followed by new partnerships and stronger brand identity. While Massimo concurs that “Online streaming bridged the gap created by the pandemic”, he believes that modern way that can be understood by all,” demonstrating

“the atmosphere of the ‘in-theatre’ feeling cannot be

how the theatre resonates with all demographics.

transmitted to the audience through online streaming”. He

Regrettably, the duo’s plan to collaborate on a show with

contends that this can only be appropriately experienced

Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre and an international cast was

by being present in the theatre. Massimo adds, however,

a victim of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

that Teatru Manoel is considering digital up-skilling and reviewing its business plan to focus on pricing and service

The pandemic profoundly impacted the arts worldwide,

offerings that better reflect consumer demand and

with the sector experiencing disruptions to performances

promote customer retention.

and revenues. Cultural organisations are re-thinking audience engagement through digital approaches adapting

Regarding plans to make the theatre more accessible

to the unique circumstances by adopting new ways of

and relevant to the public, Massimo speaks about his

working with their audiences. Although restrictions are

commitment to produce professional-quality artistic

being eased, many uncertainties remain. Therefore,

productions and deliver high-quality classes and

looking to the coming months, COVID-19 safety, due to the

workshops. He says that Teatru Manoel must remain the

directives by the Ministry of Health, will still play a pivotal

foremost centre and valued platform for artists in Malta.

role. Massimo says that he is constantly discussing the

Teatru Manoel strives to provide directors, writers, actors,

changing situation with his team. Together, they work to

and designers with the appropriate platform to unleash

find the best solution to ensure that the theatre keeps up

their creative potential and further explore their talents.

its operation and continues to put on the best possible

He adds that he is developing plans to reach audiences

theatrical productions whilst ensuring the safety of

in alternative manners. The goal is to increase the use

employees, artists, and audiences alike.

of digital tools and cross-sectoral collaborations. For example, Teatru Manoel presently collaborates on an educational programme for students with the Ministry for Education. Discussing Manoel’s financial viability, Massimo acknowledges that it is not feasible to stage performances where a material operational loss is projected. An upside of the lockdown was that the tight budgets led to more minor production scales and a reduced cost structure focusing on performances that will generate near-capacity ticket sales to ensure break-even. For the foreseeable future, government subsidies will continue to play an essential role in the financing structure. In addition, a 290-year-old building requires high maintenance costs. Accordingly, Massimo continues to explore sponsorship opportunities and the creation of innovative revenue streams to ensure Teatru Manoel will continue to thrill audiences and visitors for decades to come.

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FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF NOUV’S ACQUISITION OF TUNING FORK “Companies are increasingly pursuing niche domains such as sustainability, cybersecurity, human capital and business optimisation and have understood that embracing these principles will make them future-proof,” says James Sammut, partner and chief sustainability officer at NOUV, who is also responsible for Tuning Fork’s strategic direction.

A year ago, professional services company NOUV acquired Tuning Fork, a business advisory firm specialising in business process optimisation, cyber resilience, sustainability, and risk. “It was a leap of faith for both companies because we wanted to give both our firms a unique position in the market, but the expectations were not only met, but we achieved more than we ever expected,” says James Sammut. Besides Tuning Fork, NOUV also incorporates 36N Capital and GetGovernanz. Today, it offers a complete portfolio of management and financial advisory services coupled with a range of business support services. “Now, through Tuning Fork, NOUV can now offer different skill sets beyond the traditional CPA-related services. From a cultural point of view, both firms were already very attuned, and we both knew that this synergy would give us a broader client base and more diverse competencies. I was convinced this would be a renaissance for both NOUV and Tuning Fork,” he added. The merger meant that within a year, NOUV almost doubled in size. Today, the headcount is 50, and another eight new employees are about to be on board, four of which will join Tuning Fork. “From an operations point of view, both firms have already successfully centralised and consolidated the administration, finance and marketing functions. We share common values and beliefs, and our next objective now is to grow sustainably, grounded on these solid values, guiding policies and robust systems,” said James.

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Synergies have led to new achievements. In fact, as ESG increasingly

training programs, or learning and development programs,” added

dominates the agenda, NOUV’s acquisition of Tuning Fork reflected its

James Sammut.

direction to become an ESG specialist company. Besides a focus on niche areas such as food safety for catering “Today, with Tuning Fork on board, NOUV is positioned to offer

establishments, food processors and importers, and penetration

medium to large-sized companies a one-stop-shop solution,

testing in cybersecurity, Tuning Fork’s Transformation pillar has been

combining technical and business development abilities to fine-tune

augmented with appropriate leadership and resources targeting

certain services such as business transformation, cyber security

change management projects and programmes for private and

and resilience, and ESG. In addition, tuning Fork’s competence in

government entities.

Companies become future proof when they embrace change.

environmental management, sustainability, and social accountability

James Sammut noted how 2021, with all its implications, still brought

goes back to its roots in 2001,” explains James.

several success stories for the firm. “Over the past eight months, we have been assisting a local multinational medical device manufacturer

“Our capability and experience have put us at the forefront of ESG,

in all its environmental and sustainability services, leading it to

and our home-grown team of qualified and passionate experts support

certification in international standards with our support being lauded

local blue-chip, corporate and SMEs in environmental, health and

and approved by the Senior EHS Director in Singapore.”

safety as well as social aspects. We do not just compile reports, but we present and implement solutions and strategic changes that enhance

“Moreover, Tuning Fork and our governance arm Getgovernanz are now

their systems.”

working more closely together with a local authority, assisting it in its transformation strategy to help it embrace a project management

James Sammut explained how besides its standard portfolio of

approach.

services, Tuning Fork recently started offering new services, namely in ESG, PCI/DSS, SWIFT assessments and online learning. “We firmly

“Tuning Fork has also been commissioned by the European

believe in the ethical reporting of non-financial performance to create

Commission’s representative office in Malta to establish environmental

value that is essentially a product of economic, environmental and

legal requirements and ensure its compliance obligations together with

social efforts. Our ESG advisory focuses on the strategy creation,

another commissioned project by a local Circular Economy authority

execution, reporting and verification of Environmental, Social and

to implement an integrated management system covering Quality and

Governance elements within any business. It is a win-win situation for

Environment in line with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.”

businesses, communities and ultimately for our environment,” he said. “The beauty in all that we are doing lies in how companies are opening Tuning Fork also opened a cybersecurity arm to provide assessments in

up to our non-traditional advice. The acquisition has translated into

SWIFT for financial institutions and service providers offering services

more positive exposure to both NOUV and Tuning Fork, which has led to

to organisations that make use of SWIFT services. It also offers PCI DSS

more business opportunities.”

audits for financial institutions, software developers, card issuers/ providers and data centres having electronic money transactions that

“It is evident that companies are increasingly pursuing niche domains

include cardholder data processing.

such as sustainability, cybersecurity, human capital and business optimisation to step up their performance and image. They have

“And this month, we also launching our online Learning Management

understood that embracing these principles and adapting to change

System to allow easy remote learning on controlled administration,

will establish them into future-proof organisations,” concluded

tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational courses,

James Sammut.

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SURROUNDED BY INSPIRATION Lyndsey Grima catches up with Stephanie Farrugia and Ritienne Zammit, both local designers, and Tünde Valiszka, a professional photographer, to talk about how their surroundings, particularly local architecture and heritage, impact their creative work. »

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ARTS

Talk to any creative you know. Almost all will tell you that their surroundings leave a mark on their designs more often than not. When you are surrounded by the intricate Maltese architecture, serene Mediterranean atmosphere, and baroque heritage – it’s no wonder that both local and foreign creatives include Malta in their works of art. Stephanie Farrugia is the founder and

Tell us about the beginning of your journey

RZ: I graduated with a BA Hons in Design

designer behind the brand ‘SEFFARRUĠIA’,

as a creative.

back in 2010, and I was also awarded the most outstanding student of the year. Back

established in 2012. Her journey started right after her graduation in 2011 when her peers

SF: I graduated in the UK. My background is

in college, I was always experimenting with

suggested reproducing a set of silk scarves

in Fashion Design, more specifically Textiles

creating new fabrics and clothes using various

that were part of her graduate collection.

which is also a significant part of what we

materials. So you can say that experimenting

From then onwards, she never looked back.

focus on as a brand at ‘SEFFARRUĠIA’. At

is in my nature!

present, we mainly work with printed textiles Ritienne Zammit is a local fashion designer

that are hand-drawn and then get digitally

TV: I did a BA in Journalism and Media and

who loves exploring and experimenting with

printed onto various fine fabrics. We also cater

an MSc in Marketing. I worked in the creative

different materials and fabrics. She holds the

for bridal attire services and private orders

aspects of marketing for ten years back in

Maltese identity, traditions, and language

ranging from soft furnishings and corporate

London, mainly in corporate fields from real

close to her heart, which is vivid in her

uniforms accessories to bespoke garments to

estate to artificial intelligence. I specialised

designs. In 2013, she was awarded ‘Best New

more creative projects/collaborations.

in creating written and visual content for

Designer’ during the Malta Fashion Awards.

As a brand, we strive to constantly reinvent

brands, individuals, businesses, entrepreneurs

In collaboration with Malta Fashion Week, she

ourselves with every collection we create,

and other artists for improving their online

has also participated several times during

always offering something more enticing than

presence. My Instagram started as an

Serbia Fashion Week.

the last. We happily work at a slow pace and are

experiment for my master’s degree, where

not interested in fast fashion.

I was experimenting with different types of content for social media. First, I aimed to

Tünde Valiszka was born and raised in Hungary, moved to London when she was

In 2018, I opened a studio/shop space in Rabat

measure engagement by visualising stories,

just 21 years old and found herself moving to

(Malta). Every accessory/product we produce

then it became my full time and grew into my

Malta two years ago. Tünde describes herself

is Limited Edition, and therefore we do not

own business.

as a street photographer and emphasises

focus on quantity but instead on quality.

that photography chose her and not the

Everything gets made in our studio just next

I have always been a street photographer,

other way around.

to the shop.

which is majorly different to the so-

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me. It pushed me to gain more knowledge and

RZ: I love the fact that I must be creative all

further my interest and appreciation towards

the time. Creativity is an emotion, and I cannot

the creative industries.

explain the feeling that it gives me. I also love working with loads of different people, creative

RZ: Yes, from a very young age, it was always

and artists. Being a fashion designer gives you

a great passion to design clothing and create

the ability to make a design on paper come to

dresses with paper and fabric remaining.

life.

The feeling of creating something new and different was always a factor that motivated

TV: What fascinates and challenges me

me.

the most is capturing an urban space like it was never seen before. I always say to my

TV: Yes, always. At the age of 8, I wanted to

students, if you want to improve your sense

become a writer in New York. I then became

of composition, pick a famous landmark, and

a published writer in London by the age

take a photo of it as it has never been seen

of 25. I went to drama school and studied

before. Go to the Pyramids in Egypt and take

music, drawing, painting and theatre. The

a photo with a twist. But what I love the most

first time I held a camera, I was four years

is being able to find so-called coincidences on

old. My mum was a hobbyist photographer. I

the streets. You have a nanosecond to capture

spent an endless amount of time with her in

a moment that happens once in a lifetime. To

called professionals. However, I became a

our darkroom, developing images. During my

capture a moment like this, you need to be in

professional around five years ago, when

BA, I was interning for a culture and lifestyle

line with your environment.

mainly solo female travellers started

magazine. I was writing live music reviews and

contacting me as they were interested in my

interviewing musicians. Due to lack of budget,

Do your surroundings and lifestyle leave a

very edgy night street portrait style.

I had to deliver images of the concerts, and »

mark on your designs?

Then I started teaching photography in London

my photos always turned out to be better than

around four years ago when Wex Photo and

my writings.

SF: Without a question! My lifestyle revolves very much around my work, so it is an

Video contacted me to run street photography masterclasses. I remember once I received a

What do you love about being a fashion

message from Theresa May’s photographer,

designer/photographer?

inescapable fact. RZ: Yes, always. My surroundings and lifestyle

asking for a one-on-one street photography SF: Being a textile/fashion designer makes

help to create a style for my designs. It

you view life differently. Some may say that

manages to give an identity and a certain

Were you always interested in the art of

perhaps ‘designers’ view life through rose

distinctiveness to the work that I create. »

creating?

coloured glasses, as we tend to have to come

session with me.

up with beautiful things daily. After all, that SF: Yes, it somehow seemed always to be a

is what the job requests. However, without

part of me. It is the path that I have always

forgetting the daily struggles too, which

followed through the years. However, having

are many, I would say I love the variety of

family members such as my mother, who has

experiences it brings to my life. It gives me

worked as a seamstress, my uncle as a tailor,

great satisfaction to start from nothing, then

and my family in the retail/import business and

develop a sketch of an idea, overcome the

timber factories have significantly influenced

hurdles and see it come alive and worn.

It gives me great satisfaction to start from nothing, then develop a sketch of an idea, overcome the hurdles and see it come alive and worn. — Stephanie Farrugia MONEY

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My surroundings and lifestyle help to create a style for my designs. It manages to give an identity and a certain distinctiveness to the work that I create. — Ritienne Zammit TV: Yes. I am a globetrotter myself, travelling

Another fascinating feature is our Maltese

the world alone. I live for experiences, and I

language based on Latinised old Arabic and

don’t have much interest in material items.

descended from the Siculo-Arabic and its

I love different cultures, trying new cuisines

morphology with the romantic languages.

and adrenaline-pumping experiences. I love

These and many other facts make us

visiting chaotic places such as Havana in

distinctive, and our culture gives me so much

photographing Maltese women especially; they

Cuba, any part of India or Kathmandu in Nepal.

pleasure and inspiration.

are stunning with very characteristic facial features, and I love working with them. Living

Travelling the world alone has enormously impacted my constantly evolving visual

TV: When I moved here two years ago, I said:

here helped me grow as an artist. I always try

culture.

‘whatever Cuba was to Hemingway, that’s what

to follow my advice: take a photo of an urban

Malta will be to me’. Valletta even reminds me

place or a famous landmark in a way that was

Malta and its history and architecture are

of Havana. I love the architecture here, the

never seen before.

highly featured in your work. What’s so

fantastic views, the colour of the sea, and the

special about our islands’ cultural aspect?

kindness of Maltese people. I love this island to pieces; very easy on the eyes. I find the art

SF: I believe that the environment that you

scene interesting, the small, hidden coffee

grow up in, reside and experience daily has no

shops, arty cinemas, museums, churches and

way of escaping you whether you like it or not.

I always visit exhibitions of local artists. I love

Also, it would be a great shame not using what is around me since there is so much that I can be influenced by, work with and develop. Overall, although I often create subtle references to Malta’s heritage or its influences, you will find it featured in one way or another in the work I create, but rarely directly. I find it much more interesting that way, as one has to question it and not have it ready and explained right away. I notice that when an idea is presented literally, people tend never to question anything or get genuinely interested, so they stop at its surface. RZ: So, if we start going deep, we notice that our islands are rich in history. These islands and this nation have seen many colonies making Malta their place to stay. We have many traditions that we adopted or lost over time. These influences and motifs are still visible in our heritage and architecture.

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Is there anything in particular when it

we have not been safeguarding enough, and

RZ: There isn’t any such piece that symbolises

comes to Malta’ architecture that you hold

we risk losing the little we have left. By losing

Ritienne Zammit. All the collections have their

close to your heart?

such heritage, we will automatically lose

own story and character, presented in ready-

its cultural value too. Being raised in one of

to-wear clothing and style.

SF: I do love the fact that you can spot the

Malta’s oldest villages, ‘Haz-Zebbug’, I feel that

juxtaposition of different periods through our

the old farmhouses that used to be scattered

TV: It is hard to answer. Like other artists

history by looking solely at the architecture

around and the few that remain tell tales that

have periods, I am not any different. My work

around our islands. Sadly, this is something

we can never get back once lost. They hold a

is constantly evolving, and my artistic views

lot more than we care to value as a nation.

manifest differently. I would say the photo of the Banksy Tunnel I took in 2019 is my

RZ: On these islands, you can find many

most famous photograph. It went viral on

elements of architecture from all the nations

the internet, and my name is often linked to

that have colonised the islands, from

Banksy. It represents everything I love about

prehistoric until the neo-classical used during

photography, an image of an urban space

the British Empire. One of the most unique

taken from a low-light puddle capturing

and fascinating living proofs of architecture is

cultural heritage.

Valletta, where we can still breathe history, art and identity. TV: In short, everything. It is such a unique place. I would say, as unique as The Maldives, or Cuba, in a very different way. The architecture is aesthetically very pleasing, and it might be a cliché to say, but I love the balconies and the quirky little streets. I cannot pick one specific building or street. I love every area of the island for different reasons. But if I had to choose, I would go for the neogothic Addolorata Chapel. That building is genuinely fascinating. What do you feel is the piece that embodies you the most? SF: More than a specific piece, I feel it is the process of it all that embodies me the most. When I am creating or developing something new, I feel most myself. It could be a print, a product or the trajectory it takes from start to finish.

I would say the photo of the Banksy Tunnel I took in 2019 is my most famous photograph. It went viral on the internet, and my name is often linked to Banksy. — Tünde Valiszka MONEY

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MALTA HAS YET TO JOIN THE EFFORT OF REWILDING IN EUROPE Have you heard of rewilding? Victor Paul Borg asks. The concept has become the latest trend in nature conservation, but you hardly hear of it in Malta. In its essence, it means restoring landscapes to their wild, natural state and making the ecosystem intact again.

European bison has become symbol of rewilding in Europe

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The trend or dynamic of rewilding within

landscapes relatively healthy to start

a scatter of nature reserves connected by

Europe has become most closely associated

with. I am talking about places such as

wildlife corridors, a setup that has given

with the reintroduction or expansion of

the Southern Carpathians Romania, the

species the space to rebound numbers not

ancient species such as wolves, bears, bison

Danube River delta that straddles Romania

seen for decades. As a result, the mountains

and vultures that had virtually disappeared.

and Ukraine and Moldova, the Rhodope

are now strongholds of large, visible species

For example, the bison in eastern Europe has

Mountains in Bulgaria, the Affric Highlands

such as wolves, bears, deers, vultures and

become a symbol of – and face to – rewilding.

in Scotland, and the Swedish Lapland in

eagles.

And grey wolves have now returned to large

Sweden. Wildlife or biological corridors are an

swathes of Europe not seen in a hundred But some landscapes that are being restored

essential component in rewilding. It’s

to their former glory are close to urban

what connects pockets of habitats into

The large pockets of landscapes rewilded

conurbations. One of those, the Central

larger webs of primeval landscapes. These

in Europe are at the continent’s periphery,

Apennines in Italy, is only 90 minutes drive

corridors, which are created by restoring the

where the population is sparse and the

from Rome. The mountains now consist of

landscape of old, whether it’s a waterway or

years.

forest or meadow, give species the possibility to roam throughout the more extensive range. This bolsters species’ numbers and genetic diversity, creating more significant, contiguous landscapes. In Malta, rewilding is in its infancy. However, the NGO Nature Trust calls its efforts at Wied Ghollieqa, the valley between San Gwann and the university, as rewilding. It certainly has a component of rewilding: through planting trees and restoring the watercourse, the NGO has transformed the valley into a woodland reminiscent of ancient landscapes in Malta. Yet the area is self-limited because it is small and isolated – built-up areas surround it, making it a pocket habitat. Rewilding has also been happening in

Trees in Buskett garden were planted but then became self-generating and Malta’s only self-sustaining woodland

Comino, at the valley west of the abandoned pig farm called Wied L-Ahmar. But, again, rewilding is partly passive and partly »

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Passive rewilding as fields are reclaimed by nature

human-induced. The NGO Birdlife Malta has been planting a scatter of trees, and nature has been doing the rest. Even a dirt road that used to lead to the pig farm has now largely been reclaimed by large shrubs that have spread naturally. Elsewhere in Comino, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has triggered a rewilding effort by planting trees in some parts of the island and attempting to restore

Rewilding is partly passive and partly human-induced.

the brackish swampland at the back of Santa Marija Bay. A campsite had degraded this, but ERA roped off the area and dug a small pond to start the natural reclamation process. However, more needs to be done to make the effort indeed a rewilding project, including the reintroduction of species that have been lost. Prominent examples include the wild rabbit population, barn owl, and perhaps other species like short-eared owl and kestrel. There are other opportunities for rewilding in Malta and substantial EU funds up for the taking. For example, the EU allocates tens of millions of euros every five-year cycle. The body in charge of distributing these funds within Malta, the Managing Authority, has in the past cycle allocated most of the funds to measures concerned with enhancing and protecting biodiversity as well as enhancing rural output or agriculture. In reality, however, the government gave

Garigue habitat remains lush in a few spots throughout islands

Transport Malta the largest allocation of

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funds to lay concrete on country roads (€9 million) and the Gozo Ministry to dredge valleys and build faux rubble walls (€10 million). In addition, another €2.2 million

Trees in Buskett garden were planted but then became self-generating and Malta’s only self-sustaining woodland

were allocated to the Gozo Ministry to “restore rubble walls” in Ramla Valley. cement poured as an infill to give it the

species to move along valleys, valleys have

But instead of restoring rubble walls, the

appearance of rubble walls. As a result, the

become rather bare. The Agriculture Ministry

Gozo Ministry had promised in a method

valley turned into a bald and muddy water

has now come up with a plan to revitalise

statement to keep the same footprint

channel and destroyed a few chaste tree

marginal agricultural land by paying farmers

and use only rubble without cement, the

specimens. These trees are rare in Malta and

to plant fruit trees. Will this scheme be

contractor dredged the valley with heavy

are primarily found in Gozo in four valleys,

taken up? Fruit trees require regular care

machinery, shaved the sides of the valley

including Ramla Valley.

and maintenance, and not many people are willing to put in the effort and the hours.

and started laying a thick wall of blocks of globigerina limestone. Then this wall

This represents a lost opportunity. Instead of

was cladded with rubble stones, with

rewilding valleys and creating corridors for

It would have more sense to pay landowners to plant any type of trees, including fruit trees. That would lead not only to resuscitation of abandoned land but also to a landscape on slopes that the late ornithologist Joe Sultana considered optimal: grassy meadows interspersed by thickets of the trees, the trees like a scatter of islands or natural corridor. This would be a form of rewilding or restoration of landscapes. But, institutional support is lacking. Instead, the Environment Ministry seems more interested in small, token initiatives, such as distributing annual garden flowering plants seeds. And it is still more focused on gardens, family parks, and other such things that put artificial

Construction rubble deposited on valley to sift out stones for building walls damaged valley

structures in rural areas rather than restore landscapes to a wilder, less humanimpacted state.

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THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON RECRUITMENT Lorna Cassar, HR and office manager at M Recruitment, speaks to Lyndsey Grima to tell us more about its philosophy, recent changes, and how COVID-19 challenged the company and strengthened it in more ways than one.

Over the past two years, the pandemic

driver was the extensive client network we

challenged various industries and changed

built and our clients’ diverse industries. So, it

the world of work, particularly recruitment

was pretty easy to be approached and asked to

and hiring. As a result, recruitment agencies

fulfil positions other than catering ones.

faced the harsh reality of finding innovative methods to do their job. From Zoom interviews

Apart from being a recruitment agency, the

to onboarding new employees remotely,

company also offers consultancy services.

these are just some of the challenges that

Tell us more about this service.

M Recruitment Agency was recently faced with. For the last four years, M Recruitment

It is essential to point out that we offer two

has supplied labour for the hospitality and

recruitment services. The first service is

the catering industry. Still, their portfolio has

subcontracted, whereby the employee is on

grown to include various other industries and

our books, meaning the agency pays them and

categories in Malta and the United Kingdom.

covers any leave. The working permit is also registered with us. Some of our subcontracted

Tell us about M Recruitment’s philosophy.

positions include online casino dealers, spa therapists, F&B servers, bartenders, baristas,

When it comes to employees, our philosophy

chefs (including specialised roles such as

is to change people’s lives – we give people a

pastry and sushi chefs) and live-in carers. the main struggle was with the lockdown and

chance, a chance to prove themselves, to gain experience, to make connections, and most

The other service is direct recruitment. In this

lack of covers for restaurants. However, there

importantly, to grow. When it comes to clients,

instance, we interview the candidate, and if

was also the struggle to survive as a business.

we have very high standards – we mainly

we see that they fit the criteria, we pass on the

If you could not function with online meetings

recruit specialist staff from locations such as

details to the client. Once the client interviews

and virtual communication, you were pretty

Dubai and Qatar, where service standards are

and approves the candidate, the candidate will

much done as a business organisation. It

supreme. We also follow up regularly to ensure

be transferred to the client. For work permit

took fierce commitment to making it work as

our employees and clients are satisfied.

applications, we also offer a B2B service called

a business – and every team member’s input

‘Permit Hub’. We have set up this service to

mattered. We constantly adapted to client

Recently, you decided to widen your

facilitate work permit applications for business

requirements – and tried to anticipate their

horizons to offer recruitment services

entities requiring our assistance and guidance

needs. We remained positive throughout as

outside of the hospitality industry.

in the work permit application process.

we knew at some point it would subside, as with every pandemic, and I believe that is what

Why is that? The COVID-19 pandemic saw a lot of There were two main drivers. First, the

industries struggle, including recruitment.

situation with COVID-19 had us thinking

So, what impact has the pandemic crisis had

outside the box and outside of our comfort

on the recruitment sector?

drove us forward. How did you overcome such struggles? We remained focused and positive – as bad

zone - with the restrictions and lockdown earlier last year, we had to think laterally, i.e.,

As an agency, the biggest struggle was the

as the situation was, we knew it would not

we had to tap into other industries and not

uncertainty that our clients faced – not just in

last forever, it couldn’t. We also have 200

just food, service and hospitality. The second

hospitality, where it was pretty obvious what

subcontracted staff placed with different

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The right candidate matters.

What distinguishes M Recruitment from other recruitment agencies? Our unique selling point is our commitment to clients, providing an ongoing service. Since

for the first time to try and find employees

the entire recruitment process – from sourcing

we offer subcontracted services to clients and

both locally and internationally, I think that

and screening candidates to the interview

provide full employment services to our staff,

trust in agencies will increase overall. Lastly, I

stage to the final onboarding with the client.

we don’t just depend on direct recruitment,

think employers will now be more open, if not

We offer a 360 approach as we also assist our

which sets us apart from our competitors.

adamant, on sourcing and employing foreign

candidates with their work permit and visa

candidates.

applications, in addition to helping them with

How do you feel this crisis will affect the recruitment sector in the long term? For most companies, it has changed the way

their relocation process. We follow up with Now that we are making our way towards

both the client and the employee to ensure

‘normality’, in what sectors are you seeing

everything is running smoothly and resolve

demand for jobs?

any issues promptly. Naturally, we have ups and downs like any business, but we overcome

candidates are interviewed, selected, and communicated from the application stage

Our forte remains hospitality and catering

them with our office team’s determination,

until onboarding. Also, working from home and

since such markets will never be saturated

coordination, and hard work.

online meetings have become the norm now,

in Malta. Not only is tourism one of our main

and in many ways, it does make processes

economic pillars, but most Maltese prefer

For more info, visit mrecruitment.eu or email

more straightforward and quicker. In the long-

going out to restaurants and hotel breaks

info@mrecruitment.eu. Send your CV to vacancies@

term, I think employers will come to appreciate

rather than clubs and parties. Furthermore, we

mrecruitment.eu.

the commitment of certain employees and

are looking at other prominent sectors such as

realise that it is not easy to find experienced,

health and senior care, medical, and sectors

well-seasoned staff. Additionally, since many

requiring specialist staff such as energy

employers have had to resort to agencies

efficiency and automation.

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URBAN PL ANNING

THE FUTURE OF DESIGN AND URBAN PLANNING

Lyndsey Grima caught up with Ray De Micoli, principal at DeMicoli & Associates, to discuss Malta’s current plan for development, the future of urban planning and how the country can improve to support a more sustainable approach towards design and architecture.

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What are the latest global trends that are

should be doing the same with our roofs,

methods that do not emit dust. These are

influencing architecture in Malta today?

wherever possible.

things that Malta needs to start to emulate.

Global trends used to filter down to Malta

We will soon start seeing more office buildings

Do you agree that Malta is suffering from a

in droplets in the past. However, due to

with in-built PV panels, vertical glazing, timber,

lack of a master plan for development?

globalisation, trends are emerging quicker.

and zero-carbon buildings. Re-using existing

In the future, essentially, it will bear down to

buildings is also essential through a simple

This isn’t entirely correct, as Malta always

the speed of action, legislate as quickly as

carbon assessment, and fiscal measures would

had a zoning plan. In addition, the demand

possible, and take advantage of emerging

entice a broader appeal.

for more development such as housing, tourist accommodation, education, industry

trends that bring opportunities. How would you assess the construction

etc., is a continual process. The drafting of

The most evident challenge the world is

sector’s impact on the environment in

proper planning legislation and setting up the

facing, besides the social pressures of wealth

Malta?

Planning Authority in 1992 potentially was a good step in the right direction. Besides

distribution and pandemics, is climate change. Therefore, alternative energy sources are

Wherever you are in the world, cities have a

creating a clear use designation, the Planning

essential. Malta is in a perfect location to soak

more significant impact on the environment,

Authority could serve as an essential tool for

up energy from the sun via PV panels and

and unfortunately, in Malta, due to its size,

future planning. Unfortunately, at the time,

other forms of renewable energy and diminish

it’s overpowering. Numerous factors shine a

the technocrats drawing up the plans were not

the dependence on fossil fuels.

terrible light in this sector, such as old building

supported by statistics and did not have the

methods, lack of proper supervision, unskilled

input from all the ministries, which would have

We already see this in practice when planning

workers executing hazardous tasks, and

been so helpful.

roofs, for example. We study the building’s

uncivil behaviour with residents. Every minister here has little fiefdom and

orientation and plan the roof to have as many PVs as possible. Similarly, Japanese houses

Building sites in northern countries are done

is unhappy for others to interfere. So,

are built with walls placed upon grids of the

with greater awareness and respect for

unfortunately, when it was finally published,

‘tatami’, which are 3 feet by 6 feet, and we

neighbours and use industrialised building

many new criteria were missing. For example, »

Tatami walls

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the financial services industry was slowly gathering ground, and we should have designated an area for this. Strangely enough, the structure plan proposed Marsa as the best location for this due to the excellent road network there at that time. The only bit of vast green in Malta was to be built. To some, it seemed clear that the site should have been Mriehel in the first place. Instead, it became a homing ground for small workshops and large-scale manufacturers. With the structure plan, the minister was at arm’s length from the decision-makers, and this power went to the technocrats. However, as things progressed the Maltese voter had the power. Some decisions disgruntled many entrepreneurs at the time. So, they went to seek redress at the politicians. Unfortunately, as a result, the minister had to be involved again. In the meantime, the voices of the NGO’s were justifiably gaining more and more support, which politicians could not avoid but be aware and legislate so that the public will have a voice. Although much progress has been registered, the decision-making process is way too long

Dream project that could be realised in Malta

compared to other European countries.

I would like to see a Malta with more beautiful urban design, prioritising landscaping and green spaces.

What are the complications that arise from

of different scales and densities and uses,

this to Infrastructure Malta was an excellent

this lack of a long-term strategy?

which means moving people around quickly.

administrative move.

First, planning is not just about building, as

Naturally, power was one of the most crucial

What forces, in your opinion, are instigating

urbanisation comprises various layers. It

issues. Sporadic development of large scale

the need for a high-rise Malta?

involves infrastructure, power, utilities, water

projects needed adequate power supply.

supply, water harvesting provisions, transport

Sometimes, a road surfaced a month prior

The current FAR legislation and high rise

nodes, road network, cycling paths, green and

had to be ripped to provide a cable to a

policies are governed by volume. It gives the

recreational spaces, etc. Then come buildings

substation for a new project. Centralising

option to build a low rise on a large footprint or

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high on a smaller footprint but with the same volume. The aspiration to build an outstanding monument has existed with every civilisation, such as the pyramids in Egypt, the Colossus of Rhodes, etc. Practically every civilisation yearned for Babel in one form or another. Just near to us is medieval Italy, which is very well known as a seismic area, and yet nearby there is Bologna, San Giminiano, and many » other places, which is telling. Therefore, I think it’s more about ego than anything else. I

Urban landscaping

remember struggling to design the Portomaso Tower. Being more of an intro person who loved projects near historic buildings, high

of red tape, and the planners will have time to

I would like to see us embrace the sea, the

buildings are extroverted by nature and need

plan with a multi-disciplinary team.

fantastic resource surrounding us, creating more sheltered waters on the northeast

to be built with different technologies. In the end, I thought that just like a village needs a

Architects should have their names on the

coast. I envision more projects that carve

high reference point like a ‘Campanile’, then

buildings they design. This will breed a culture

the coast and reclaim the sea, creating low-

the tower was to be that for Portomaso. As

of good design. We also need to demolish

impact and high-value spectacular spaces

more high buildings sprouted up in the vicinity,

some buildings and create more green lungs

enjoying calm sea conditions with bars and

the impact was reduced.

in urban areas. Our urban experience needs

restaurants on the promenade. Such projects

to be enriched by good design and designated

are happening worldwide, not necessarily

What actions need to be taken to save

areas for greenscaping. Only in this way can

only in dictatorial governments.

Malta’s local design and urban planning?

we achieve pleasant urban living. In the short term, I am highly optimistic. Just

I feel that the whole system needs to be drastically overhauled. First, the PA should

From an architectural point of view, what

a browse through the MASP Awards, there

reduce the time for granting permits. Ideally,

are your expectations for the future?

are many great designs, and Malta has many talented designers producing work to be

from application to the building permit, the time frame shouldn’t take more than eight

I would like to see a Malta with more beautiful

proud of in the international fora. However, I

weeks. In many places in the world, it’s

urban design, prioritising landscaping

believe that the country needs to put politics

common practice. Second, the architect

and green spaces. I would also like to see

aside and bring serious stakeholders to work

should be responsible for seeing that what is

an improved quality in urban finishes and

upon visionary ideas and sound planning

built is exactly like the plans submitted and be

materials that are well designed with no more

objectives in the long term and for the

held accountable. This would eliminate a lot

broken pavements and subsided finishes.

common good.

Urban planning

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Lviv’s ‘concerned’ locals help protect Ukrainian city’s historic statues Credits: Europa Press 2022

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WHEN THE ORDINARY BECOMES SPECIAL

The tragic events that have catapulted the plight of the Ukrainian people to the headlines of world news have caused the theories of conservation and preservation in conflict zones to resurface. Video coverage of the citizens of various towns, Kyiv foremost among them, preparing for any eventuality and taking precautions to ensure the protection of their historic buildings and monuments, pays tribute to the highest value that these products of the labour of our forefathers have in the eyes of those who inherit them. The identity of a whole nation is tied to them, and conflict has only served to enhance and exasperate the importance of these landmarks. In times of duress such as these, they become symbols of national pride and containers of the people’s unity, hope, and perseverance, as Konrad Buhagiar and Erica Giusta from AP Valletta explain.

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Today, these new meanings are superimposed on the classic perspectives on heritage, particularly on what deserves this title. 19th-century notions generally inform the latter since the theory of heritage developed from its very primitive beginnings. It is during this century that monuments, etymologically defined as containers of memory, acquired the meaning they have today, described, that is, as “things of special architectural, historical, or natural value that is preserved for the nation”, as one can read in the Oxford Dictionary. Built heritage, from buildings of outstanding architectural or historical interest to the humble abode, is valued as something exceptional, of extraordinary historical relevance, not to be transformed nor questioned in any way. Its defining values are focused on the outcome, the product itself, as opposed to the process that produced it. Formal and aesthetic qualities such as proportions, materiality, stylistic references, etc., are considered primary value indicators when assessing heritage. This is, at times, associated with intangible values of a more theoretical and intellectual nature, but the distinctive element in the outcome is always prioritised. In other words, heritage status is exclusive to the extraordinary result. On the other hand, war and conflict have always shifted the focus to other values associated with the design and construction of heritage buildings. For example, the reconstruction of whole historic centres in Poland after

The Japanese pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2021

WWII was instrumental in creating awareness of the design and construction of a building, emphasising the energy put into the production of materials and the human resources needed to assemble them. Although this aspect of the historical city can be considered ordinary and therefore

Following an early life when the discipline was little more

not traditionally associated with the definition of heritage,

than a catchphrase, the concept of sustainable heritage

these values are now becoming central to the debate

took on more serious overtones and, in fact, not only

on heritage and linking it inevitably to the concept of

evolved but proved to have good qualities to reckon with

sustainability.

complex issues such as the enormity of the threat of climate change, the most urgent of all, and, more recently, the threat of war. To adopt this much-needed holistic approach, heritage’s defining values must be radically reimagined. This was achieved by strategically shifting the focus of the debate from the outcome, i.e. the extraordinary, to the tangible and intangible processes that led to it, i.e. the ordinary. The process is just as important as the outcome. Recognising the ordinary as a valuable resource can broaden the definition of heritage to include sustainability parameters while debunking the nostalgic and anachronistic approach that sees it as something static, almost dogmatic. If the built environment reflects society, as Ruskin wrote,

Gdask during and after the war Credits: Karol Nienartowicz

any definition of built heritage must adapt to that society’s latest signs of progress and challenges – the climate crisis being the most serious of all at this point. The transition

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The City Hall building in the central square following shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine Credits: Pavel Dorogoy AP

towards a fair and sustainable future, and “projects that contribute to the wellbeing, that embellish and instil pride”, as the President of Malta, George Vella, auspicated during

In times of duress such as these, historic buildings and monuments become symbols of national pride and containers of the people’s unity, hope, and perseverance.

the MASP Awards ceremony earlier this month, requires us to learn how the traces of the past exist in the present, and how we can reshape them into the future. and enhance the value of resources and create buildings With this in mind, demolition should become an exception,

that have the ambition to become the cultural heritage of

replaced by transformation processes such as recycling

tomorrow. Inspiration, in this context, is considered a fuel

and upcycling. But on the other hand, the design principles

for future generations, providing a sound basis for further

adopted should prioritise smart renovation that responds

innovation, creativity and renewed wellbeing.

to ever-evolving social and economic needs.

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The economic relevance of such an innovative approach

The Japanese pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale

to heritage can contribute enormously to developing new

2021 provided visitors with a wise reminder: “your actions

circular models. This contrasts with the traditional and

are not yours alone. Any act, however trivial, sits atop

old-fashioned ‘endless growth’ model based on extractive

an accumulation of countless acts that arose from your

activities that have proven to fail global wellbeing on many

interactions with someone else. Therefore, it can never be

levels, too numerous to be listed here.

said that what you do belongs solely to you.”

Initiatives like the New European Bauhaus, part of the New

This mantra augurs well for a world in constant evolution

Green Deal, or the UN Sustainability Goals documents,

and renewal. Still, it sadly takes on new meaning in the

encourage solutions promoting circularity. They consist of

light of the current conflict and the humanitarian crisis it

a value-oriented hierarchy of actions that aims to preserve

has engendered.

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

PROMO

A REGISTRY for PEACE OF MIND Since its establishment as a stand-alone entity back in 2018, the Malta Business Registry sought to ensure the creation and maintenance of an up-to-date registry that aids businesses achieve the all-valuable peace of mind throughout their operations and business dealings. To achieve such an ambitious goal requires a lot of effort both from the business community in general and the Malta Business Registry itself. To this end, the Malta Business Registry strives to keep all communication channels open with all parties involved. Moreover, through its recently acquired supervisory role, including the constant and thorough vetting of documents, the registrar ensures that company incorporation is smooth and timely. The same applies to notifications that need to be submitted to the registrar for registration by existing companies and other legal organisations. Although these processes may, unfortunately, seem like tedious tasks, they are part and parcel of the registrar’s ultimate mission: safeguarding the Maltese jurisdiction’s interests. “I intend to cultivate the drive for a high-performance registry, putting stakeholders at the heart of the Malta Business Registry’s mission while remaining true to our values and unfailingly providing

remain acutely aware of the challenges companies are up against.

businesses with a sense of security throughout all their endeavours,”

In the beginning, this process might have looked overwhelming or

said Dr Geraldine Spiteri. She has been recently appointed as the chief

perhaps over-ambitious; however, now everyone is appreciating that

executive officer and registrar of the Malta Business Registry.

these changes were sorely needed and that the portal is now more exhaustive and practical than ever before,” said Dr Spiteri Lucas.

“It is a well-recognised fact that over the past months, Malta has undergone extensive legislative changes, resulting in practitioners

Over the past year, the registry has taken a definitive proactive stance

and businesses being faced with the prospect of a ‘different means of

to be compatible with EU directives and international standards.

doing things.’ More information and documents were continuously in

We take a risk-based approach in which our Money-Laundering

demand, particularly about the overhaul concerning the information

Reporting Officer (MLRO) writes a risk assessment, classifying

of beneficial owners. Consequently, this resulted in the immediate

companies according to their risk profile: high, medium or low. If a

adaptation of both practitioners and businesses, while throughout

company is classified as high-risk, then a team of 12 officers from our

this transition, the Malta Business Registry strived to maintain open

Compliance Unit carry out on-site inspections accordingly. Moreover,

communication channels with all involved.

with the population of extensive information on the registry and the on-site inspections amongst other due diligence procedures, the

“Unfortunately, amid such changes, the Malta Business Registry was

Malta Business Registry actively engages in its fight against money

perceived as some form of policing organisation. This certainly wasn’t

laundering.

the intention. All penalties were issued due to companies’ refusal to disclose relevant or requested information or, in some instances,

“The Malta Business Registry is working hard to address the

even worse, with companies refraining from filing annual returns and

FATF’s action plan and we have put measures in place so that the

reports for years on end. That said, it is not equitable to put everyone

recommendations are now part of our future processes. We are

in the same basket. The developing situation was two-pronged; on the

addressing the recommendations through a positive approach, as

one hand, some companies were fully-committed to such changes,

we know that in the end, all our efforts will bear the desired fruit, and

whilst on the other, the implementation of such changes by the Malta

we undoubtedly shall come out stronger and better. Nevertheless,

Business Registry in a short period was at times viewed negatively

one must not side-line the challenging scenario brought about by the

by a few. I am very familiar with the relevant legislation. When I took

pandemic, with the resultant shifting online of most of our services.

on the role of CLO, together with my team, I was drafting proposals to

As a registry, we remain open to exploring new emergent technologies,

be presented to Parliament to improve the processes and procedures

from blockchain to AI, to further improve our services. In the next few

here at the MBR. Therefore, by dint of this background and experience,

months, I would also like to see the implementation and functioning of

my finger was firmly on the pulse of the industry, and I was and

our new online portal,” said Dr Spiteri Lucas.

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

PROMO

INPUT VAT RECOVERY— iGAMING INDUSTRY The deduction of input VAT is an integral part of the VAT system and in

sector would not have a right to deduct input VAT. However, this was

principle may not be limited.

classified in the guidelines issued by the Commissioner for Revenue which effectively identified which gambling transactions when

The European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) has reiterated extensively that

supplied in Malta are treated as exempt (without credit) i.e. supplies

the deduction system is intended to relieve the trader entirely of the

which give no right to deduct input VAT.

burden of the VAT payable or paid in the course of all his economic activities. Consequently, the common system of VAT ensures neutrality

As a general rule, businesses exclusively involved in making either

of taxation of all economic activities, whatever their purpose or results,

taxed or exempt transactions, do not have difficulty in determining

provided they are themselves subject in principle to VAT.

the extent to which input VAT may be deductible. However, the reality is that as a result of the activity classification in the guidelines, many

In accordance with Article 168 of the VAT Directive1, a taxable person is

Gaming Operators in Malta carry out both taxable gambling supplies

only entitled to deduct input VAT in so far as the goods and services are

and exempt gambling supplies. As a result, Gaming Operators which

used for the purposes of his taxed transactions, therefore eliminating

may not attribute costs to taxable supplies will have a limited right to

from the remit of deduction expenses connected to exempt without

deduct input VAT. In fact, the deduction of input VAT for a given cost

credit supplies. As a result, given the exemption within the legislation,

will often depend on whether the cost can be allocated as a direct cost

initially one may think that businesses operating within the gaming

or as a general cost.

Summary on allocation of expenses and the right of deduction Expenses Attributable to

Direct Cost or General Cost

Input VAT Recovery

Taxable Supplies

Direct Cost

Full Right of Recover

Exempt without Credit

Direct Cost

No Right 2

Both Supplies or General Cost

General Cost

Partial Right

When a gaming operator incurs general costs, it will partially deduct

How can we help?

the input VAT. Per Articles 174 and 175 of the VAT Directive, you shall

We can assess the activities carried out by the company to determine

determine the deductible proportion for all the transactions carried out

any VAT exposures and offer our assistance to ensure that the VAT

by the taxable person.

treatment of such activities is in line with the VAT legislation.

Zampa Debattista is an advisory firm with strong values of integrity and excellence, which help us keep high levels of customer satisfaction. We have built our reputation by offering specialised services in the Indirect Taxation and Financial Reporting areas, but we offer services in Direct Taxation and Assurance areas through dedicated teams. Get in touch on info@zampadebattista.com. [1] Council Directive 2006/112/EC [2] When a gaming operator receives a service from outside of Malta, and in terms of the place of supply rules, the service is treated as taking place in Malta, it is pertinent to determine whether such service is strictly required, related and essential to the gaming transaction itself. Should that be the case, the supply could be treated as exempt without credit, and thus, no VAT would be chargeable.

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

R E N O VAT I O N

SEEING BEYOND FACE VALUE The Value in Renovating and Retrofitting our Built Heritage

We’ve all cringed at the sight of older buildings with unrealised potential being thrown into the shadows and left to die. However, some townhouses and houses of character are being left unconverted, sometimes not even listed on the property catalogue, making the conventional apartments the more attractive go-to-choice in the market. Orlanda Grech examines.

Long-Term Renovation Strategies

our homes and buildings, leading to energy

Long-Term Renovation Strategies (LTRS)

savings. Intervention measures relate to the

can partly be changing that. As part of the

building envelope, technical and renewable

Renovation Wave strategy, the European

heat generation systems, and renewable

Commission strongly focuses on recovery

electricity generation systems, among others.

and resilience plans that include improving

Several financial incentives to domestic and

energy efficiency and energy performance

non-domestic enterprises are also being

of buildings. In fact, as per the Energy

made available by local authorities to support

Performance of Buildings Directive, all EU

this Strategy and Malta’s carbon goals. Most

countries are required to submit an LTRS

noticeably, through periodic schemes such

outlining clear plans to support the renovation

as the “Irrestawra Darek” and “Irrestawra

of their national building stock into a highly

l-Faccata”, the government aims to

energy-efficient and decarbonised building

revitalise Malta’s rural villages by promoting

stock by 2050. One is to keep in mind that

conservation and maintenance and restoration

buildings are, in fact, responsible for a large

of privately owned heritage residences.

share of the world’s energy consumption and

In the latest Budget for Malta, we’ve seen

contribute towards Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

introduced the exemption from capital gains

emissions. In Malta, these directly contribute

tax and duty on the first €750,000 of the

to around 15% of total emissions and are a

value of properties which are located in an

vital sector in our efforts towards a climate-

Urban Conservation Area (UCA) or which were

neutral EU. Therefore, whilst all buildings are

built over 20 years ago and vacant for more

vital contributors, focusing on the renovation

than seven years. Also, for anyone buying or

and restoration of older buildings in this sense

already in possession of older properties, the

might prove more valuable.

government will provide a grant on the value of VAT paid (up to a maximum of €54,000 on the

In Malta, the annual refurbishment rate is low,

first €300,000) for restoration and finishing

estimated at 0.3% in 2017, increasing to 0.5%

works. A separate grant for the restoration of

in 2020 and estimated to increase to 0.7% in

domestic cisterns is also available. A separate

2025. As a result, demolishing and rebuilding

grant to assist with the rehabilitation of a

old buildings is more common than renovating

first dwelling by the Housing Authority is also

them, except for listed buildings where strict

available.

regulations limit refurbishment interventions. Benefits of restoration and renovation to The LTRS for Malta addresses the renovation

older buildings

of our building stock over 30 years leading

Besides energy efficiency and energy savings,

up to 2050 - listing the most cost-effective

encapsulating renovated and restored

measures to improve energy efficiency within

buildings within our building stock leads

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R E N O VAT I O N

to several other beneficial outcomes. Old buildings are witnesses to the aesthetic and cultural history, helping to give people a sense of place and connection to the past. In addition, rehabilitating old buildings to their original appearance adds character to the area. Still, it can also help generate activity, attract investment, and tourists can witness first-hand the heart and soul of Maltese towns and villages home to such distinctive pieces of property. When speaking of aesthetics, older buildings

property owners, as appreciation for Maltese

often are made with unique valuable materials

heritage is increasing by locals and foreigners

and possess detailing and features that

alike, some of whom also decide to retire here.

you can’t find anymore - including vibrantly

In the same vein, commercial activities (e.g.

coloured balconies, limestone façade, wooden

offices, boutique hotels, spas, etc.) operating

front door with louvred openings, detailing on

from older buildings are rising. As a result, we

the entrance hall ceiling, frescos, thick and

could be noticing a construction servicing

well-insulated walls, patterned floor tiling, high

sector that further supports restoration,

ceilings, steel beams, etc. An added benefit to

retrofitting, and renovation through an

retaining and maintaining old buildings is that

increase in the supply of sustainable materials

old workmanship methods are also supported.

as well as linked services. As the trend further picks up the pace, the real estate sector will

From an environmental point of view,

also feature more listings of such properties,

preserving old buildings represents recycling

as owners are further encouraged to put such

on a larger scale. The value in repairing and

gems back on the market. We will be looking at

reusing existing buildings, in fact, lies in using

a society increasingly appreciating the ‘Malta

energy and material resources more efficiently.

product’, with the island’s appeal extending to

New materials don’t need to be created, nor

the young and old, locals and tourists alike.

older demolished materials thrown away. Plus, energy for rebuilding is conserved.

According to Mahatma Gandhi, a nation’s

Also, deconstruction and demolition of

culture resides in the hearts and the soul of

buildings release harmful pollutants into the

its people – and one might add places. So let’s

environment.

give 2022 a new spin on the way we look at our built heritage and give a re-found purpose to

There are also more comprehensive societal

the spaces we choose to live in.

benefits to renovation and restoration, including reduced energy poverty, improved health and well-being, and greater educational attainment possibilities. Building renovation is also beneficial for the economy, creating additional, primarily local jobs within SMEs and economic activity in construction and construction servicing sectors. In monetary terms, the value of restoration, renovations, and retrofitting translates into higher Returnon-Investment (ROI) and After Renovation Values (ARV). A shift in future trends? What does this mean to society, industry, businesses, and potential homeowners? A couple of shifts in trends could be coming our way. We could be observing a preference towards converted or unconverted townhouses and houses of character by future

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

Old buildings are witnesses to the aesthetic and cultural history, helping to give people a sense of place and connection to the past. 47

ECONOMY

GREENING THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET Greening the economy is currently seen as one of the most active policy prescriptions, especially as part of the broader COVID-19 recovery and stimulus plans. Apart from the positive environmental impact, a green economy is critical to creating new ‘green’ jobs. However, there is no agreed definition of green jobs with different institutions adopting different definitions. JP Fabri explains.

Based on a review of the latest related data and documents issued by

several green economic sectors, even as job destruction occurs in

the OECD and the ILO on this topic, the latest grouping of green jobs

‘brown’ sectors.[1] A successful transition to a low-carbon, resource-

is determined on their contribution to:

efficient and green economy, if managed well, can lead to more opportunities for workers. Green jobs can create a new dimension

•

improving the efficiency of energy and raw materials,

that can absorb several workers impacted by technology disruption

•

limiting greenhouse gas emissions,

across sectors.

•

minimising waste and pollution,

•

protecting and restoring ecosystems,

As per the OECD’s research and recommendations, the ILO also

•

adaptation to the effects of climate change.

stresses that low-skilled workers will be the most negatively affected by the green shift. This implies that transition to other jobs may be

The OECD has taken a leading role in the ‘green growth’ movement

more complex and costly in terms of social benefits and retraining

through its ‘Green Growth Strategy.’ This strategy links productivity

schemes.

growth, green growth, and inclusive growth, starting from the premise that environmental protection can be a driver for economic

In a 2018 Working Paper, the ILO studied all available data and

growth and social inclusion rather than a barrier. It is now promoting

recommendations issued by the United Nations Environment

the mainstreaming of this strategy, with an underlying green growth

Programme (UNEP) and other leading bodies (including the

measurement framework, into national economic policies.

International Trade Union Confederation) and identified four significant impacts on the labour market, as condensed in Table 1

According to the OECD, green policies can trigger job creation in

below[2].

Main employment effects of green policies 1

Source: UNEP, ILO

Jobs are created

Solar panel technicians, organic farmers, recycling managers, staff in eco-tourism resorts,

(in existing and new

workers in natural resource conservation and restoration, environmental advisers, workers in

occupations)

bicycle shops

Certain jobs are

Coalminers, workers in the bottling industry adopting water- and material-saving technology,

eliminated

staff in the obsolete or prohibited packaging materials industry.

Jobs are substituted

Jobs in transport systems moving to rail, electric cars, and shared vehicles; waste management

(occupations

jobs in landfill/dumpsites moving to incineration and recycling; jobs in quarries for construction

change)

using new building materials and re-using leftovers and waste

Jobs are

Workers, operators, and managers in greening sectors, notably buildings, agriculture and

transformed

transport, all learning to manage new technology and operating practices; workers in all

(occupations

sectors where energy and resource efficiency are introduced (such as cleaner production in

change)

manufacturing, retail services without packaging, bottle companies changing to new materials

Modest

Small

Modest

Large

and products); staff in financial institutions adopting sustainable investment strategies

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ECONOMY

Despite the onset of COVID-19, almost as soon as the Green Deal was released, the Commission has stated that the underlying drivers of change for the strategy remain in place, the need for it is more urgent, and that it will be the “motor for the recovery.” Reaching the targets of the European Green Deal will require action across all sectors of the economy, including: •

Decarbonising the energy sector through renewable energy projects, especially wind and solar, and kick-starting a clean hydrogen economy.

•

Investing in environmentally friendly technologies.

•

Supporting industry to innovate.

•

Rolling out cleaner, cheaper and healthier forms of private and public transport.

•

Ensuring buildings are more energy-efficient and supporting the circular economy.

•

Working with international partners to improve global environmental standards.

Three fundamental, long-term trends are driving structural changes in global employment as environmental concerns continue to shape

In Europe, job creation related to renewable energy and energy

economic activities:

efficiency has been robust. This activity stems from the production of renewable energy itself and the manufacturing of renewable

• •

•

Adoption of more resource-efficient and less harmful technologies

energy and energy-efficient equipment, and the provision of green

and business operations.

installation, engineering, and research services. Thus, employment in

Physical effects of climate change, e.g., heat stress, impact

this domain increased from 0.6 million full-time equivalents in 2000

outdoor work such as agriculture (the largest provider of jobs

to 1.5 million full-time equivalents in 2017 (Eurostat) - almost one

globally).

million new full-time equivalent jobs across the EU27 between 2000

Changing consumer habits and responsive legislation towards

and 2017.

promoting more sustainable products and services. The second-largest contribution to environmental employment The potentially positive impact of a greener global economy on

came from waste management. The number of jobs increased

the global labour market was reiterated in the ILO’s 2018 World

from 0.8 million full-time equivalents in 2000 to 1.2 million full-

Employment and Social Outlook, which concluded that shifting

time equivalents in 2017 (an overall increase of 38%). By contrast,

towards a green economy creates employment at the global level.

employment related to wastewater management decreased in

[3]

Compared to the ‘business-as-usual scenario’, changes in energy

the same period by 23% from 0.7 million to 0.5 million full-time

production and use to achieve the Paris goals can create around 18

equivalents. Whereas environmental protection accounted for more

million jobs throughout the world economy. These changes include

than three quarters (78%) of the employment in the environmental

a shift towards renewable energy sources and greater efficiency,

economy in 2000, the share decreased to 62% in 2017 following the

the projected adoption of electric vehicles and construction work to

creation of new jobs related to renewables and energy efficiency.

achieve greater energy efficiency in buildings. This net job growth results from creating some 24 million new jobs and the loss of around

The transition to a green economy will also positively impact jobs

6 million jobs by 2030.

creating new ones whilst transitioning previous roles into new ones. Therefore, any employment policy needs to consider the green

The EU’s focus on sustainability is captured in its ‘European Green

transition and start giving workers and future workers training in this

Deal’, announced at the end of 2019. This is a package of policy

sector to ensure that the workforce is imbued with the right skills

initiatives to enable the Member States to benefit from a sustainable

required in this green transition. Hence, a green economy and green

green transition, targeting zero emissions by 2050 and decoupling

jobs strategy is something that Malta should embrace, and a strategy

economic growth from resource use.

in this regard is most welcome.

The ‘European Green Deal’, as proposed by the European Commission (EC) at the end of 2019, is a new growth strategy that aims to

[1] The term ‘brown sector’ refers to economic sectors or activities that

transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern,

include environmentally harmful practices, e.g., carbon-intensive

resource-efficient, and competitive economy where there are no net

production.

emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth

[2] International Labour Organisation. World Employment and Social

is decoupled from resource use. In terms of employment, the critical

Outlook 2018: Greening with Jobs. Geneva, 2018

dimension of the Green Deal is the Just Transition Initiative, which

[3] International Labour Organisation. Greening with Jobs: World

allocates funding to manage the transitional impacts on workers.

Economic and Social Outlook 2019. Geneva, 2018

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

CARBON CREDITS

THE RUSH TOWARDS REACHING NET-ZERO

Among the elements that create pollution, carbon dioxide emissions are the largest polluter, and therefore, their reduction is being treated with the highest priority. This new wave of urgency means that businesses will be rushing towards reaching the status of “net-zero” carbon emissions within the coming years, giving birth to the market of what is known as carbon offset credits. Giorgio Saronne and Daniel Galea explain.

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CARBON CREDITS

Over the past few years, and increasingly so,

levels, the EU can cut the CO2 cap even

to reach greater capacity, widening the scope

over the past few months, several bodies,

further at its discretion to retain price stability.

of its trading scheme to target other sectors.

including the United Nations, have been

As a result, since the system’s inception in

extending their efforts in a push towards

2005, carbon emissions have been steadily

From a local perspective, environmental law

raising awareness on the world’s rising

decreasing year on year.

enforcement, including the oversight of the smooth-running of the EU ETS, is carried out

temperature, with the hopes of urging global leaders to take action and address the issue

In December 2021, the EU’s carbon price

by the Environment and Resource Authority

before irreversible damage takes place.

benchmark hit a record $100 per ton (approx.

(ERA). All four of Malta’s public electricity

€90 per ton at the time of writing), and the

generation plants fall within the remits of the

Carbon offset credits, or simply carbon credits

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and

EU ETS. However, no other industrial entities

as they are termed, are allowances given out

Development suggests that a price of $147

are operating in Malta, which is large enough

by governments and regulating bodies to

(approx. €130) would need to be achieved by

to be considered under this scheme, apart

polluting entities as a ‘permission’ to pollute.

2030 to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. When

from several local aircraft operators, which

These entities are each given a certain

comparing Europe’s 2021 end carbon price

are considered under the EU ETS for aviation.

number of credits to utilise. Those who are

with that of China, the world’s largest emitter,

Initially, Malta was instructed by the European

more efficient at reducing their emissions and

European prices outweigh Chinese prices by

Commission to reach a carbon reduction

running greener projects can profit by selling

just over ten times the amount, showing the

target of 36% by 2030. However, in 2021, the

the excess credits they do not use throughout

effectiveness of the EU ETS framework.

Maltese Environmental Ministry argued that since Malta is already one of the lowest per

the period to businesses that exceed their credit quota, thereby creating an incentive to

European carbon prices relative to global

capita emitters of CO2 in Europe, it would be

keep project emissions to a minimum. Worth

carbon markets

unrealistic to achieve such a high target. As a

just $300 million in 2019, the Task Force on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets envisions that the carbon offset space is set to surge to

China Carbon Prices relative to Global Carbon Markets

an expected $180 billion market in 2030.

($/mtCO2e)

In 1997, a move towards setting up an

120

international carbon trading system was

100

proposed via the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism, a scheme that never got off the ground. However, fast forward some eight years later, Europe (the region making the most progress towards abiding by its carbon emission rules) was the first to successfully launch a global emissions trading framework to which Malta also forms part of, known as the EU Emissions Trading System

EU ETS California’s

Can and Trade*

Korea ETS

40 Platts CNC**

20 0

China Carbon Aug 21

Sep 21

Oct 21

Nov 21

Dec 21

Market

(EU ETS), now in its fourth phase. Note: China carbon market launched July 16. To reach the EU’s intermediate target of a

*California carbon price assessed weekly. **Nature-based voluntary carbon credit prices.

minimum 55% net reduction in CO2 emissions

Source: S&P Global Platts, Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange, Korea Exchange

by 2030 (compared to 2021 levels). The EU ETS operates under a ‘cap and trade’ principle whereby the allowable levels of greenhouse

The fact that China only launched its national

result, the European Commission eventually

gas emissions emitted by each project or

emissions trading system in July 2021

agreed and reduced Malta’s 2030 target

business under the system are reduced by

suggests that the country does not have the

to 19%.

2.2% each year (previously 1.74% up to 2020).

same amount of time to reach targets as did

In this way, the onset of a limit decreases the

Europe, which will force China to take far more

As part of Malta’s plan to join other EU states

supply of carbon offset credits each year,

drastic measures to increase its carbon price.

in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,

inversely increasing their demand, ensuring

So far, the Chinese credit scheme only covers

the country’s 2022 budgetary highlights

that the credits retain their value. So put, as

one sector: power generation. However, the

saw the environment sector get its most

the permissible threshold for emissions is

2,162 companies that form part of this sector

significant ever financial boost, with several

reduced, the price of the credits will increase

produce an annual combined total of 4.5 billion

new initiatives set to be rolled out. Among the

to reflect their superior attractiveness, further

tons of Co2. The EU ETS cap for 2021 stood at

many, a new process to set up a carbon credit

incentivising organisations to run on a more

1.6 billion tonnes to put that into perspective.

fund structure will be introduced, allowing

eco-friendly basis. If, for any reason, the price

For this reason, 2022 will see the Chinese

both public and private entities to invest in

of carbon were to drop below anticipated

carbon market move into an expansion phase

eco-friendly projects and, in turn, create »

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

CARBON CREDITS

carbon credits that they can sell to other

sell off to other entities. Renewable energy

(KlimaDAO) – a group of developers,

organisations. More detail on this is yet to be

companies, battery tech companies, waste

environmentalists and entrepreneurs looking

announced; however, the Ministry is confident

recovery companies and electric vehicle

to utilise blockchain technology to boost the

that under European Commission President

manufacturers are among the array of green

effectiveness of carbon credits in the battle

Ursula von der Leyen, the country is more

firms which have the potential to leverage their

against climate change. Essentially, the

than capable of complying with its 19% 2030

sale of credits to form part of their revenue

KlimaDAO allows entities to purchase Klima

objective.

streams. However, carbon credit futures

tokens, which are traded on cryptocurrency

provide the most direct exposure to date for

exchanges, by using BCT tokens. When

the more sophisticated investor.

this is done, KlimaDAO then stores the BCT

As a result, to cut emissions, investors have

tokens in what it refers to as its ‘treasury’,

been pouring into the carbon market amid its expectations of exponential growth. While

The carbon market space has recently made

effectively removing them from circulation

corporations and institutional investors

its mark in the cryptocurrency world. Millions

indefinitely. In doing so, the organisation’s

have a wider choice in terms of routes to tap

of credits issued for the allowable emission of

aim is the same as that of the EU ETS – to

into the market, the retail market, too, has

greenhouse gases are now being connected to

retain the value of carbon credits and push

started to pick up. Among the most popular

diverse cryptocurrencies, attracting several

up their price as they become scarcer,

methods to get involved are exchange-traded

decentralised finance projects and the likes

promoting further incentive towards

funds (ETFs), which are essentially financial

of many seasoned investors. In doing so,

benefiting the climate. As a result, over 14

instruments that track the performance of an

proponents of this process believe that this

million BCT tokens have been removed from

index, sector, commodity or other asset and

crypto-related activity will bring about more

the supply, and the numbers are expected to

are traded on stock exchanges. Notably, due

transparency to the trading of carbon credits,

continue increasing.

Worth just $300 million in 2019, the Task Force on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets envisions that the carbon offset space is set to surge to an expected $180 billion market in 2030.

to its volume, the KraneShares Global Carbon

albeit being traded on unregulated markets.

Looking ahead, as more countries move

Strategy ETF (KRBN) stands out as a dominant

Among the many market participants involved

towards adopting an optimal eco-friendly

ETF in the field of carbon offset investment.

lies Toucan – a decentralised finance project

approach to reach their target emissions,

This ETF was one of 2021’s fastest-growing

which allows participants in possession

an increasing amount of regulating bodies

ETFs and is an example of a fund that tracks

of carbon credits to link them to a digital

are expected to implement their CO2 trading

the three most liquid markets for carbon

token known as BCT (Base Carbon Tonne),

schemes to achieve the same results as

credits: EU Allowances, California Carbon

which represents one tonne of carbon in

their predecessors. This will continue to lift

Allowances and the Regional Greenhouse Gas

line with Verra’s Verified Carbon Unit (VCU)

demand for carbon offset credits, paving

Initiative. By betting on carbon prices and

measurement. Since going live in October

the way for investors to gain from price

supporting the movement against climate

of 2021, over 17 million carbon credits have

elevations. As this process continues, new

change, the fund’s backers have seen net

been tied to BCT tokens, signifying a value

ways of investing in space are inevitably

assets grow to $1.66 billion since its inception

above $95 million traded on cryptocurrency

poised to come into play, with further

in July 2020.

exchanges.

environmental incentives likely to be adopted

Alternatively, investors with a narrower scope

However, another cryptocurrency asset

carbon market has shown that it is worth

in mind can indirectly expose themselves to

known as Klima has lifted the popularity

keeping tabs on, and the continued success

carbon offset credits by investing in green

and adoption of these BCT tokens. The

of the EU ETS is evidence that properly

companies, thereby generating a significant

token is run by what is known as the Klima

functioning systems are an effective tool in

surplus of credits that they are eligible to

Decentralised Autonomous Organisation

the fight against climate change.

on both a local and foreign level. All in all, the

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R E A L E S TAT E

THE ECO-FRIENDLY HOUSE HUNT

Such flag-ship developments are set to have a positive knock-on effect in the broader property sector, as more developers seek to create cleaner and greener developments, including more eco-conscious residential properties.

With the cost of living rising and electricity bills booming, the issue of energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important for local homebuyers. Professional real estate agent Brian Magri discusses eco-conscious home design and the essential factors to consider when looking for a sustainable place to live in Malta.

Currently, it may seem almost impossible for homebuyers to navigate the local property market in search of an eco-friendly home. However, various measures and indicators are in place to help homebuyers locate their ideal sustainable home. Therefore, it’s precious for homebuyers to reach out to a qualified and experienced real estate agent. Agents with proven track records know the local property market inside and out and can guide homebuyers on sustainable measures to look out for in a home.

The demand for sustainable property development is on the rise in Malta. One only needs to look towards several major new developments to recognise that Malta is making significant strides to introduce

First, for a property to be sold in Malta, it must hold a valid Energy

eco-conscious design and construction within the local market. To

Performance Certificate, also known as an EPC rating. The EPC rates a

name but one example, the developers behind the upcoming The Quad

property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A to G. This scale is similar

Central within the Central Business District area seek to achieve a

to how modern appliances are rated, with an A rating being the most

LEED platinum certification, which is widely regarded as the highest

energy-efficient and G the worst. An EPC is there to give would-be home

certification for sustainable building design globally.

buyers or renters an indication of how much their energy bills will cost in

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their new home. The higher the efficiency rating, the lower the average running costs within the home. In countries like the UK, homebuyers have become accustomed to looking out for properties with good EPC ratings. With rising heating and electricity prices becoming the norm, an energy-efficient home is a great way to ensure energy bills remain low. Not only that, but EPC ratings are becoming linked intrinsically to a property’s value. In London, for example, a good EPC rating can raise the value of a property by as much as £40,000. While EPC ratings are a standard in Malta, not many property listings tend to advertise energy efficiency ratings yet. However, a professional real estate agent will be able to get hold of official EPC ratings and provide homebuyers with a breakdown of this information to help them make more informed choices before they put an offer in on a property.

An external insulation coating will help regulate a property’s thermal fluctuations and boost its energy efficiency all year round.

Today, more and more Maltese homebuyers are working on the benefits of energy-efficient homes. Thanks to the vast amounts of sunshine we enjoy in Malta, solar panels have become increasingly popular around

might seek to build properties that are south facing. This will ensure the

the island. However, there are plenty of other eco-conscious design

house enjoys maximum natural light throughout the day. Depending on

features that can go a long way in helping local homeowners save on

how a property is angled, it can also be made to enjoy warm sunlight in

their energy bills at home.

the morning but benefit from the shade in the afternoon. This is ideal for Maltese summers, as it will result in a cooler house during the hours

That’s why homebuyers looking to buy an energy-efficient home

when the sun is at its strongest.

should also consider the developer who constructed the property. Unfortunately, in Malta, there are still many property developers who

These may seem like minor details. But in the long run, these simple

continue to construct poorly thought-out properties at a minimum

design features will mean less reliance on lights inside the house

expense so they can sell for a quick profit.

throughout the day, warmer interiors in the winter months, and a cooler property in the summer. Fewer lights, heating, and air conditioning

That said, a handful of reputable developers continuously seek to build

combined are guaranteed to significantly affect a household’s energy

quality homes. Such developers will take various fundamental but

consumption.

hugely essential steps to ensure their buildings are fully embracing ecoconscious architecture and design from the start. For example, they

The building materials that enhance a property’s energy efficiency take things one step further. It’s recommended to look out for homes fitted with UPVC (or Unplasticised Polyvinylchloride) apertures using double- or triple-glazed glass. UPVC windows are a great way to reduce heat gain in the summer while preventing heat loss during winters. On average, UPVC apertures help homeowners save up to 40% on their energy bills compared to homes fitted with non-UPVC windows. Furthermore, an external insulation coating will help regulate a property’s thermal fluctuations and boost its energy efficiency all year round. This is especially true for properties exposed to the elements, such as penthouses. Homebuyers should also investigate the energy efficiency of any appliances that come with a fully-furnished property. Quality appliances with high energy ratings are a significant investment and will reap benefits down the line, ensuring energy costs remain lower. Locating a sustainable property in the local market may seem like looking for a needle in a haystack. But as demand grows, there are increasingly more eco-friendly homes coming onto the market. Reputable and qualified real estate agents understand the qualities that make a home truly energy efficient. They can guide homebuyers to

The Quad Central seek to achieve a LEED platinum certification

suitable properties and get hold of any certifications and information to help them make informed decisions when hunting for their dream sustainable home.

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

ECONOMY

INFLATION

— An ache in an unprecedented economic environment Over the past decade, inflation was a desire of many central banks to achieve. Technically, the 2% level is a figure that many central bankers believe is appropriate for a well-functioning economy, with an acceptable balance of price stability. Today central banks are facing a dilemma on how to control the recent spike in inflation. However, as Jordan Portelli examines, a rushed reaction could emerge as an economic detractor rather than an inflation stabiliser.

In simple terms, inflation is a situation where

zero COVID-19 policy decision in China, causing

induced delays in China are causing growing

we experience an increase in the prices of

exports disruptions. A practical example would

congestion at the world’s biggest container

goods and services. Thus, our ability to buy the

be the recent closure of one of China’s north-

ports. The below index- the ‘supplier’s delivery

same level of units as before the price increase

eastern ports in Dalian, becoming the second

times index,’ which captures supply chain

depletes- a notion better known as a reduction

major Chinese port to be struck by the highly

delays in an economy, clearly shows the issues

in purchasing power. Unfortunately, the

contagious COVID-19 variant after Tianjin, a

being faced by many businesses. A lower index

current inflation levels were not seen for many

port in neighbouring Beijing. Moreover, some

implies a longer delivery time.

years. Thus, now we are uneasy about how

shipping lines have suspended operations

best to tackle the said price increases.

from three Chinese ports, including Shanghai

Thus, the re-emerging supply issues are

and Shenzhen, which remain partially closed.

mainly to blame for the recent upward trend

Given the pandemic’s unprecedented scenario,

Shipping companies continue to re-assess

in inflation data when considering that in the

the recent spike in inflation is the expected

the situation before resuming operations.

U.S., inflation was stable between May and

path we had to experience. As anticipated,

Thus, ships looking to avoid pandemic-

September last year.

the restrictive measures during the pandemic would have had long-lasting implications. Supply shortages in the short term were expected. However, the prolonged path was unexpected. The issue today is that inflation is mainly triggered by supply disruptions, i.e. supply-driven inflation as opposed to what

European Union

United States

2017

2020

60 50

many policymakers would have desired that of demand drive inflation. Thus, when looking

at the real cause of inflation, the traditional mechanisms of abating high inflation levels might prove not to be the best course of action.

30 20

Indeed, when analysing the moves of inflation over the past two years, inflation has been

volatile. Interestingly, the current 7.5% annual inflation rate* in the United States, despite the highest since October, reflects the reality of supply disruptions once again, triggered by the

0 2010

2011

2012

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2014

2015

2016

2018

2019

2021

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ECONOMY

Also, very important to distinguish between ‘headline inflation’ and ‘core inflation’. The

7.5

former considers raw inflation, i.e. the standard basket of goods, while the latter

6.8

excludes energy and food prices from the said basket of goods, which historically proved to

6.2

be volatile at times. In this regard, looking at the current levels of energy prices, headline

5.4

inflation is being highly inflated by energy

5.4

5.3

5.4

prices, which rose at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 30% in 2021. The recent

4.2

increase in prices is inevitably in line with the expected economic rebound from the

pandemic. Still, it is also being conditioned by the recent geopolitical tensions in Russia,

2.6

which are now seen as another source of support. Therefore, from now on, it would be safe to say that eventually, the current energy

2 1.7 1

prices should abate shortly, which would stop fuelling any remaining inflation momentum. Undoubtedly, sophisticated market observers already recognise this.

Apr 21

Moreover, another interesting find out when

Jul 21

Oct 21

Jan 22

Source: tradingeconomics.com | US Bureau of Labor Statistics

delving deeper into the inflation numbers, mainly those in the U.S., is that used-car

fall, giving rise to a measured deflation which

inflation levels are predominately supply-

prices also brought about high inflation levels.

will be reflected in lower inflation figures too.

driven rather than consumer-driven. Thus,

We saw a spike in second hand used cars. We

caution is warranted on how inflation should

know that the increases were brought about

The pandemic has triggered a negative

be tackled, given we haven’t been through a

a short-term aberration that reflects the

ripple effect in the value chain - a clear

similar scenario historically.

semiconductor shortage currently limiting the

systematic problem. Simply put, if one factor

supply of new cars. Indeed, the limited supply

of production is needed to produce another,

Despite that, in my view, monetary politicians

of new cars has also positively conditioned the

a minimal disruption in the first factor will

will tackle inflation with the traditional

prices of selective auto manufacturers, which

emerge as a negative multiplier effect with

mechanisms, namely those of higher

could increase the price per unit of selective

severe consequences.

interest rates. However, other actions are

models. Thus, we can fairly say that once supply shortages ease, prices of used cars will

needed in the current evolving uncertain Realistically speaking, the current elevated

macro environment. For example, targeted structural and fiscal policies might be more appropriate in tacking supply-driven inflation, which is the current primary driver of high inflation levels. I fear that the risk of a policy mistake is increasing. A rushed pace in interest rate

I fear that the risk of a policy mistake is increasing. A rushed pace in interest rate hikes might negatively condition the nascent economic recovery.

hikes might negatively condition the nascent economic recovery. From a fundamental point of view, other forms of easing pressures should prove to be the right course of action, and market participants should not condition central banks in their decision-making. We are truly experiencing a novel economic scenario that will remain historically imprinted as one of the most eventful and uncertain scenarios. At this juncture, caution remains the best course of action. *www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

MARKETING

WEB DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2022 Web design is changing, and 2022 will show us how much those changes are worth for brands. Here are a few Richard Muscat Azzopardi recommends keeping an eye on. They were the most significant upheavals to the web as we know it.

The website is the oldest form of modern brand communication. However, it has had to contend with two decades of accelerating user requirements and design influences. Web 1.0 technologies that cannot support today’s needs, growing consumer demands to see technology expressed differently, the expansion of social media as it intertwines with the web, and a steady increase in mobile-first web consumption. Page speed and UX improvements Google’s most recent algorithm update, released in June 2021, brought developers into the SEO conversation. Google’s new changes rank sites based on speed and UX scores, which means that web designers now must keep UX and page speed in mind when building their websites to make sure that their page loads seamlessly. At least one successful micro-metaverse As Andrea, our head of design at Switch, says, we probably won’t see a successful metaverse until the tail end of 2022, but it doesn’t mean that web pages aren’t already preparing for it. Big corporations have already thrown their proverbial hat into the metaverse ring, so now it’s just a game of technology catch-up. Once the first metaverse brand experience goes live, it’s going to dictate a lot of what’s happening on the web, for better or worse.

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More shared virtual experiences The pandemic did one thing right. It created an unprecedented demand for online, shareable experiences. Now that the pandemic is slowly decreasing in intensity, though by no means are we out of the woods, those shared virtual experiences will take on a new life. Of course, online communities are nothing new. They’ve been around since the first mailing list was. But they’re more powerful than ever, and small, simple, and intimate connections between relative strangers are on the rise. Vanillification As more people work remotely, it’s not only farmers experiencing slower connections. People who are used to working on a fibre connection suddenly must contend with the slower internet speeds available in more remote places, and they’ll be looking for sites that don’t take ages to load. Inclusion through typography Designers love their tiny text, but it isn’t always legible for sightimpaired users, and 2022 will change that. We’re anticipating a new revolution in web design that allows for user-dictated type sizes and adaptable colour schemes are in, as are alt-texts, captions, and a greater emphasis on keyboard navigation, both manually and by voice. The return of experimental

Outdoors, indoors

Bold colours, mixed typography, animation; web design has been

Lockdown brought a new appreciation and awareness of nature and

sanitised for a very long time, but there wasn’t a pandemic back then.

the outdoors. The web is set to translate that into the digital with soft

In 2022, we’re going to see a return to some of the more whimsical web

colours and tranquil web spaces created purely to relax.

elements, like hidden Easter eggs and tricksy code. As I do, so do you Many brands speak on the web today, and their design will make them stand out in 2022. Behavioural design is poised to see a surge in 2022 as brands use data in novel ways to stand out from their competitors. Cleverly blending collected data with web design will further enhance user experiences. It’s all in the thumb The better your website is designed, the easier it is for your consumers. Thumb-friendly navigation is one of those things that users don’t think about but will become fundamental the more we move into faster, more responsive mobile-first pages. The 90s, baby! There’s always a place for nostalgia, and in 2022, that place will be the internet. With the youngest 90s baby now 22 years old, the early internet aesthetic will reign supreme in 2022 as actual 90s kids turn their love of nostalgia into the place where they used to spend all their time: the internet and all its neon pop-up glory. Add in the popularity of lo-fi music and the TikTok filter machine, and the 90s are on their way back to the web in a big way. »

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

MARKETING

People are tired, and they’re tired of websites that exist to sell a

experience in mind, not just ‘does it look good’ but ‘do I even know that

product. Websites that can incorporate some of the joy of logging into

I’m on a website.’ If the experience is uninterrupted through smart

the internet in the 90s and winding up in a coding rabbit-hole are going

design, users will end up having better experiences.”

to see the effort pay off beautifully. As people strive to find a connection One-page age

in a time when a connection is vital and increasingly challenging to create, giving them a talking point. A no-strings-attached adventure is

No one could travel during lockdown, so the web brings travel to you;

an excellent way to keep them coming back because they want to.

through carefully-crafted immersive pages with all the information, you Google’s page experience update

need on one page. By containing everything to one interactive webpage, the experience of doing something, being somewhere, is maximised.

According to Andrea, this has been in the works since the internet was,

There’s no burger menu to take you out of it or traditional page set-up

and it’s finally being finalised. Gone are websites that look beautiful but

to remind you you’re on a website. All you need to do is go onto the

have elements that stutter or skip, break the immersion of that web

homepage, access the article, find the micro-site, and scroll through the

page, or websites that load well but have elements that don’t look good,

story.

won’t hold your attention. Mise en place Our head of studio says, “this is going to positively challenge designers to be as brutal in their approach as possible. For all its openness when

In the age of Zoom calls and house tours and vlogs, something stands

compared to print, the web does have an interesting set of core ideals

out, people are curious about other people, and websites can leverage

or limitations that, so far, we’ve been pretty free and relaxed about.

this. So, anticipate seeing more design that gives a sense of place,

Something as simple as keeping your choices minimal but cohesive

shows humans at the front and centre of its creation, and expects to

throughout web projects is an obvious but important start, but this

create a much deeper connection between the people on the website

puts more of an engineering spin on web design than anything else -

and the people who designed it.

it’s got to look great and work greater. We need to design with the end Micro movements We get it. There’s so much to keep in mind already that long-form content and static web pages seem like an extra effort. Tiny animations are a middle-ground, emphasising content without losing the attention of a frazzled audience. Designer’s dream Design elements are on the up for 2022, with websites opting for fewer stock photos and more custom designs that put your personality where your site (or social media) is. This trend is also capitalising on something we’ve noticed overall in human behaviour: the sudden shift towards hyper-custom, hyper-personalised content and design that’s built to stand out above what’s been popular for the last ten years. Andrea pinpoints a few that he considers will have a more significant emphasis on the way web design is approached in 2022. An increased interest in art deco elements, bold text choices and excellently crafted line work is what our head of design is expecting for 2022. From now on In many ways, the web has come full circle. We’re back again to the early-90s internet of exploration, creating websites that look beautiful for the hell of it, creating experiences contained in one tiny pocket online. From font choices and colours picked out to evoke joy to hidden code that makes the website look different, 2022 will be a lot of things, but not boring. The web is back to being customisable, louder, bolder, and easier to adapt, and I, for one, am excited about all the possibilities this can offer brands who want to experiment with the way they present online.

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HOUSE PROUD

1. Ellen dining chair A fanciful dining chair full of luxurious features that will bring personality and uniqueness to your dining room. €1,245 / essentialhome.eu 2. Brando sideboard Need the perfect piece for your luxury living room decor? You just found it! A very inconspicuous piece of modern design features a structure in solid wood and natural dark leather that gives it a sober and elegant look.

MONEY’s design essentials are for life.

€8,700 / essentialhome.eu

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Domus

Montebello sofa by Lawson-Fenning

The brilliant piece of furniture that turns your bike into a

The Montebello Sofa is a mid-century tuxedo-style sofa with a button-

spectacular work of art. And stores the gear (and much more) in a

tufted seat and wooden base.

neat, functional way.

€5,400 / 1stdibs.com

€7,000 / vadolibero.com 7. 4.

Leo’s Loo Too

Kara Pure

Looking almost like a slick front-loaded washing machine, the Leo’s Loo

Make pure water from the air. Ten litres of fresh drinking water daily.

Too by Smarty Pear uses a similar rotating chamber to automatically

World’s 1st air-to-water dispenser of mineral-rich alkaline water.

‘flush’ out your cat’s poo, saving you the trouble of digging away at kitty

€1,600 / indiegogo.com (launching June 2022)

excrement with a scoop. €665 / smartypear.com

5. Brot lamp

The dual-functioning lamp and garden made its inaugural appearance

Poul Kjaerholm dining table

at the Stockholm Furniture Fair in the “Greenhouse” category in

Denmark, 1960s flint-rolled marble, chrome-plated steel. 2m in diameter

February. The Brot is not yet for sale, but the company hopes to find a

with sleeves.

production facility soon.

€42,000 / 1stdibs.com

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

FA SHION

WHAT MONEY CAN BUY

SSAM Organic cotton and cashmere-blend jersey t-shirt €295

Here’s where you’ll get a first look at the latest new-season clothing. All items available from mrporter.com

MR P. Tapered garment-dyed pleated organic cotton-twill trousers €210

ISABEL MARANT Meyoan logo-flocked striped cotton-blend jersey sweatshirt €295

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Exaggerated-sole suede-trimmed canvas sneakers €390

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FA SHION

JACQUES MARIE MAGE Kaine square-frame acetate sunglasses €660

CELINE HOMME Kurt distressed bleached jeans €750

MONCLER GENIUS + Fragment 7 printed shell bomber jacket €990

CHRISTIAN LABOUTIN 4cm leather belt €330

BREITLING Chronoliner stainless steel €6,100 / elcol.com

MONCLER GENIUS 8 Moncler palm angels leather-trimmed logo-jacquard weekend bag €950

MONEY

THE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE EDITION

NEWS

75 vintage design dealers return to Amsterdam for Design Icons 2022

Design Icons Amsterdam is an annual trade show in the Netherlands celebrates timeless pieces. For the 2022 edition, 75 quality dealers from all over Europe will return to Amsterdam on April 2 and 3, bringing their finest vintage furniture designs and accessories from the 20th century. Exhibitors will offer a wide variety of interior objects for sale to professionals and the public: from well-known classics to anonymous designs, with names next to Mies van der Rohe and from Italian-chic to raw industrials. Design Icons Amsterdam takes place annually in the impressive venue of de Kromhouthal, a former marine engine factory restored into a charming event location. Situated on the north shore of ’t IJ, it provides visitors with beautiful views opening towards the city centre.

Balenciaga dedicates AW 2022 show to the climate crisis and the war in Ukraine

The industrial atmosphere of de Kromhouthal is the ideal setting to showcase the design icons of the past century.

Fashion brand Balenciaga showed its Autumn Winter 2022 collection in a “snow globe”, with models walking the runway in a blizzard to comment on the climate crisis and the Ukraine war. The Paris Fashion Week show was designed by the luxury label’s frequent collaborator, Niklas Bildstein Zaar of architecture studio Sub, as a human-made blizzard within a cylindrical, glass-walled structure. “In a not-so-distant future, what was once considered ubiquitous – banal, even – is now rarefied, often only experienceable via simulation,” Balenciaga explained. “Weather, for example, is machine-made or rendered digitally; snow is exotic.” “The term ‘winter’ takes on a new meaning, although imbued with nostalgia for a time of predictable seasons,” the brand added. “Just as a souvenir snow globe preserves a memory, the impending present plays out within a manufactured storm, mapping past winters onto the next.” The show space was shaped as a 360-degree rotunda bounded by a curving glass wall that separated its audience from an artificial snowstorm in a white field. The audience was seated within a dark corridor lined with two rows of chairs oriented toward the snowy show space and laid with T-shirts in the colours of Ukraine’s flag.

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bloom@bloomcreative.com.mt

We build remarkable brands. To view a selection of our best work, visit bloomcreative.com.mt

CLASSIC FUSION Black ceramic case. Self-winding movement.