Kalkara Regeneration Project
Open Spaces Award Winner 2024
Location
Architectural Firm
GHRC
The project expertly balances commercial, cultural, and public uses, showcasing the importance of community planning as an integral aspect of the design of open spaces. The square was intelligently zoned into a playground, a tree-lined seating area, and an open space, each complementing the others while highlighting the façade of the Parish Church. The playground, nestled under large trees, features a low retaining wall and sloped landscaping with diverse seating arrangements. Cost-effective and durable materials, like seeded exposed concrete inspired by weathered coastlines, create warmth and character, ensuring longevity in the saline environment and ease of future repairs.
Special Commendation 2024
Location
The Heart of Mosta: From Space to Place
Architectural Firm
Studjurban
The revitalization of Mosta Square is commendable for initiating the transformation of a vehicle-dominated area into a public space. Situated near the iconic Mosta Rotunda, the redesigned square reimagines the interplay between civic life, mobility, and heritage. Its primary aim was to create a versatile urban living room, prioritizing pedestrians while still accommodating local traffic needs. The project introduces strategic landscaping and modular elements, allowing the square to adapt for various uses throughout the year. Ultimately, the project has sparked a vital national discussion about pedestrianization, sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life in Malta’s public spaces.
Location
Formal Garden
Architectural Firm
Public Works Department
The Formal Garden at Ta’ Qali features a strong longitudinal axis that aligns directly with the historic city of Mdina. This alignment creates a significant historical and visual connection, subtly linking a modern public space with Malta’s rich cultural heritage. The garden’s design enhances depth and perspective, drawing visitors’ eyes towards Mdina’s distant skyline. Furthermore, this structured landscape, bisecting the original RAF runway, embodies traditional European garden design with its classical axial layout. The garden’s formality is defined by strong geometric symmetry, clear sightlines, and a spatial organization emphasizing order and balance. The project is a good example of high quality public intervention that benefits the community.
Back to Winners 2024
