Executive event organisers iMNG Ltd on Friday launched the 2016 Malta Architect Awards with the aim of recognising and promulgating local expertise in the profession of architecture. The Awards which are being supported and sponsored by the Planning Authority seek to recognise and showcase those design and architectural projects, both large and small, which today are positively contributing towards quality design in our streetscapes and urban context. The Awards will also serve to instigate amongst the local profession of architects a vigour and drive to raise the bar and present projects that excel in quality design and context adaptability.
The Awards which will be announced at the end of September 2016 by a jury composed of both local and foreign professionals within the field and which include representatives from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architects' Council of Europe. The jury will also be supported by a technical team, the members of which will be experts in their own fields in accordance with the categories' topics.
During the launch, the Chairman of the Planning Board Perit Vincent Cassar said that " the new Planning Authority has set out a new direction to ensure that high quality design is at the forefront of development planning applications. Over the past months, the Authority has introduced a number of measures and policy documents which reflect this new drive. The publication of the new DC15 and the setting up of a Design Advisory Committee, in order to assist the Planning Board in the design evaluation of major project applications and those within Urban Conservation Areas, are two examples of our commitment to ensure good architecture and quality design."
The Awards will have eight different categories, namely: an Award for Rehabilitation & Conservation Projects, an Award for Public Buildings, an Award for Residential Projects, an Award for Interior Design Projects, an Award for Hospitality & Leisure Projects, an Award for Infrastructural & Engineering Projects, an Award for Sustainable Development and a Young Architect Award. This last award seeks to keep providing the young generation of upcoming architects with opportunities that can expose their thoughts, creativity and flexibility.
Interested architects and organisations may submit their projects at the Fortress Builders Valletta between the 29th August and 2nd September 2016. For further information about the rules and categories visit the website www.architectawards.com.mt.