Adaptive Re-use of a Landscape in Tension, Wied il-Għasel
Award for Outstanding Student Project Winner 2023
Location
Student
Gary James Ghirxi
Set into the ex-Hardrocks quarries, the site was chosen as it perfectly embodied the concept of heritage portraying a way of life. The significant surface inscription and topographical changes inflicted by the quarries are a witness to several important events in Maltese history. The jury were particularly struck by the modest interventions, with realistic and reduced methods resulting in an outstanding landscape, which manages to create a destination in itself. It was deemed to be a very realistic proposal, which brings together history and use.
Special Commendations 2023
Location
Revitalising Swieqi: A Sustainable Urban Transformation
Student
Samuel Cilia
This project aims to address multiple challenges faced by the locality of Swieqi, which is considered to be one of the most burdened urban areas in the country. Informed by speaking to the community, the design forms a cohesive network of interventions, diverging from conventional methods to prioritise both societal and environmental needs. This commendation demonstrated deep analytical understanding of urban design principles, with a holistic approach and a profound positive impact on the surrounding population: a true model of how urban design should be.
Location
Remodelled Neighbourhoods, Msida
Student
Martina Chetcuti
This project focuses on the neighbourhood of Msida, which like other neighbourhoods across Malta, is governed by a planning system that does not seem to be prioritising community identity, existing cultural heritage that contributes to this identity and other factors that strengthen the quality of neighbourhoods for their inhabitants. The strong element of connectivity is what was evidenced in this commendation, together with the environmental and respectful reuse of spaces, as vital elements of community-centric city living.
Back to Winners 2023
