Kindly note that the deadline for submissions to the DLH Architectural Awards has been extended till the end of September. 

Din l-Art Ħelwa has launched the XVIII Architectural Heritage Awards Competition, a long-standing initiative by the NGO that motivates and inspires architectural best practice.

For years, Din l-Art Ħelwa has lamented the loss of the island’s natural and built heritage. The past year has seen the onslaught of poor-quality development continue unabated. This has been exacerbated by the take up of public space by catering and other commercial interests, by the lack of enforcement and by the failure of the Government to enact the promised legislation which would suspend development permissions when they are under appeal.

“The public has on various occasions protested publicly against the lack of planning and the failure of the Government to highlight the importance of sustainability in the country’s economic model.  While it is paramount for Din l-Art Ħelwa to oppose that which is wrong, it is also appropriate to encourage and promote quality architectural projects,” executive president Patrick Calleja said.

The programme is carried out each year with the support of the Kamra tal-Periti.

There are three categories for project submissions: the regeneration of an area; the adaptation of historical buildings to new uses; and the restoration and/or conservation of buildings. Projects can relate either to a single building, a complex of buildings, or to a historic urban environment or townscape.

The ‘Judge Maurice Caruana Curran Award’, named after DLH’s founder, will be awarded to the best winner overall in all categories.  

The project will be judged on the quality of the work executed, its historic, cultural, educational and social relevance, the preliminary research conducted and the aesthetic and visual merit.  The project may be on a scale ranging from small to large and should display a standard of work which would be outstanding in a Maltese context. 

Submissions for the XVIII Din l-Art Ħelwa Architectural Heritage Awards should be for projects completed in the 12 months up to 1 October 2023.  Submissions must be received at Din l-Art Ħelwa, 133 Melita Street, Valletta by noon on Friday 15 September 2024. 

More information about the Award Application and Registration forms are available from the Kamra tal-Periti, or from the Din l-Art Ħelwa office.   For further information please call 21220358/21225952 or email info@dinlarthelwa.org