The talk around many of the architectural corridors in these Islands these last few days has been about the prestigious awards to give recognition to various elements in the local architectural fields. Launched earlier this month by one of Malta's leading business publishers and event organisers, the awards are supported by the Planning Authority as the primary sponsor, as well as by the exclusive Jaguar brand.

Jason Attard, Managing Director of iMNG Ltd, which is the company behind Executive Events,  the Awards' organisers, said that the immediate response to the launch was extremely positive. He said that in his organisations' endeavours both as publishers and as organisers of events "we have come to realise that Malta would be well served by the establishing of constant structures which recognise and encourage individuals and organisations for outstanding achievements they are responsible for in their fields of expertise. The Malta Architect Awards were conceived and structured so that the professions of Architects, Engineers and Interior Designers will be recognised and acknowledged via a system of Awards which will constantly take place every year; with the direct aim of acknowledging and promulgating local expertise."

Based upon the understanding that, more so than being about designing great structures, architecture is  about the translation of great designs into practical structures, "our Awards seek to reward Malta's very best architectural designs. Factors that will be taken into consideration by the members of the international jury include technological advancements, beauty of aesthetics, practicality of design, fluidity, and the attention given by the design to local cultural roots, time and surroundings," Mr Attard explained. He added that among other criteria, the judges will also be basing their decisions on the basis of evidence of all-round design excellence and fitness for purpose over a body of work. The size or scale of the projects considered will not be a factor in their deliberations. 

The Malta Architect Awards aim to recognise Malta's very best architectural designs, so as to inspire and influence the country's main stakeholders to the industry by creating architectural structures that enhance rather than damage its ambiance.

The first edition of the Malta Architect Awards for 2016 will take place during the Construction, Property and Interiors Expo on Saturday, the 24 September 2016.
Further details can be found on their website www.architectawards.com.mt.