renzo piano's valletta city gate masterplan nears completion

renzo piano’s valletta city gate masterplan nears completion
image © michel denancé

set in the maltese capital of valletta, renzo piano‘s design for the ‘city gate’ project is nearing completion. the masterplan has aimed to reinstate, renovate original, historic features of the existing site and simultaneously landscaping and the addition of a new parliament building and an open-air theater. the key element of this redevelopment was opening the gate to the sky. where the addition of the two welcoming and gentle sloped staircases lead people to the new gate, this rearrangement frees the fortifications from the arcade that formerly obscured them, allowing them to be seen to their full height and power.

image © michel denancé

with the historic architecture as a backdrop, extensive landscaping has been put in place. a former car park has been replaced with gardens- encouraging the public to explore, relax and simultaneously host open-air events. the architecture is characterized by the warm, sand colored stone where piano has subtly established old with the new by the combination of textures displayed. majority of the main façade has been sculpted with a numerically controlled machine- resulting in the porous three dimensional pattern, which also assists with the internal air conditioning.

the project has four parts: the valletta city gate, open-air theater, new parliament building and landscaping of the ditch
image © michel denancé

acting as a visible and cultural outpost, the entrance and ground floor will be a dynamic space of activity. providing flexible space for cultural events, temporary or permanent exhibitions. furthermore, parliament related programs will be hosted in the more private areas of the basement which has direct access to a courtyard garden space. the overall project underlines a sympathetic and restrained approach; respecting the original features of the site, meanwhile establishing its own character. the new city gate stays away from ostentatious decoration and instead, focuses on reviving the original heritage of this significant part of the city.

see designboom‘s previous coverage of the ongoing project here.

stone is used for the building’s facade to diminish solar heat gain and to allow natural ventilation
image © michel denancé