Architecture & Design August issue available to read online

Walking through Malta, one is struck by the textures of limestone, the warmth of natural light, and the sense of history embedded in every street corner. Yet, this historic beauty sits alongside a proliferation of modern apartment blocks and sprawling construction, a reminder of the pressures on the island’s architectural identity. Balancing heritage with contemporary development has never been more urgent.

On our cover, Casa Depiro by Joanna Spiteri Staines and Openworkstudio captures this equilibrium: a living space where sunlight, materials, and context converge to create a home that feels both timeless and intimate.

As Spiteri Staines reflects, “Heritage can only be preserved if it isn’t overwhelmed by visual ‘noise’... from afar, an intervention should harmonise with its surroundings, while up close it should remain distinguishable from the historic fabric”.

Across the projects featured in this issue, that philosophy resonates. Architects are approaching restoration and contemporary design with care, imagination and a deep understanding of place. From cultural institutions to bespoke residences, their work integrates environmental sensitivity, human-scaled spaces, and thoughtful connections to Malta’s rich historical narrative, an antidote to generic urban sprawl.

This issue celebrates the architects shaping Malta’s built environment today: those who honour heritage, push creative boundaries, and envision a future where architecture enhances both the human and natural landscape.

Check it out here!