Local architecture firm shortlisted for prestigious EU prize in heritage-led innovation

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Local architecture firm shortlisted for prestigious EU prize in heritage-led innovation

The Barrakka Lift

Jury says ‘firm has made Valletta into its living lab’

AP Valletta has been shortlisted for Europe’s prestigious Ilucidare Special Prize for its heritage-led innovation and outstanding contribution to Valletta’s regeneration.

The architecture firm is among four finalists for the Heritage-led Innovation Category of the second edition of the Ilucidare Special Prizes, awarded within the European Heritage and Europa Nostra Awards. These aim to demonstrate that cultural heritage is a powerful resource for strengthening international exchange and driving innovation-led sustainable development.

The announcement of the 2021 Ilucidare Special Prizes was made in Brussels today by the Ilucidare Consortium, including Europa Nostra and the European Commission.

AP Valletta was nominated by the Valletta Local Council for its numerous projects across the capital, which served as a reminder of the intangible benefits that rigorous design and heritage-related processes can generate for a city and its community.

Valletta mayor Alfred Zammit said: “The Valletta Local Council has enjoyed working with AP Valletta. Despite the aggressive construction industry that constantly causes changes in the landscape with the death of old structures and the birth of new ones, AP Valletta makes an effort to ensure, above all, the survival of that which has intrinsic value and contributes to the well‐being of society, by forming part of its heritage and creating its identity.

St. John' s Co-Cathedral Museum Extension Tapestry Hall

AP Valletta, a research-based architectural and design firm founded 30 years ago, has developed an affinity with Valletta and been instrumental in heritage-led projects.

The Ilucidare Jury was especially appreciative of AP Valletta’s dynamic perspective on heritage, saying: “Its work is rooted in the theoretical principle that heritage is not static but rather in constant evolution. The firm has made Valletta into its living lab for testing new heritage ideas.”

Among the firm’s projects are the regeneration of the Valletta Waterfront, the redesign of the Barrakka Lift, the transformation of the 19th century Garrison chapel into the Malta Stock Exchange offices, the extension of St John’s Co-Cathedral Museum, the restoration of St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, the Manoel Theatre and the new Museum of Literature, as well as international collaborations that saw AP Valletta work on Valletta’s new City Gate, Opera House and Parliament project with Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

Welcoming today’s announcement, AP Valletta executive director Konrad Buhagiar said, on behalf of the team, that having specialised in restoration and historic contexts from the onset, the lessons of the past have been relentlessly absorbed by AP Valletta.

Mr Buhagiar added: “There is an urgent need for the redefinition of processes to address the impact that the direction of construction is having, and will continue to have, on the cultural, social, environmental and economic environment and their overall effect on wellbeing, from mental and physical health to economic resilience.”

The two winners of the Ilucidare Special Prizes – one for excellence in heritage-led innovation and one for excellence in heritage-led international relations – will be announced in autumn at the European Heritage Awards Ceremony in Venice.

Ilucidare project coordinator Koen Van Balen said the nine shortlisted projects for the two Ilucidare Special Prizes attested to the ingenuity, dynamism and sense of purpose of the heritage world.

“From using state-of-the-art technical solutions for heritage preservation to cultivating relations through cultural heritage between communities and countries, both in Europe and across the world. These outstanding projects show the benefits of working across disciplines and borders to ensure the transmission of our shared heritage to present and future generations.

“On behalf of the Ilucidare Consortium, I wish to congratulate these exemplary achievements for embodying what Ilucidare proudly stands for, and I warmly welcome you to the vibrant, international Ilucidare community. This pre-selection is already an important milestone and we look forward to supporting you in making the most of it. The Ilucidare partners stand ready to give you the visibility and backing you very much deserve,” said Mr Van Balen

AP Valletta Acies Mentis research project on St Paul's Cathedral

During the announcement, Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said the shortlisted projects showcased the

huge potential of Europe’s cultural heritage to act as a catalyst for creativity and innovation, and to foster human solidarity and cross-country cooperation.

“At a moment when the EU and its citizens are engaged in shaping a shared vision for the future, each one of the nine shortlisted projects demonstrate the capability of the heritage world to produce innovative, effective and creative solutions to larger societal issues.

“I applaud the efforts of the people and communities behind them, and hope many more will be inspired through the power of their example. I also wish to thank them sincerely for their important contribution to a more sustainable and resilient Europe, in spite of the current challenges we face together,” Ms Gabriel said.

The winners will have the unique opportunity of joining the Ilucidare Champions programme, a tailor-made support scheme to upscale their success and further develop their strategies together with European and international experts, as well as the Consortium’s partners.

The Ilucidare Special Prizes are supported by the EU’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme, in addition to the EU’s Creative Europe Programme for culture and the audiovisual sectors, which supports the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards.