designMT 2024

Architecture & Space: Designing for a Sense of Place

Beyond the creation of functional buildings and spaces, architecture and spatial design are a reflection our identity, values, and connection to the environment. In Malta, the rich architectural history, from fortified cities to quaint townhouses, gives us a strong sense of place—yet today’s architects and designers are tasked with reinterpreting spaces to meet the needs of a contemporary, urban society.
The concept of space is evolving as our lifestyles change. Traditional homes that were once communal hubs have given way to contemporary apartments, where spatial constraints push designers to find new ways to maximise functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. In the same breath, public spaces that once served as marketplaces or social centres now need to adapt to new uses, reflecting the changing rhythms of urban life.
A striking example of this transformation is how old Maltese stonework, which has been the backbone of the island’s architecture for centuries, is being repurposed in contemporary designs. Whether it’s integrated into a new building façade or reimagined within contemporary interiors, these elements of heritage bring a sense of history and continuity to spaces that are otherwise designed for the future.
At designMT, spatial design will take centre stage as we explore how architecture shapes not only the physical landscape but also the social and cultural fabric of our communities. The event will feature discussions and exhibits showcasing how designers are preserving traditional elements while pushing boundaries with new materials, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. It will be a celebration of how architecture in Malta continues to evolve, combining the familiar with the forward-thinking.
From large-scale public projects to intimate interior designs, architects and designers today are responsible for creating spaces that reflect who we are as a society. Through architecture, we can honour the past while also creating environments that support the way we live now—and how we envision living in the future.
designMT
designMT is organised by the Malta Crafts Foundation with the support of Arts Council Malta, Heritage Malta, the Industrial Property Registrations Unit, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, and Malta Tourism Authority, and in collaboration with the Golden Glitch, Kamra tal-Periti, Spazju Kreattiv, and the Valletta Cultural Agency, with Lovin Malta as Media Partners. The event unites designers, architects, and creatives to explore the blend of tradition and innovation across architecture, fashion, digital art, and more, while celebrating Malta’s cultural heritage.

The Latest on Mediterranean Design

designMT is organised by the Malta Crafts Foundation with the support of Arts Council Malta, Heritage Malta, the Industrial Property Registrations Unit, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, and Malta Tourism Authority, and in collaboration with the Golden Glitch, Kamra tal-Periti, Spazju Kreattiv, and the Valletta Cultural Agency, with Lovin Malta as Media Partners. The event unites designers, architects, and creatives to explore the blend of tradition and innovation across architecture, fashion, digital art, and more, while celebrating Malta’s cultural heritage.
designMT is organised by the Malta Crafts Foundation with the support of Arts Council Malta, Heritage Malta, the Industrial Property Registrations Unit, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, and Malta Tourism Authority, and in collaboration with the Golden Glitch, Kamra tal-Periti, Spazju Kreattiv, and the Valletta Cultural Agency, with Lovin Malta as Media Partners. The event unites designers, architects, and creatives to explore the blend of tradition and innovation across architecture, fashion, digital art, and more, while celebrating Malta’s cultural heritage.