We’d love to. The roof garden at the design cluster is a key component of the urban regeneration project, which the Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) has undertaken in the Baviera area of the capital city. The intervention introduces a brand new green lung in this part of the city, and also provides a public space, which is freely accessible to residents and visitors. The garden takes advantage of the low-lying nature of the Old Abattoir building, on which it’s located, and brings to fruition a long process of urban transformation, centred on the needs of residents and future residents of the Valletta Design Cluster.

The design of the garden itself originated from a long, fruitful relationship that the VCA (and the Valletta 2018 Foundation before that), had with Japan-based architect Tetsuo Kondo. Kondo concept is centred around the idea of a green sanctuary or oasis, providing a space for renewal for nature as well as for people, within a highly urbanised but historically rich context. In fact, the design of the garden features small shrubs and trees, mostly of local of Mediterranean origin, a small natural pool, seating areas and multi-functional spaces, which can be used by students, workshops or other group sessions.

A small, openable glass pavilion is also inserted into one of the roof areas, enabling the space to be used for small meetings, too. The designs were made possible by Doric Studio.

The roof garden is fully accessible via a lift, which links the space to the ground floor and central courtyard of the Valletta Design Cluster, and is open to the public everyday from 9am till 6pm.