The Din l-Art Helwa Award for Architectural Heritage 2009 is now open for entries. The Award has been designed to encourage better architecture by rewarding any building project that made an outstanding and significant contribution to architectural excellence in a Maltese context, and that the project sends a clear message that old buildings can be successfully restored and converted to modern use while retaining their character and intrinsic value.

Eligible projects include the restoration or conservation of buildings, the adoption of buildings to new uses, building additions or alterations, or new building projects in conservation areas. The projects can relate either to a single building, a complex of buildings, or historic urban environment or townscape. 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 that would be outstanding in a Maltese context.

The Din l-Art Helwa Award for Architectural Heritage has now established itself as a worthy and prestigious annual event that brings well-merited recognition not only to the architects rewarded, but also to their parent firms and the architectural profession more widely.

Din l-Art Helwa observes that over course of last year there was a “most encouraging increase in conservation and restoration of old buildings and monuments in Malta – both in the private and the public sector”.

As such, the heritage organisation feels they greatly deserve encouragement and public recognition.

More information as well as application and registration forms are available from the Malta Chamber of Architects, or from the Din l-Art Helwa offices at 133 Melita Street, Valletta.

Submission for consideration for an award must be received at the Din l-Art Helwa offices by 30 September. For further information please call 2122 0358 / 2122 5952.