This is the second work of the architect for Maltese customers: in the late 1980s, he already made a project for a new development of the same territory, but then it seemed to the authorities of the island "too daring" and was not implemented. Now, according to Piano himself, he and his studio staff are "better architects" [than then] and better understand the specifics of the historic center of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The architect's task was to rebuild the city's main gate and the ruins of the opera house, as well as the construction of a new Parliament building.
The current version of the gate dates back to the 1960s; Piano suggests reducing them, returning them to their original size - the beginning of the 17th century; but they will not become copies of the Baroque original, but will be sustained in the architect's traditionally laconic style; the stone will match glass and steel. Their complex will include a "panoramic" elevator, several stairs and a bridge that will connect the gate with the surrounding streets and the bottom of the moat turned into a city park.
Behind the gates, on the modern Freedom Square, the Parliament building will appear, which will restore the historical urban planning situation in which there were no free spaces immediately behind the openings in the fortress wall (this facilitated the defense of the city). It will consist of two stone-faced volumes raised on piles, which should give the impression of lightness. The courtyard will be located between them, and the Museum of the History and Political Development of Malta will be opened on the ground floor.
Immediately behind the future Parliament are the ruins of the Opera House - a building of the mid-19th century, almost completely destroyed during the bombing of Valletta in 1942. Despite the desire of many to carefully restore the old building, Renzo Piano proposed to keep its remains "as is" and, supplementing with light steel structures, turn into an open-air concert hall for 1000 spectators. When not in use for performances, the ruins will be converted into a public space.
The project is planned to be implemented in the next 4 years, since then a series of significant dates will be celebrated in Malta: in 2014 - the 50th anniversary of independence, in 2015 - 450 years of the "Great Siege" of Malta by Turkish troops, in 2016 - the 450th anniversary of the founding of Valletta. In 2017 Malta will hold the EU Presidency, and 2019 will mark the 100th anniversary of the June 7 uprising.
