David Felice on architecture, identity, and why we're getting it wrong

Malta's construction boom is unstoppable—but is it sustainable? Architect David Felice thinks we're missing the bigger picture. From 'involution' to smarter urban planning, he challenges the industry's short-term mindset and explains why Valletta should be the testing ground for a better, more livable Malta.

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In your previous interview with the Times of Malta, you highlighted the need for a system detached from politics to allow planning to run independently. How do you see this shift in the planning process benefitting Malta's urban development?

In that interview, I focused on the need to reverse the environmental deficit caused over the years, brought about locally (and globally) by unbridled development in a series of cycles, especially since Malta achieved independence. This is a complex discussion, but it should suffice to identify short-termism, which is the result of political influence, as the main reason for this. To be truthful, I see the planning process becoming independent – subject to a clear vision and direction given by higher authorities - to allow the creative and innovative measures that a dedicated planning system can bring forth when experts lead it from a wide range of fields who collaborate for the common good.

You've spoken about the rapid growth in Malta's construction sector, which often focuses on short-term gains. What strategies should be implemented to prioritise long-term sustainability in the industry?

The construction sector is predominantly driven by pressure from the residential and commercial real estate sectors and less by the development and improvement of our infrastructure and new economic drivers. Overall, I wish to see us move from a building-led form of regeneration to one that is culture-led; here, I mean culture in the broader sense of the term and not restricted to heritage considerations. There should be no reason contemporary architecture and planning should not seek to achieve the quality of our heritage buildings and historic urban areas, though differently. The benefits of repurposing our existing and disused building stock should be more manifest. We should seek excellence from our construction methods and their impact on society. We then need a national strategy for using materials for new buildings, supporting the introduction of sustainable processes. However, this needs to be done in conjunction with measurable actions to improve air and sea quality, set within a long-term strategy for improved mobility.

AP Valletta in collab with Paolo Chiantini and Yasmin Interior Design Wadi Hanifa Villa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

So, there is no simple answer for the way forward. Some years back, I advocated introducing what was loosely called a 'construction platform', which brings together all entities with which the public and the developer are required to interact. This platform would provide a more integrated approach to the design and building process and promote cohesiveness, fairness, and transparency.

In your experience, what are the most significant risks associated with Malta's current trajectory in urban development, especially when balancing economic growth and cultural preservation?

Firstly, by 'current trajectory', we should be clear that urban development over the past few years has not been so different from other similar construction cycles over the past half a century. What makes it distinct is that it is primarily the result of changes to our demographic composition. The gravest concern of the current direction is that it will result in the loss of that which makes these islands so unique and different from any other place. Needless to say, the objective should not be to imitate development that has taken place in other countries, not as a criticism of what others have achieved, but because our cultural history is entirely different.  

Beyond statistical information and comparative analyses, the attractiveness of our islands is the most significant exceptional quality we possess and risk losing. Attractiveness is not merely some sort of unique selling point required to keep attracting international business or holidaymakers – that only reinforces the post-colonial mentality that is so often prevalent. What I do invite is the consistent betterment of our environment as a contributor to our quality of life, such that Malta remains a pleasant place to live and work in. If it appeals to the locals, it will then work well for visitors.

AP Valletta in collab with Kojo Derban OSU Salem School in Accra, Ghana

As for seeking a balance between economic growth and cultural preservation, I believe that as a nation, we have generally acted responsibly and professionally regarding preservation. What I think still needs growth are those areas' beyond preservation', where we need to apply the lessons learnt from the past to contemporary culture and our responsibility to create the new heritage of tomorrow.

In this sense, Valletta is central to this reasoning, and I am fortunate enough to have worked in the city for nearly all my professional life and practice. Valletta is an important and successful example of the architect's role in designing the 'Ideal City' – a city concerned with lasting beauty and functionality to be enjoyed by all. Our duty as architects – especially for us as architects working from the city, but also of all architects for whom Valletta is a reference point – is to persevere in this endeavour to rethink our built environment as a model of urban culture for the future and where Valletta is the Laboratory of new ideas.

Tensions between contemporary development and heritage preservation continue to rise in Malta. How can we ensure new projects respect and enhance the islands' architectural identity?

A study published on cognition in 2019 showed that the simple movement of walking backwards, whether physical or imagined, improves our ability to retrieve information. Apparently, our brain organises experiences along a "subjective timeline," where the past is behind us and the future is ahead. By moving backwards, we unconsciously activate this connection with our memories—a small step back for a big leap forward.

AP Valletta and Ħaż-Żebbuġ Local Council Vjal Kulhadd Recreational Park for the Community of Ħaż-Żebbuġ

I call this process involution, as opposed to evolution. Whereas our current economic models entail accumulation, with involution an economy lives off its assets by funnelling resources from production to exchange.

At its core, involution is not merely progressing toward a "better future" through innovation but rather embracing and being inspired by tried building methods. It invites a re-examination of past cultural practices, technologies, and materials more aligned with ecological sustainability before industrialisation and mass consumerism distorted the human relationship with nature and resources.

The aesthetic of involution is rooted in the patina of time, the integration of natural weathering, and the narratives that buildings accumulate over the years.

Phoenicia Hotel St John’s Gardens

You've strongly advocated for an integrated approach to sustainability in construction. What areas do you believe the industry needs to improve regarding greener practices and energy-efficient design?

Sustainability's real promise is diluted by superficial solutions and corporate interests prioritising profit over genuine ecological responsibility. I advise a different approach that returns to more fundamental, locally informed, and contextually responsive design principles. Involution in architecture and design offers a response to the failure of sustainability initiatives.

True sustainability requires reversible building systems. Rather than constructing buildings that need to be demolished after a few decades, materials and methods will be reclaimed and reincorporated into new structures or functions. This creates a truly circular model, where waste is minimised, and resources are continually reused.

Involution in architecture rejects top-down, corporate-driven sustainability efforts that often mask underlying environmental harm with green branding and superficial changes. Instead, it offers an honest, grounded approach that favours true ecological stewardship through the resurrection of forgotten yet time-tested practices—a way of going backwards to move forward.

AP Valletta's manifesto represents a forward-facing vision for the future. How do you see this evolving manifesto helping to shape a more sustainable and thoughtful approach to urban planning and architecture in Malta?

Today's most pressing challenges are environmental degradation, exhaustion of resources, carbon governance, and a redefinition of social equity and well-being. These can be addressed by architects being committed to rigour – we must make architecture and spaces that last; resolution - it is increasingly challenging to build righteously, and we must pledge to continue to do so resolutely, and dialogue - we must continue to understand the ability of the built environment to grapple with humanity's biggest challenges.

In 2025, AP Valletta will welcome seven new leaders into its practice. Each has a unique and dedicated history with the practice – their strengths have supported its full spectrum of work for many years. The ideas in this Manifesto Sketch are individual, conveying the thoughts of each new partner, but the vision is collective, focused, and deliberate.

AP Valletta new leadership

AP Valletta's manifesto is a ceaseless exercise and more akin to an evolving sketch than a completed work. It aims to be an ever-morphing, forward-facing organism of improvement. This document gives a snapshot of that sketch at this point in time. Each text outlines a nuanced problem and explores the thought process around its resolution – at varying scales and intensities – and always through the lens of the practice, research, people, and projects.

The manifesto may be accessed at: https://www.apvalletta.eu/wp-content/uploads/ManifestoSketch.pdf.

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