Towards better protection of modern twentieth century architecture in Malta

Abstract

This paper attempts to highlight the need to promote more awareness of the value of twentieth century buildings in Malta and to intensify their protection. What to keep and maintain is debatable and depends on which philosophies of restoration are adopted. Heritage protection institutions, such as ICONOMOS, UNESCO and the Council of Europe intend to afford the same protection to modern architecture previously reserved for much older buildings. In Malta the legal framework has long been set up to protect the architectural heritage that has been classified and scheduled according to the guidelines of these institutions but the emphasis is on pre-1920鈥檚 buildings. Unless the list is updated regularly to include examples of architecture of later periods there is the risk of losing these in the frenzy of the rapid development occurring at present. Educating citizens to value these buildings and even any architectural features and interior d茅cor inspired by this period, should hopefully lead to a higher level of protection. As an example, the lens will be focused on the Gian Frangisk Abela Junior College.