The Valletta Design Cluster is among 52 projects running for the Prize which were shortlisted from a total of 1,100 and will be showcased as part of the New European Bauhaus Festival that will be taking place in Brussels in June. The projects were announced together with a public voting system in four different categories.
Run by the Valletta Cultural Agency, the Valletta Design Cluster, provides a space and opportunities to design start-ups and creative operators, in lower Valletta. It was shortlisted in the category ‘Regaining a sense of belonging’ which reflects the community aspect of the Cluster. Voting is open until Monday 16th May at 6pm on https://europa.eu/new-european-bauhaus/get-involved/2022-prizes_en
The New European Bauhaus is a creative and interdisciplinary initiative that connects the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences. It calls on all of us to imagine and build together a sustainable and inclusive future that is beautiful for our eyes, minds, and souls. Beautiful are the places, practices, and experiences that are artistically enriching, sustainable and inclusive.
The newly restored, initially planned as an abattoir by the Knights of St John, served many purposes over the years, including as a residential area until the 1960s. It was reopened in 2021 following several years of rehabilitation works as a legacy project of Valletta 2018 – European Capital of Culture.
The VDC, which opened in 2021, has recently been named winner of two national awards: the Rehabilitation and Conservation Award, and the Public Open Spaces Award. These fall under the Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (MASP) Awards which recognise the work of architects, interior designers, university students and individuals who make an outstanding contribution through the practice of architecture and the built environment, among others.
In 2021, the Valletta Design Cluster roof garden was one of the winners of the category ‘City Landscape’ of the international contest Premio – Concorso “City_Brand & Tourism Landscape Award” by Paysage Topscape. The garden was designed by Japan-based Tetsuo Kondo Architect.
Partially funded by European funds, the Valletta Design Cluster saw an investment of €10.4 million. Its restoration was entrusted to the Restoration Directorate under the direction of Architect Norbert Gatt, with architect Amanda-Jane DeGiovanni overseeing the project.
For more information on the VDC, visit vca.gov.mt
