Record number of entries for this year’s Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (masp) Awards

This year’s 2020 MASP awards has seen a record number of entries from architectural firms, Periti, interior designers and architecture students. A total of seventy (70) entries were submitted for the respective ten (10) categories.

These awards not only attracted the well-established architectural firms, but also a new generation of Periti and interior designers.

The category which received the most entries was the Restoration and Conservation Award, for projects which enhance the historical integrity of old buildings and the legibility of their original design through sensitive interventions. This was closely followed by the Interior Architecture Award for Commercial or Public Buildings and the Urban Planning Concept Award.

The Interior Architecture Award for Commercial or Public Buildings awards projects which excel in fulfilling the true potential of an interior space; be it a new or refurbished commercial or public building.

The goal of such projects is to maximise the benefit of environmental influences, such as natural light, sound, ventilation and to incorporate innovative materials in the design. On the other hand, the Urban Planning Concept Award is given for projects which are still in their concept stage but incorporate innovative planning solutions that address existing challenges in the given space.

Other awards categories include: Urban Design, Public Open Spaces, Commercial and Public Buildings, Interior Architecture for Residential Projects, Hospitality, Tourism Accommodation & Leisure, Sustainability and Emerging Architect.

MASP jury Chairperson, Perit Vincent Cassar, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic did not discourage Periti, interior designers and architecture students from enlisting those projects they feel proud of and consider to be award-winning.”

He added that, “The intensity and attractiveness of these awards is that you will find the creativity and genius of some well-known architectural firms ‘competing’ against the pioneering brilliance and innovative solutions of younger Periti and interior designers, who are slowly making a name for themselves within the industry.”

The Authority also received four (4) nominations for the President’s Award. This award is given to a person who would have made an outstanding contribution over the years through research, education, theory or practice of architecture and the built environment.

Over the coming weeks, a jury panel of seven (7) members will be assessing all the entries to decide on the respective winners. This jury is composed of foreign and local experts working within the academic and professional field of the built environment. They will also be assisted by a group of technical specialists when deciding on each category.

The MASP awards fall under the Patronage of the President of Malta and the winners will be announced at a virtual award-winning ceremony, which will be held at the beginning of March.

For more information, visit: https://www.maspawards.com/