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Beyond the facade: Are renovated properties structurally sound?
With many older buildings surpassing their intended 50-year lifespan, buyers are often unaware of the risks beneath the surface. Are these modern makeovers hiding deeper flaws, or are they truly built to last? Alannah Xuereb investigates.
Developing a sustainable real estate ecosystem
JP Fabri explores the current state of Malta's real estate, European movements towards sustainability, and lessons from global benchmarks that could help Malta align with international standards and foster a safe, efficient, and sustainable real estate ecosystem.
The illusion of preservation: Government's superficial planning reforms for Gozo
Victor Paul Borg delves into the government's recent planning brief to preserve Gozo's character by mandating the use of globigerina limestone for new buildings. Announced on 14 February, this measure mirrors a 2015 policy, raising questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of these so-called reforms.
Taking the bull by the horns
In the past few weeks, one man died in a building site collapse, and two others had a lucky escape in another. In the past five years, high-profile deaths of innocent bystanders like Miriam Pace and Jean-Paul Sofia have pushed the need for action to the forefront. Kamra tal-Periti president Andre Pizzuto spoke to Vanessa Macdonald about the need for action.
Working now to protect tomorrow
Vanessa Macdonald speaks to Patrick Calleja, the new president of Din l-Art Helwa, about his vision for Malta's urban future, the imperative of safeguarding cultural heritage, and the transformative power of sustainable architecture in the face of ongoing developmental challenges.
Building for the common good
With a significant increase in population and commercial activity in the past decade, there are concerns about the potential harm to the built environment. Ray De Micoli addresses the issue of balancing the demand for new construction projects in Malta with the responsibility to protect the environment and public safety.
A planning system gone perverse
Victor Paul Borg argues that the perversion of the planning system has led to haphazard developments and a lack of accountability, despite promises of reform from the government. Conflicting policies, a loose interpretation of regulations, and insufficient oversight from consulting entities and the Planning Authority further exacerbate the problem.
WHY SUSTAINABLE BUILDING IS CRUCIAL FOR TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
In recent years, the battle has raged on two different fronts of climate change. The first controversy was whether climate change was happening, and the second was whether humans caused climate change. Even recently, some politicians (in the United States and Brazil) either dismissed the science as a hoax or quoted science that supported their point of view, even though they probably did not understand it, Alex Torpriano continues.
![DWELL[ING] ON THE CONSTRUCTION SAGA](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7b4974b54b2016faf73099/1634814077544-HE3N65V71JES1HOG86EP/Prof.Alex+Torpiano+%286%29.jpg)
DWELL[ING] ON THE CONSTRUCTION SAGA
Alex Torpiano shares his thoughts on whether the word sustainability applies when so many blocks of flats are being built, even though most are destined to remain empty.
TOWERING ABOVE OTHERS
Love it or hate it, we've all seen the enormous 'tower with a twist' taking its place in the St Julian’s skyline. Giselle Borg Olivier speaks to Joseph Portelli, the man behind the controversial project stamped with the famous Zaha Hadid name.