Start Date & Time: 04/04/2023 – 6:15 pm
End Date & Time: 04/04/2023 – 7:45 pm
The architect as designer of the future and defender of the past.
Phoenicia Hotel, 4 April 2023
What is modern Maltese architecture? Does it even exist? At the time of Malta’s independence in 1964, Malta was gripped by a great creative urge to discover its true identity. Literature saw a renaissance, led by Francis Ebejer and Oliver Friggieri, while artists like Emvin Cremona, Esprit Barthet and Gabriel Caruana sought their roots in painting and ceramics, Charles Camilleri in music.
Architecture had its own icons, Joseph M. Spiteri, Joseph Huntingford, Carmelo Falzon among others, however it was Richard England who developed a new architectural style which married modernity with the deeply-rooted, traditional styles inspired by solid cubic massing of the Maltese traditional towns and villages that also inspired Barthet’s paintings. Richard England’s philosophy proposes a process of evolution as opposed to revolution, as he maintains that architecture should be appropriate to both place and time and that it should evoke the spirit of the place, as an expression of contemporary regionalism.
“I think it is an obligation for every architect to remember that he or she should perform not only as a designer of the future, but also as a defender of the past. In order to build the new, we must of necessity understand the old and use it as a springboard for the future.” Richard England, 2022.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar will be presenting an Evening with Richard England on Tuesday 4th April, during which interview FAA will discuss the impact which his achievements have left on Maltese cultural heritage, whilst enjoying some of Richard England’s anecdotes.
In this interview with Richard England, FAA will delve into his origins and influences and his resulting passion for architecture, design and art. In our visual journey through his built works as well as field drawings of Malta, Italy and other places, we will appreciate his concepts of both secular and sacred spaces which he has created in a career spanning six decades.
This is a cultural treat not to be missed! After the interview, do join us for a light dinner upstairs at the Phoenix Restaurant, menu below. Bookings are required at https://ticketengine.faa.org.mt/
Please note that dinner bookings are accepted until Thursday 30th March.
Guests are asked to be seated in the ballroom of the Phoenicia Hotel by 18.15.
MENU
Appetiser
Local bread with ‘Bigilla’ and Olives
***
Main Course
Carnaroli Risotto of Marrows, Grilled Zucchini, Feta Cheese & Garlic Butter
or
Corn fed Chicken, Leg Croquette, Celeriac, Grilled Lettuce, Tarragon Jus
or
Pan fried Seabass, ‘Fregola Sarda’ with Mussels & Broccoli, Saffron Velouté
***
Dessert
Milk Chocolate & Passion Fruit, Pistachio Cake, ‘Fior di Latte’ Ice Cream
or
Rum Savarin with Mango & Vanilla Compote, Italian dried Meringue
***
Coffee & Macaroons
Cost: €39.00
