'Unsung' Architectural Icons in Malta

‘UNSUNG’ ICONS ARCHITECTURAL

P H OTO G R A P H I C R O A DS H OW E X H I B I T I O N A LEGACY OF LATE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY BUILDINGS IN MALTA

MUSCAT MOTORS SHOWROOM, GŻIRA 04

VILLA ELLUL, TA’ XBIEX 05

VILLA SUNSHINE, TA’ XBIEX 06

ST LUKE’S HOSPITAL, GWARDAMANĠA, PIETÀ 07

RIALTO CINEMA, COSPICUA 08

CORRADINO EX-NAVAL/MILITARY PRISON, PAOLA 09

RAILWAY STATION, MDINA 10

BORG COLONIAL GROCERY, SLIEMA

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PHOENICIA HOTEL, FLORIANA

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ALL SOULS CHURCH, TARXIEN

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SAINT JOSEPH PARISH CHURCH, MANIKATA, MELLIEĦA 14 JOHN F. KENNEDY MEMORIAL, SALINA, ST PAUL’S BAY

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THE COVERED MARKET HALL, VALLETTA 16

REDIFFUSION HOUSE, PIETÀ

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WATER AND SEWER PUMPING STATION, GŻIRA

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19 VINCENZO BUGEJA INSTITUTE, SANTA VENERA 20 ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL, SLIEMA 21 TRITONS FOUNTAIN, VALLETTA 22 VICTORIA LINES, BINGEMMA TO MADLIENA 23 VILLA ROSEVILLE, ATTARD 24 OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH CHURCH, FGURA 25 BLACKLEY BAKERY, PIETÀ 26 UNIVERSITY OF MALTA CAMPUS, MSIDA 27 ST THOMAS MORE CHAPEL, UNIVERSITY OF MALTA, MSIDA 28 PRIMARY SCHOOL, SLIEMA 29 VILLA MEDITERRANJA AND VILLA FLORA, ATTARD 30 MOUNT ST JOSEPH RETREAT HOUSE, MOSTA 31 ST NICHOLAS CHURCH, TARXIEN 32 BALLUTA BUILDINGS, ST JULIANS 33 MILITARY NAVAL HOSPITAL, MTARFA

Photographer: Alexander Cutajar

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Muscat Motors Showroom, Gżira Muscat Motors is one of the best examples of modern commercial architecture in the Maltese Islands. Moreover, it is the only true example of Streamline Moderne in the country. This particular type of architecture was a late version of Art Deco design which, unlike its predecessor, rejected the idea of ornamentation in favour of ‘streamlining’.

The Muscat Motors building was originally constructed by the Muscat family and designed by the architect Silvio Merciecia. The showroom was built in the restrained Art Deco Style. During the Second World War much of the original building was destroyed as a result of a direct hit. After the war, a new showroom was built by architect Prof. Joseph Colombo. The newly reconstructed building was completed in 1945 and adhered to the Art Deco style. Its architectural achievements are reinforced through long accentuated lines, giving the building a horizontal orientation. The rounded edges in the structure and corner windows, together with the smooth finish of the building, further cement it as a rare piece of architecture, skillfully displaying the design concept. The Planning Authority gave the Muscat Motors Showroom protection status as a Grade 2 building.

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Photographer: Alexander Cutajar

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Villa Ellul, Ta’ Xbiex One of the earliest examples of Modern architecture in Malta is Villa Ellul, located in Ta’ Xbiex. It was designed in the 1930s by Architect Salvatore Ellul as his residence. It was inspired by the Parisian modern house designs of Le Corbusier, a pioneer of modern architecture. Ellul used advanced concepts for the time to create the villa’s most notable feature: the reinforced concrete cantilevered semicircular terrace that wraps around a section of the facade.

Reinforced concrete was the dominant and, at the same time, most crucial material of Modernist architecture. The structural integrity created through the combination of steel and concrete to span or cantilever over large distances, or to create open spaces, was the catalyst that was needed for architects to realise new and exciting visions.

Moreover, rather than applied ornamentation, this allowed decoration to be created in the structure itself. This concept was well understood by the architect when designing Villa Ellul with the mixed use of sharp lines to produce delicate curves further accentuated by the smoothly rendered surface. Ellul continued with this concept through the interiors with detailed designs for doors, stair rails and other internal finishes. The Planning Authority scheduled Villa Ellul as a Grade 2 building.

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Photographer: Alexander Cutajar

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Villa Sunshine, Ta’ Xbiex Villa Sunshine is located in a prominent part of Ta’ Xbiex, a building influenced by the philosophies of the Modernist era. The Italian architect Mario Meneghello was commissioned to remodel an existing residence along the Ta’ Xbiex promontory. The extensive remodelling of the façade and its interior was undertaken during the period c. 1962-64.

The mass and form of the building borrows heavily from architectural influences of the past, possibly to adhere to the somewhat conservative neighbourhood and surrounding buildings. The toned down ‘earth’ colour of the finished materials and the extensive use of natural hardstone further reinforces this building’s attempt to offer an intriguing modernist counterpoint to the surrounding buildings which adhered to more conservative architectural styles. Upon closer inspection, however, the building offers a lot more. The use of projecting and cantilevered reinforced concrete can be seen – a trademark of modernist buildings. Aluminium was at that time a very innovative material.

Villa Sunshine manages to solidify itself amongst the greatest achievements of modernist architecture with its elongated window openings, heavy use of suspended panelling, together with large and small continuous fins running vertically along the entire height of the villa. Its multi-faceted façade gives the impression that it is larger than its actual size. The Planning Authority scheduled Villa Sunshine as a Grade 2 building.

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Photographer: Brian Agius

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

St Luke’s Hospital, Gwardamanġa, Pietà Commissioned in 1927, St Luke’s Hospital was initially intended to provide 350 to 450 hospital beds. The British architectural firm Adams, Holden and Pearson specialised in the design of hospitals in Britain. For the preparation of plans for the new hospital in Malta they were paid the then substantial sum of £6,000. Works started in 1930 after the foundation stone was officially laid on the 5th of April. It was expected that the hospital would be completed by the end of 1941, but its completion was delayed by technical difficulties and by the outbreak of the Second World War, when works got suspended. During the war, St Luke’s Hospital sustained some damage. By the late 1940s St Luke’s Hospital assumed its role as Malta’s main general hospital. The main entrance of the hospital consists of a gate with three openings which leads into an open space. The hospital consists of a number of seperate large blocks interconnected with corridors. The buildings are pierced by vertical louvered windows distributed uniformly on all floors. The subsequent decades saw a number of extensions being made to the main hospital to accommodate the various developing specialties and the progressively increasing demands on the hospital services. As of 2007, St Luke’s hospital ceased to be Malta’s main general hospital, having been replaced by the new Mater Dei Hospital.

The Planning Authority scheduled this building as a Grade 2 national monument.

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Photographer: Brian Agius

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Rialto Cinema, Cospicua Following the intensive World War II bombing over the Three Cities, part of the rebuilding scheme for the area was the construction of a large cinema. Maltese architect Edwin England Sant Fournier (1908-1969) created a restrained but striking Art Moderne design featuring tall arched cobalt-blue windows and a curved “tower” originally featuring a large sign depicting a Venetian gondola. The strategically located corner building opened in 1956. The Rialto cinema became a major focal point of social life for Cospicua and the Three Cities. In 1988, after three decades of providing entertainment, the cinema was closed down as a result of the the worldwide trend of dwindling audiences.

The Planning Authority scheduled the Rialto cinema as a Grade 2 national monument.

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Photographer: Brian Agius

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Corradino ex-Naval/Military Prison, Paola The Corradino Naval and Military Prison located on Corradino Hill in Paola was constructed in 1866 originally to house naval prisoners. It was transferred to the army in 1870, and since then has been known as the Corradino Military Prison. The prison is set to a cruciform plan although originally it was designed as a two-wing block perpendiclur to the administration block. It is similar in design to Pentonville prison in London, designed by Sir Charles Barry, with the main difference being the plan of the structure and the use of limestone as compared to the use of brick in Britain. Prisons constructed at the time were rather similar to each other, with small cells having a single high-level window and a passive ventilation system, which was rather avant-garde as regards sanitation at the time. The wings of the prison were separated by exercise yards, most of which survive to this day. The Planning Authority scheduled the Corradino ex-Naval/Military Prisons as a Grade 1 national monument.

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Photographer: Sita Azzopardi

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Railway Station, Mdina The Railway Station was built as an extension of the railway line purposely to cater for the British barrack camps at Mtarfa situated in close proximity of the historic city of Mdina. Works on this extension project started in 1895 and were completed in 1900. The former Railway Station was converted into a restaurant in 1986 and retains its orginal name. The restaurant also contained many railway-related photos and a model locomotive. The Malta Railway consisted of a single railway line from Valletta to Mdina covering a distance of nearly 11 kilometres. The railway service was inaugurated on the 28th February 1883. Prior to the extension of the Museum Station, there were five other stations along the route which were Valletta, Hamrun, Birkirkara, Attard and Rabat. The railway passenger train made its last journey on the 31st March 1931. The carriages were made of wood on iron frames. The seats were parallel to the line on both sides of an aisle. Originally illuminated by candles, this was changed to electricity, powered by batteries, in 1900. The Museum Railway Station was scheduled by the Planning Authority as a Grade 1 national monument.

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Photographer: Keith Ellul

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Borg Colonial Grocery, Manuel Dimech Street c/w Triq Ġuzè Ellul Mercer, Sliema The locality of Tas-Sliema was very popular with British Services personnel. In fact, the area only contained a small number of traditional buildings and some fortifications. But upon their arrival, the British set about building a number of villas with gardens. Further British Services personnel and their households settled in this area and either built their own houses or rented existing ones. Such an increase in population increased demand for retail services and the shops in Sliema provided retail services mainly to the British Services and the garrison. Originally, L. Calleja & Co. Colonial Stores were established in a premises in Cospicua early in 1900. Eventually, this enterprise moved to Sliema and prior to WWII, it was sold to a local Borg family who changed the shop’s name to reflect its new ownership.The main character of the store is the eloquent shopfront design which was characteristic of late-Victorian and Edwardian colonial times. In recent years, the premises no longer serves as a local grocer shop and has been converted into a commercial retail outlet. The Planning Authority scheduled this shop as a Grade 2 monument.

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Photographer: Keith Ellul

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana The Phoenicia Hotel was commissioned in 1935 by Lady Strickland, and was designed by the British architect Lt. Col. W.B. Binnie. The Phoenicia provided high-class accommoration for overseas visitors to Malta. This Art Deco hotel, which is in keeping with the architectural style of the times, was not yet completed by the beginning of World War II. In fact, certain parts of the hotel had to be reconstructed after the war. The hotel opened its doors in November 1947 but was officially completed in April 1948, by which time, travel time between Malta and London had gone down to six and a half hours by plane. The uppermost two floor were later additions. Recently the hotel and its extensive grounds and facilities have been restored and revamped. The hotel was sensitively constructed on and around the fortifications, in the part of the bastions named after St John. The Planning Authority scheduled the Phoenicia Hotel as a Grade 2 national monument.

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Photographer: Kevin Casha

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

All Souls Church, Tarxien The All Souls Church in Tarxien is one of a handful of Modernist churches constructed in the Maltese Islands. The construction of this church started in 1964, and it was consecrated in 1987. The design architect was the Italian architect-priest Mgr. Valerio Vigorelli, from the Istituto Beato Angelico in Milan, and the executive architect and structural engineer of the building was the local architect Italo Raniolo. The church was constructed within the cemetery grounds and adjoins the Tarxien Neolithic Temples. Its oval form and architectural design were inspired by the adjoining prehistoric temples. Set at one end of the long axis are curved walls that rise towards the entrance portal. The façade is constructed in local stone with alternating fascias projecting at regular intervals, which is a significant departure from the norms of Modernist architecture. Overlying the centrally placed entrance, and set within the façade, is an artistic screen with triangularly-shaped perforations, recalling Gio Ponti’s façade of the Cathedral at Taranto. The form of the church makes references to Carlo Ceschi’s hypothetical reconstructions for the corbelled masonry roofing over local prehistoric temples. The Planning Authority scheduled this Church as a Grade 2 national Modernist monument.

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Photographer: Kevin Casha

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Saint Joseph Parish Church, Manikata, Mellieħa The Manikata Parish Church, dedicated to St Joseph, was designed in the early 1960s by Architect Richard England. It was one of his first design projects, entrusted to him by his father, himself an established architect on the island. Sitting proudly above the once small rural hamlet of Manikata, the church was conceived during a time of change for the Catholic church, with ongoing major reforms from the Second Vatican Council aiming to bring the celebrant and the congregation closer together. Richard England, aware of these reforms, decided to dispense with the traditionally styled baroque churches and focused on the site and its surroundings, searching for sources of inspiration. He found it close to where the church sits in the shape of the traditional structures known as ‘giren’ (corbelled stone huts) and from Modernist architectural influences to which he was exposed to when studying in Milan at the studio of Gio Ponti. England’s use of curving, embracing walls and womb-like intimacy recalling the forms of the prehistoric temples would have a major influence on later modern church designs. Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp chapel would have been an inspirational point of reference during the design process. The Planning Authority scheduled the Manikata Parish Church as a Grade 1 monument.

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Photographer: Kevin Casha

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

John F. Kennedy Memorial, Salina, St Paul’s Bay Designed by architect Joseph M. Spiteri, the J.F. Kennedy Memorial was inaugurated in1966 within the grove which was commissioned by the Maltese government and co-funded by American citizens living in Malta and the US government to commemorate the former US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who was assassinated in November 1963. The memorial is characterized by balance, simplicity and elegance. It draws its inspiration from the round temples of ancient Greece. At the centre there is an enclosure made of 55 metal rods with a star at the tip of each rod, representing the 52 states that make up the United States of America. Under the monument is an inscription of one of his most famous quotes: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

The Memorial was inaugurated with a symbolic ceremony attended by U.S. Ambassador to Malta George Feldman, the British Governor to Malta Sir Maurice Dorman, and other distinguished guests. Today the grove is part of a much large park in the Salina area. The Kennedy Memorial was scheduled by the Planning Authority as a Grade 1 national monument.

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Photographer: Martin Agius

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

The Covered Market Hall, Valletta The Covered Market Hall in Valletta is architecturally significant as it was the first structure in Malta constructed mostly out of pre-fabricated iron. Other structures, such as the Naval Bakery in Vittoriosa and the Corradino Prisons, had already employed the use of iron for their structure, but not on such a large scale. This feat demonstrates that Malta was consonant with the British Industrial Revolution. Though the structure was completed under the direction of Architect Emanuele Luigi Galizia during his term as Superintendent of Public Works, it was designed by Hector Zimelli. He consulted both Victor Baltard (the architect of the Les Halles market in Paris) and Sir Charles Fox (who designed the Crystal Palace together with Sir Joseph Paxton). The Market suffered some damage during the war and was subsequently repaired. The Market has a simple, rectangular plan with a shell of masonry walls and arches that make up all three levels composed of the underground water reservoir, the basement level and the exterior first floor wall. The roofing is supported on elaborate cast-iron columns and trusses which is a unique feature in Maltese architecture. It was a pioneering architectural landmark on the island in introducing innovative buildings concepts that departed from traditional load-bearing masonry type of constructions. The Planning Authority scheduled the Covered Market as a Grade 1 national monument.

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Photographer: Martin Agius

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Rediffusion House, Pietà Designed by the Maltese architect Carmelo Falzon, Rediffusion House is a Modernist building which was completed in 1958. The building includes offices, studios, control rooms and libraries. Iconic features of the building include a cantilevered reinforced concrete canopy above the main entrance and a communications tower with porthole-like apertures. The main façade has long horizontal windows, and the entire building is painted white. These features give the building a characteristic International Style Modernist aesthetic. The building briefly housed Television Malta in the 1960s before a purpose-built Television House was constructed in 1964. The building continued to house the Rediffusion Radio Station until 1975, when the company’s operations were taken over by Xandir Malta. The building remained in use, and it has housed the Public Broadcasting Services since that company took over from Xandir Malta in 1991. At one point it was threatened with demolition. However, following various appeals for its preservation, the building was renovated in 2012 and was renamed ‘PBS Creativity Hub’. The building merited protection due to its significance in Malta’s architecture as well as its broadcasting history. The Planning Authority scheduled Rediffusion House as a Grade 2 Modernist building.

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Photographer: Martin Agius

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Water and Sewer Pumping Station, Gżira In the late 19th century, the British Civil Engineer Osbert Chadwick prepared a master plan for the creation of domestic fresh water and sewer infrastructure for the Grand Harbour area, its suburbs and the North Harbour area.

The neo-Gothic building served as the Water and Sewer Pumping Station for the North Harbour towns. It was designed by Prof. Giorgio Costantino Schinas, a civil engineer, who, together with Royal Engineer Captain T.J. Tressider, designed and planned the water supply and sewer infrastructure for the North Harbour area. The building, which resembles a stately home rather than a utilitarian civic site, is composed of three blocks with the central one being receded so as to create a building with two projecting wings. The roof level is surmounted by a crenellated parapet wall. Lancet double light windows further accentuate the Gothic Revival style which was popular at the time, particularly in Sliema. The Planning Authority scheduled the water and sewer pumping station as a Grade 1 national monument.

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Photographer: Sam Scicluna

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Vincenzo Bugeja Institute, Santa Venera The ‘Istituto Tecnico Bugeja’ was built by the Maltese philanthropist Marquis Vincenzo Bugeja in 1903 to train orphaned children in industrial crafts in order to help them find work later on in life. Bugeja commissioned the well-known architect Emmanuel Luigi Galizia (1830-1907) to design this imposing building. Galizia opted for a conservative French Classical style which had explicit overtones to Perrault’s façade for the Louvre in Paris.

This impressive building has a symmetrical façade with an ornate central bay, accessible through a flight of wide stairs that cross over an open passage below. The main portico projects forward on the façade and is flanked by two small windows and two sets of pilasters. The stone balcony is set within heavily ornate shell motifs, with carved panels at the side between the pilasters. Above is a pediment with dentils, the Bugeja coat-of-arms and foliage carvings. The main staircase is unique in Malta because its walls and ceiling are adorned with mural painted Art Nouveau floral motifs. Currently, the Institute is being used as premises of the Ċentru Ħidma Soċjali for persons with physical disabilities. The Planning Authority scheduled the ‘Istituto Tecnico Bugeja’ as a Grade 2 national monument.

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Photographer: Sam Scicluna

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

St Patrick’s School, Sliema St Patrick’s School was designed by renowned local Architect Andrea Vassallo, and built at the beginning of the 20th century. The construction of this building was made possible thanks to local benefactors. Philanthropist Alfons Maria Galea donated the land and a sum of money, while Mrs Giovanna Pullicino donated a sum of money to further cover construction costs. The school has a highly austere elevation, devoid of any elaborate architectural ornamentation. The simplicity of the façade is broken up by the heavy rhythm of the vertically oriented apertures which pierce the façade, providing a very strong symmetry. The elevation is given added interest through the creation of recessed and projecting stone panelling running up the whole length of the façade. The building is capped by an Egyptian style cornice, and the main entrance is embellished with an arched portico surmounted by a terrace with a balustrade railing. The Planning Authority scheduled the St Patrick’s School as a Grade 2 national monument.

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Photographer: Sam Scicluna

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Tritons Fountain, Valletta The Tritons Fountain was designed by the renowned Maltese sculptor Vincent Apap in collaboration with Victor Anastasi, to whom the planning of the technical and architectural layout is attributed. The fountain consists of three bronze figures of the mythological tritons holding up a platter. Two of the tritons are sitting, while the third one is kneeling. The three are balanced on a seaweed base. Their posture gives a sense of strength as well as spiral movement, which contribute to the monumentality of the fountain. The figures of the tritons represent Malta’s historic links with the sea. Their design was inspired by the Fontana delle Tartarughe in Rome. Beneath the structure is a series of passages and chambers which allow for maintenance purposes. In 2017, following years of dereliction as a result of damage the fountain had sustained over the years, an intensive restoration project restored this prestigious monument to its former glory. The Planning Authority scheduled the Tritons Fountain as a Grade 1 protected national monument.

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Photographer: Kevin Casha

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Victoria Lines, Bingemma to Madliena The Victoria Lines came into existence when in 1859 the British War Office issued a report highlighting the need for new strengthened fortifications. The British were concerned that the Island was exposed to an enemy ground offensive from the beaches in the north of Malta. In 1875, works commenced on fortifying the 12km long ridge, known as the Great Fault, which runs from Bingemma to Madliena. In 1907, the Lines were abandoned only seven years after completion, having never been actually used owing to the change in warfare strategy and improvement in artillery.

However, during the Second World War, further defences (popularly referred to as ‘pillboxes’) constructed out of reinforced concrete were built along the Victoria Lines. This defence became useful owing to the potential threat of mass landings by Axis troops both at the beaches as well as by parachute droppings and glider landings. The fortifications derived their name in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. This military structure was scheduled by the Planning Authority as a Grade 1 national monument.

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Photographer: Sita Azzopardi

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Villa Roseville, Attard Villa Roseville is an early 20th century house built as a residence for its owner Dr W. Briffa. The house was built in two phases: the ground floor was built in 1912 by Architect Alessandro Manara; the first floor was added in 1921 by Architect Emanuele Borg in the same architectural grammar of the ground floor. The Art Nouveau style of this house is one of the finest and earliest examples of this architectural style. The type of Art Nouveau motifs of this building indicates a French or North Italian stylistic influence. Apart from the stylised organic motifs on the façade, this is the only building in Malta where polychrome low-relief sculpture was used on the façade. The recessed panels are painted red, while the motifs are picked out in other colours, creating a clear contrast between the two. Following the death of its original owner Dr Briffa, his unmarried daughters continued to live in the house until the 1970s, and the building used to serve for some time as the local examination centre for the Royal School of Music. Following the passing away of the Briffa sisters the house remained vacant and was in dilapidated state for several years. In 2010, it was purchased by a local entreprenuer and after extensive restoration works the villa was integrated into and used as a private retirement complex for senior citizens. The Planning Authority scheduled Villa Roseville as a Grade 2 national monument.

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Photographer: Sita Azzopardi

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church, Fgura The Parish Church dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the most original ecclesiastical buildings to be built in reinforced concrete on the island. The square plan of the church is covered by an ingeniously designed concrete roof whose axes form a symmetrical cross. This gives the church a multifaceted exterior with an interplay of plain solid inclined triangles and stained glass panels. Architects Victor Muscat Inglott, Edward Micallef and structural engineer Godfrey Azzopardi designed the church in the 1960s, inspired by the post-war Modernist movement, especially by international Modernist church designs. Both the design and the complex technology of reinforced concrete shell structures were innovative breakthroughs in local architecture, without compromising on the spirituality of the place. The church is meant to be appreciated from a perspective view as a bold free-standing structure surrounded by a large open space. The Planning Authority scheduled the Fgura Parish Church as a Grade 1 monument.

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Photographer: Keith Ellul

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Blackley Bakery, Pietà This corner building was purposely built at the turn of the 19th century as an industrial complex to house a bakery.

It is one of the few monumental industrial complexes built during the British period. The bakery brought together the newest developments in modern baking technology, such as a new form of fire-retardant ceiling. The bakery was part of a larger complex encompassing Kington House, which originally comprised the residence of the owners of the bakery as well as a number of small tenements which housed the workers of the same bakery. The building’s main entrance has a semicircular arched doorway flanked by segmentally-treaded windows with delicate mouldings.

Over the entrance is an open balcony supported on five simple corbels. A bold cornice crowns the top, having a plain parapet wall over it. A wide arched opening on the left side served as a service entrance leading to a large yard, which also housed the horse stalls and carriage storage, which was the means of delivery of the period. The dominating features in the building are four high-rising chimney stacks that allowed exhaust to discharge from the bakery. The Planning Authority scheduled Blackley Bakery as a Grade 2 protected building.

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Photographer: Therese Debono

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

University of Malta Campus, Msida To cope with the rising demand for tertiary education, in the late 1950s it was decided that the University of Malta would relocate from the Jesuit College in Valletta to an elevated area known as Tal-Qroqq in Imsida. A master plan was prepared by British architectural firm Norman & Dawbarn in 1961, and works commenced on the new campus in 1963. Rather than housing all university activities in a limited number of utilitarian styled blocks, it was decided to separate departments in stand-alone buildings planned informally throughout the campus. Each building had a unique design, and the overall result provided an eclectic mix of architectural Modernism ranging from organic structures, such as the Science Lecture Theatre (John Borg Hall) and the Assembly Hall (Sir Temi Zammit Hall) to functional cubism, such as University House (Student House). Due to the outdoor nature of the university, the issue of circulation through the campus became a key design issue. It was decided to link the various buildings through a series of covered walkways. The Planning Authority scheduled the Science Lecture Theatre, the Assembly Hall, University House and the covered walkways as Grade 2 structures.

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Photographer: Therese Debono

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St Thomas More Chapel, University of Malta, Msida The St Thomas More Chapel within the University of Malta was conceived soon after the new campus started being used. It was designed in the mid-1970s by Architect Lino Gatt. However, soon after, Gatt emigrated to Canada and the realisation of the chapel to Gatt’s original design was entrusted to William Micallef in his capacity of university’s architect-in-residence. By the end of 1978, the Chapel was in full use. The site where the Chapel now lies was originally surrounded by fields contained by terraced rubble walls. The sloping agricultural nature of the area inspired Architect Lino Gatt to design a chapel that takes into consideration the surrounding environment, opting to design a more organic piece of Modernist architecture. The extent of curvature in the walls and the roof structure represents the willingness of the architect to design a building that embraces its surroundings rather than dominates it. This is also evident in the downward approach through the entrance of the chapel into a semi-circular auditorium styled interior where Holy Mass is celebrated. The raised roof over the altar allows an abundance of natural light to enter, aided by the high-level horizontal strip windows within the external walls of the Chapel. The Planning Authority scheduled St Thomas More Chapel as a Grade 2 building.

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Photographer: Therese Debono

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Primary School, Sliema Built in 1910, the Sliema Primary school is one of the oldest schools on the Island. It was designed by architect Andrea Vassallo (1856-1928). The primary school occupies an entire block within the inner urban core of Sliema and is bordered by four streets: Mgr De Piro, Nicolò Isouard, Melita and Blanche Huber Streets. The plan of the school is based around a spacious open central courtyard that is divided through the middle by a boundary wall and a core of sanitary facilities, these serving as physical markers between the Boys’ and Girls’ sections of the school. Vassallo adopts a restrained Palladian style with a continous and open double-storey portico along each of the four sides.

The superimposed Doric Order columns impart a muscular and robust image. Each corner of the building block is boldly emphasised by squat towers built of rusticated masonry and capped by low segmental pediments adding visual interest to the school’s roof line. During the First World War, the school was occupied by the Women’s Royal Naval Service, popularly known as the Wrens, and also served as a hospital. Underneath the school there is a war time shelter. The Planning Authority scheduled Sliema Primary School as a Grade 2 protected building.

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Photographer: Tonio Polidano

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Villa Mediterranja and Villa Flora, Attard The property is made up of two asymmetrical semi-detached dwellings designed by one of Malta’s leading 20th century Modernist artists, Emvin Cremona, in close collaboration with Architect Joseph M. Spiteri, a talented Modernist architect in his own right. Cremona was a highly accomplished modern painter, and designer of stamps.

Cremona had collaborated with architect Spiteri on the design of the Malta Pavilion for the 1970 Expo that was held in Osaka, Japan. The semi-detached villas were built in the 1960s and were designed to be the residence of the artist himself. Considered unconventional at the time, Cremona adopted a dynamic approach to the building’s design. Through different perspective viewpoints, all of the property’s facades vary, giving the impression of an ever presence of subtle change. Nature forms a crucial part of its design. This approach is also evident in the design of the upper front terrace where a gaping circular hole was designed in the reinforced concrete slab so as to accommodate the unrestrained growth of a cypress tree in the front garden that now towers above the building itself. Furthermore, the use of local natural limestone to create organic and curvilinear shapes softens any form of dominance it might have had, aided by its weathered façade. The Planning Authority scheduled Villa Mediterranja and Villa Flora as a Grade 2 building.

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Photographer: Tonio Polidano

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Mount St Joseph Retreat House, Mosta Mount St Joseph Retreat House is a Modernist functionalist building that was built in the early 1960s, and is strategically located on a higher knoll at Tarġa Gap. The design is attributed to Architect Carmelo Falzon. Externally, the facades of the east and west wings are finished predominantly in local limestone. The central entrance portal that connects the two symmetrical wings is finished in a smooth render and large glazed areas with a clever use of terracotta screening. Over the doorway is an elongated Modernist sculpture of St Joseph and the infant Jesus by artist Vincent Apap. The building is defined by vertical and horizontal strip apertures framed by thickened continuous limestone. Flooded in natural light provided by the long vertical strip windows, the central entrance and large comfortable circulation area provides access to the east and west wings of the building. The original ceiling, where still visible, is a series of grid-like exposed reinforced concrete beams giving the appearance of an oversized ‘waffle’ slab structure. The Planning Authority scheduled Mount St Joseph Retreat House as a Grade 2 building.

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Photographer: Tonio Polidano

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

St Nicholas Church, Tarxien In the mid-1950s, a small chapel dedicated to St Nicholas of Tolentino was established in the locality of Tarxien.

The chapel and adjoining oratory were administered by the Augustinians with the main focus being to cater for the spiritual and social needs of the young people within the Tarxien and Paola community. As the residential community grew, it was decided to replace the original chapel with a new church. On 23 April 1967, the ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone took place. The building was completed soon after, in 1970, and consecrated on the 10th May 1975 by Archbishop Mons. Michael Gonzi. The modern church has a very distinctive façade constructed of local globigerina limestone. The dominant element is an imposing parabolic arch which serves as the main entrance to the church, and a bell-tower structure close by decorated by stonework cruciform patterns. The church interior benefits from ample natural light derived from high-level windows. One of the main artistic highlights within the church is a modernist interpretation of the crucifixion of Christ in coloured stained glass by Antoine Camilleri, one of Malta’s foremost artists of the 20th century. The Planning Authority scheduled St Nicholas Church in Tarxien as a Grade 2 monument.

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Photographer: Mario Borg

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Balluta Buildings, St Julians Balluta Buildings is an Art Nouveau apartment block overlooking Balluta Bay. This building was designed by Architect Giuseppe Psaila and commissioned by the Marquis John Scicluna. Built in 1928, the property is considered to be an architectural legacy, and its architectural rarity, especially in Malta, has made it become a valuable icon and landmark building. The name of the buildings is derived from the Maltese word for oak trees, of which several grew in the square immediately in front of the building and the valley which also has the same name. The trees also gave their name to the bay opposite Balluta Buildings. In 1920 the Old Jesuit College, at the time one of the principal schools in the area, moved to a larger location, and Balluta Buildings were built in the area formerly occupied by the school gardens. The decorative Liberty style or Stile Floreale building was in sync with contemporary buildings in Italy particularly Milan and Turin. The Planning Authority gave the highest level of protection to Balluta Buildings as a Grade 1 monument.

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Photographer: Mario Borg

‘UNSUNG’ ARCHITECTURAL ICONS

Military Naval Hospital, Mtarfa The Mtarfa Hospital, commissioned in 1912, was opened on the 29th June 1920, even though it was inaugurated some time earlier. It was planned and designed by the Office of the Royal Engineers. The complex consists of four large blocks and three smaller ones, all linked by a central passageway. All wings are on three floors together with a basement in certain locations, except for a large towered stair-hood at the rear. The façades of the main building and the administration wing have verandas on each level and their façades are adorned with a number of badges and carvings in the franka stone. The ground floor façades of all the blocks have a symmetrical sloping edge. The large blocks are surrounded by pilastered verandas. The rest have large wooden windows set between pilasters of an identical architectural style to match the rest of the complex. During the Second World War, the Mtarfa Hospital and Barracks were reorganized as the 90th General Hospital and built up to accommodate a maximum of 1,200 beds. The Hospital continued to serve the needs of British military and naval personnel until its closure in 1978. The Planning Authority scheduled the Mtarfa Military Naval Hospital as a Grade 2 protected building.

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SPECIAL THANKS: Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP) Heritage Planning Unit Superintendence for Cultural Heritage Professor Conrad Thake

The full list of the protected buildings and monuments in Malta and Gozo may be viewed on the Planning Authority’s website www.pa.org.mt The schedule property register contains properties and sites that are of historical, cultural or natural importance and which are being protected for present and future generations.

www.pa.org.mt

Operational Programme II- European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020 “Investing in human capital to create more opportunities and promote the wellbeing of society�

Project part-financed by the European Social Fund Co-financing rate: 80% European Union Funds; 20% National Funds