Stephen Calleja (TMIS, 5 July) somewhat pompously criticised folk with no architectural qualifications for complaining about the Piano project, and followed up with a rather puerile attack on Astrid Vella for her pro-environmental activities.

As far as Piano is concerned, his architectural style is similar to Lord Rogers, the Briton whose design for the Chelsea Barracks in London fell foul of Prince Charles as the development style he proposed clashed with more traditional buildings in the vicinity. Piano designs in an ultra-modern style and people who prefer developments to ape surrounding buildings will almost inevitably be less than happy with aspects of his proposals. Unlike Mr Calleja, though, I believe everyone, whether trained in architecture or not, has the right to express his/her opinion, as this is a major development for our capital city.

With reference to Mr Calleja’s comments about Astrid Vella, I am afraid I think they are so ridiculous as to be unworthy of serious consideration. Journalists should be free to comment on people’s statements and activities, but should steer well clear of attacks of a personal nature. I have no idea, incidentally, where she lives or why she has refrained from comment on the Valletta project but I suspect that the latter is because there is nothing remotely environmentally suspect about it.

Mrs Vella speaks on behalf of the FAA, an NGO that does sterling work, for no remuneration, in an attempt to prevent further damage to Malta’s environment. If Mr Calleja cares about the sort of country his children/grandchildren are to live in, he should support such organisations, not throw bricks at them.

Dr Anton R Borg

CIRENCESTER, UK