The chamber of architects, Kamra tal-Periti is giving a detailed presentation of its position paper on quality in the built environment, at a seminar at the Radisson Bay Point Hotel on Wednesday at 10am. The policy document, “The Urban Challenge: Our Quality of Life and the Built Environment” has been presented to Environment Minister George Pullicino.

The chamber said the idea of the document dates to July 2004, when the Kamra tal-Periti presented its discussion paper, “A National Policy for Architecture in Malta – Is it Worth it?”. The publication of the policy paper represented a significant step towards the chamber’s longer term goals of having a national policy for architecture adopted by the government and of establishing a national centre for architecture and the built environment.

The document, the chamber said, reinforced the belief that quality was essential in adding value to any investment in the country’s future. More so where the country’s built environment was concerned, since better standards would result in a better quality of life for all and an environment better geared to attract investment and tourism.

In its document, the chamber makes several recommendations in this regard, including the better protection of the nation’s heritage (built and natural) and the strengthening of the process and management of change (planning), which needed to embrace and build on the values inherent in the country’s cultural and geopolitical standing in a global society. The paper suggests more focus in the education system on encouraging creativity and innovation from as early an age as possible. It sets an agenda for the renovation of the profession of the perit and, recognising the important contribution of all stakeholders, it calls on them to collectively re-commit to better quality in architecture and urban design and to higher standards in the construction of buildings and urban spaces for the benefit of the community.

“The Urban Challenge: Our Quality of Life and the Built Environment” may be obtained from the chamber at The Professional Centre, Sliema Road, Gzria GZR1633 or it can be downloaded at www.ktpmalta.com.

Reservations may be made by contacting the chamber at [email protected]. A discussion session will follow the presentation.