Urban Weavers

Dayna Camilleri Clarke sits with Peter Brincat and JingYao Xu, co-founders of Box Concept Studio in Floriana. Renowned for their innovative designs and commitment to relevance, Brincat and Xu are reshaping Maltese architecture by creating commercial spaces that blend data-led research with spatial artistry, foster community, and inspire future generations.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of local architecture, few names command as much respect and admiration as Peter Brincat and JingYao Xu, the visionary co-founders of Box Concept Studio in Floriana. With
a formidable blend of creativity, decades of hands-on expertise, and unwavering dedication to proposing meaningful spaces, Peter and Yao have emerged as trailblazers in the field, reshaping local skylines and communities with their transformative designs and innovative approach to commercial development. Their work is not just about the present; it's about envisioning a future where architecture and design play a pivotal role in creating sustainable, connected, and thriving communities.

Upon meeting the duo, they quickly addressed the elephant in the room: the state of what we see around us here in Malta.

Yao carefully reflects on Malta's architectural journey and tackles the topic head-on: "In Malta's architectural narrative, we've witnessed a fascinating skip through history, bypassing key periods of evolution post-war. This leap has resulted in a lack of architectural exploration that could have culminated in a recognised contemporary local style. So, currently, it is challenging to intervene referentially, and this often results in an aesthetic dissonance and felt lack of belonging, which defines our current urban fabric, but it's not game-over; there is room for change."

Peter adds, "At Box Concept Studio, our designs are not just about harmonising aesthetics; they're about weaving together Malta's rich cultural heritage with contemporary innovations, creating a fabric that tells the story of our past, is in conversation with the present, and importantly, also refers to our future aspirations.

A stunning example of the pair's architectural innovation is the Salvo Grima Group's new offices, nested within Marsa's industrial estate.

Photo by Julian Vassallo

This remarkable structure echoes the company's industrial heritage and parallels its forward thinking mindset. The steel staircase placed within, connecting the different levels through a central, double height space, at once emphasizes the companies openess and collaboration, while through its sleekly layered form and aesthetic, pays homage to the group's maritime roots.

Photo by Ramon Portelli

There's no denying that Peter and Yao have carved a unique niche
in the industry with a portfolio encompassing a diverse range of typologies and scales, from bespoke residences to contemporary office spaces, large-scale hotel projects, and urban regeneration initiatives. But what distinguishes them is their unwavering commitment to creating meaningful architecture that captivates the senses and catalyses positive change, enriching lives and inspiring future generations.

Their work is not just about buildings; it's about studying the broader context, including the project's brand vision and commercial resilience, and creating spaces that propose a sense of community and connection, making their designs relevant and impactful on all levels.

Photo by Ramon Portelli

"At the core of our practice lies a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of architecture," says Peter. "Every project is an opportunity to push the boundaries, challenge conventional thinking, and make a tangible difference to the clients and communities we serve."

Yao elaborates, "Whether it's revitalising neglected spaces, re-proposing local heritage, or pioneering sustainable building practices, our work is guided by a singular process: we ask questions; we listen intently to our client's so that we can uncover the true potential of
their project; and we aim to 'graft'—we create meaningful spaces that resonate with today's reality and generate belonging, but which are also inherently versatile to respond to the challenges of tomorrow."

Moreover, Peter and Yao's impact extends beyond isolated projects; they are also focused on larger contexts and urban-scale developments. Through their master planning initiatives, they have breathed new life into overlooked neighbourhoods, transforming them into vibrant hubs of activity while re-proposing spatial elements reflecting the area's unique character and heritage.

“Creative design is not a strictly logical process; it is the act of weaving together a concept that encapsulates all identified aspects—it's really about building relevance.” — JingYao Xu

One of the hallmarks of Peter and Yao's approach is their emphasis on sustainability, which is born from their unique position relative to the principle. Long before it became recognised as a buzzword in the industry, they recognised the need to prioritise resource responsibility in their approach to architectural design. They nonetheless believe its more effective application is not necessarily limited to the recognised 'physical' route of seeking innovative materials and incorporating renewable energy sources but rather greatly amplified by a design approach rooted in a committed study of the non-physical elements of space – one which seeks to maximise the building's value in use and establish a versatile, meaningful contemporary programme in sync with the reality tacitly perceived of the place – this they believe proposes a felt sense of belonging and a long term project resilience which reduces the need for wasteful re-fits and re-development.

Photo by Julian Vassallo

"One such project is the AX ODYCY Hotel and Lido," says Yao, "a luxury hotel complex that exemplifies our approach to large-scale design and commitment to sustainability. Following an efficiency study of the pre- existing hotel's layout, we resolved to extend it rather than demolish
an over thirty year old structure. We aimed to create a recognisably contemporary building that played off the existing geometry and used it as a baseline for subtle and elegant contrasting elements."

"Situated in a prime location in Qawra overlooking the coast," Peter adds, "the ODYCY project was approached as a gesture of urban regeneration. The organic shapes of the lido pool extend the perception of the coast, bringing it up towards the public promenade, which was opened up to the sea and allowed to branch off into pedestrianised walkways entwined with urban nodes. The project, therefore, was understood simultaneously as an internal remodelling of the hotel product as well as an exercise in place-making—it creates a space

Photo by Brian Grech

that offers the potential for a sense of being a part of something. Sustainability, to us, is at once about the ability to recognise the inherent values of a building or place and the ability to enact a programme that allows for the long-term viability of the project's continued success."

Photo by Brian Grech

Yao agrees, "We understand that architecture is not just about creating beautiful buildings but about creating meaningful experiences that enhance the quality of life for all who interact with them and that the building must be made adaptive and grow with our changing society." "What truly sets us apart," muses Peter, "is our holistic approach to commercial design, which goes beyond the mere provision of a product but entails a desire to positively affect the broader social, cultural, and environmental context in which our projects exist. We are driven to propose this position because we understand that it simultaneously maximises the financial return and increases the long-term financial resilience of our client's vision."

“Good is the enemy of great. Increasingly, we are witnessing clients realise the significant opportunity cost of simply doing the expected.” — Peter Brincat

This dynamic duo consistently achieves exceptional synchrony far beyond the capabilities of the typical architectural firm. But what's the key to their remarkable success?

Peter explains, "Being 'data-led' in our work is not just a phrase; it's a philosophy. We immerse ourselves in extensive studies, mapping out and delving deep into the various elements relevant to the given context. But equally crucial is our dedication to understanding our clients and identifying their goals and grander ambitions. We specifically identify a stage of meticulous preparation that precedes the design of the physical space, ensuring that every element of our work resonates with authenticity and purpose."

It goes without saying that in addition to their groundbreaking work in practice, Peter and Yao are highly respected university educators, sharing their knowledge and passion for architecture and lateral thinking with the next generation of designers as long-standing visiting lecturers at the university level. Their combined experience and academic prowess bring a unique depth to their teaching, where, in addition to tutoring complex design workshops, they lecture Master's students on architectural theory and the creative design process. Their goal is to consistently push their own boundaries while inspiring students to think critically, innovate boldly, and understand smart architecture as an invaluable tool for pursuing a better, more sustainable future.

As they continue to push the boundaries of placemaking and relevant, sustainable design, Peter Brincat and JingYao Xu stand as shining examples of what's possible when creativity, expertise, and a commitment to positive change converge.

Box Concept Studio won two prestigious Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (MASP) Awards. They received the Interior Architecture Award for Commercial or Public Buildings for their work on the Salvo Grima Group offices in Marsa in collaboration with Vinci Architects. Additionally, they were honoured with the Interior Architecture Award for Hospitality and Tourism Projects for the AX ODYCY Hotel in Qawra in collaboration with Simon Abela and Sara Brincat, showcasing their innovative design that blends heritage with an enhanced contemporary guest experience. For more information, visit www.boxconceptstudio.com.

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