The ninth edition of the annual Awards Scheme organised by Din l-Art Helwa with the support of the Kamra tal-Periti (Chamber of Architects), was held last week. Its aim is to give public recognition to the work being carried out in the sphere of cultural heritage, and to reward projects that are particularly significant in the Maltese context.
This year, the Prix d’Honneur in Category A – A major regeneration Project, was given to Design and Technical Resources (DTR), for ‘The Enhancement of Visitor Experience at the Ggantija Heritage Park, Xaghra, Gozo’. This project also won the Silver Medal Award, as the best project overall. The judging panel liked the innovative design and use of materials in this project, but most of all were very impressed by the “Portals” that were created along the new pathway, allowing a new vision and appreciation of the magnificent Ggantija Temples.
In this category, a Diploma was awarded to Architecture Project, for ‘The Barrakka Lift’, and to The Restoration Directorate for Il-Foss tal-Mdina.
The Prix d’Honneur in Category B – The Rehabilitation and Re-use of Buildings, was won by The Wignacourt Museum, which involved the re-organisation of the whole museum, as well as the restoration of the architectural fabric and the contents.
Architect Patrick Calleja was awarded a Diploma for the new ‘Lombard Bank Sliema Branch’, a milestone in the protection of the architectural patrimony that was Art Nouveau Sliema. Architect David Xuereb, on behalf of QP Management, also received a Diploma for the ‘PBS Creativity Hub’.
The Prix d’Honneur in Category C – A Restoration and Conservation Project, was awarded to Architecture Project, for the work on ‘The Nymphea & Gate at Villa Bologna, Attard’. It is hoped that all gardens, especially private ones, once an integral part of the Maltese historic townscape, will be given the care and importance that has been shown at Villa Bologna.
Architect Jean Frendo on behalf of the Restoration Directorate was awarded the Diploma in this category for the restoration of ‘The Three Farmhouses at Buskett’, a very difficult project, which proves that there is no such thing as irretrievable heritage. The interesting project of Il- Gallarija Miftuha by Architect Chris Briffa was given a special mention; the traditional closed wooden balcony was given a new twist, morphing into an opening and closing version that allows for today’s desire for unobstructed vistas
The prizes were given by Jose’ Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, and Din l-Art Helwa Executive President Simone Mizzi gave a welcome address to the audience. The chairperson of the panel of judges, Maria Grazia Cassar, announced the winners in her speech.
The other judges of the competition were Dr Conrad Thake, on behalf of the Kamra tal-Periti, Architect Joanna Spiteri Staines, Council Member, and Professor Lucio Mule-Stagno, vice-president of Din l-Art Helwa.
During the presentation, Dr Herrera praised the work undertaken by Din l-Art Helwa and for organising such an important event: “This is a prestigious recognition from a prestigious organisation that has pioneered restoration projects in Malta for more than 50 years. Malta is so rich in cultural heritage that it is impossible for the central government to carry out all the restoration projects needed for the upkeep of important historical monuments. It is not possible for the government to disregard an organisation such as Din l-Art Helwa, which has built a reputation for the pristine work carried out in this field. It is for this reason that the guardianship deeds of historic monuments in the care of this organisation have been renewed for another 10 years and a new site has been added.”
Dr Herrera also added that it is good to see government entities such as Heritage Malta and the Restoration Directorate participating in such awards. “I am honoured to see entities that fall under my remit being involved in such events. I am even more privileged to be leading these entities that are being acknowledged for the important work they have carried out.”