To support members of the profession in achieving excellence in their practice of architecture and engineering in the interest of the community

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2 To support members of the profession in achieving excellence in their practice of architecture and engineering in the interest of the community MISSION STATEMENT, KAMRA TAL-PERITI

3 INTRODUCTION The Kamra tal-periti (Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers) traces its roots to the former Chamber of Architects which was established in1920 to serve as a body for the self-regulation of one of the oldest established professions. The Chamber is somewhat unique amongst similar professional organisations in Malta since its regulatory remit and functions arise from specific Legislation. Today, the Kamra tal-periti is established and governed by Subsidiary Legislation which, amongst other things, specifically makes provision for the various functions that allow the Kamra to regulate the profession of Periti on a nationwide scale. Under Chapter 390 of the Laws of Malta (Act XIV of 1996 The Periti Act) in order to practice as a Perit in Malta, one requires a Professional Warrant in addition to the requisite academic qualifications. Although not all practising Periti are active paid-up members of the Chamber, in legal terms they are all considered members in the sense that they are subject to the provisions of Chapter 390, the Regulations in Subsidiary Legislation and Code of Professional Conduct which forms the First Schedule of Subsidiary Legislation The management and day to day affairs of the Kamra are undertaken by a Council elected by paid-up members of the Chamber from amongst themselves. Subsidiary Legislation also provides for the establishment of a Disciplinary Board by the Kamra tal-periti which is known as the Board of Professional Conduct. The function of this Board is to carry out such investigations into complaints of alleged misconduct by Warrant Holders, referred to it by the Council and to advise the Council on what disciplinary measures to take upon concluding its investigations.

4 INTRODUCTION Professional Fees paid in respect of services rendered by a Perit are established by Law and the relevant rates are set out in Tariff K of the First Schedule of Chapter 12 of the Laws of Malta (Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure). The Council of the Kamra tal-periti is currently engaged in an extensive exercise which aims to update all legislative documents related to the profession including Chapter 390 (the Periti Act), the Regulations and the Code of Professional Conduct in Subsidiary Legislation and the Tariff (K) of Professional Fees in the first schedule of Chapter 12. The final draft of the Subsidiary Legislation comprising the Regulations of the Kamra and the Code of Professional Conduct have already been approved by EGM in April 2008 whilst position papers on the proposed amendments to Tariff K and the primary legislation in Chapter 390 have also been approved. The Kamra is currently working towards the introduction and use of Standard Forms of Agreement and the publication of a Guide to the Standards of Service, both of which are aimed at establishing and maintaining a minimum standard in all services provided by Periti. Moreover, the Kamra is also working towards the enabling of Article 11 in Chapter 390 that makes it mandatory for all practising Warrant Holders to be covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance.

5 INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATIONS The Kamra tal Periti is a member of several professional bodies, both in specific spheres of competence or in generic professional activities. On the international scene, KTP is a member of: UIA Union of International Architects The UIA is the body that groups together the architectural professionals of all the world. From its headquarters in Paris, besides organizing Conferences, competitions, congresses etc, it is constantly embarking on initiatives to promote a high standard of professionalism whilst also seeking new ways of involving Architects in the shaping of tomorrow's world in whatever region, climate, or standard of living that is present in every area of the globe. Malta is a long standing member of UIA and of its Region 1 committee. Visit: UIA Region 1, 48th Coordination meeting held in Malta Oct 07 Adrian Joyce, Senior Advisor of the ACE, participated in a conference organised by the KTP on the SIM Directive in May 07 ACE Architects Council Of Europe Based in Brussels, its Members are the regulatory and professional representative bodies of all European Union (EU) Member States, Accession States, Switzerland and Norway. Through them, it represents the interests of over 450,000 Architects in Europe. The principal function of the ACE is to monitor relevant policy and legislative developments at EU level, seeking to influence those areas of EU Policy that have an impact on architectural practice and on policies affecting the overall quality and sustainability of the built environment. Malta now has its first elected member on the Executive Board following the Kamra s nomination of Perit Vincent Cassar. Perit David Felice, the current President of the Kamra was a member of the Executive Board in 2006 and was the ACE delegate on the European Forum for Architectural Policies (EFAP). Visit:

6 INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATIONS UMAR 14 th General Assembly held in Malta, April 08 UMAR - Union of Mediterranean Architects (founder member) Founded in Rabat (Morocco) in 1994, UMAR draws together national organisations representative of architects from countries in and around the Mediterranean basin. It was their awareness of belonging to a common culture, a culture shaped over thousands of years into this birthplace of civilisations that is the Mediterranean basin, that prompted architects organisations to create UMAR. An instrument for exchanging views and information, the association thus encourages relationships of friendship, solidarity and confraternity between all architects. The registered office of the Union of Mediterranean Architects is in Malta. Perit David Pace is Secretary General. Visit: CAA - Commonwealth Association of Architects (founder member) CAA is a membership organisation for institutes representing architects in Commonwealth countries. Formed in 1965 to promote co-operation for 'the advancement of architecture in the Commonwealth' and particularly to share and increase architectural knowledge, it currently has 37 members. The Association is best known for its procedures for the validation of courses in architecture which convene multilateral visiting boards to schools to assess courses against set criteria. This results in a list of qualifications recommended for recognition by members. Malta is a member of the Europe region. Visit:

7 INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATIONS ECCE General Assembly, Brussels Nov06 The KTP applauded the Government s decision to withdraw the Development Application for the demolition of what was formerly known as Rediffusion House in Gwardamangia. ECCE - European Council of Civil Engineers ECCE was created in 1985 out of the common concern of the professional bodies for Civil Engineers in Europe that the Civil Engineers working together across Europe could offer much more to assist Europe advance its built Environment and protect the natural environment. ECCE aims to promote the highest technical and ethical standards, to provide a source of impartial advice, and promote co-operation with other pan-european organisations in the construction industry. ECCE also advises and influences individual governments and professional institutions, formulates standards and achieves a mutual compatibility of different regulations controlling the profession, and formulates standards for a European Code of Conduct of the Civil Engineering Profession and disciplinary procedures applicable throughout the Union. KTP has enjoyed an observer status since 2006 and has been granted membership in Visit: DOCOMOMO - Documentation and Conservation of buildings, sites, and neighbourhoods of the Modern Movement Docomomo's mission is to act as watchdog when important modern movement buildings anywhere are under threat; exchange ideas relating to conservation technology, history and education; foster interest in the ideas and heritage of the modern movement; elicit responsibility towards this recent architectural inheritance. The Maltese committee was officially established just less than two years ago, at the International Conference in Ankara (Turkey), with the formal backing of the Working Parties of Denmark, Estonia and Finland. Visit:

8 INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATIONS EFAP - European Forum for Architectural Policies The European Forum for Architectural Policies is an informal network, which brings together Government Administrations, the profession and the cultural institutions in all EU Member States and at European level. Its objective is to encourage exchanges of views and experiences on the promotion of architectural policies designed to enhance building urban and landscape quality, and more generally the quality of the living environment, at both national and European level. Malta has observer status within this organisation. Visit:

9 THE URBAN CHALLENGE In November 2007, the Kamra issued its policy document entitled THE URBAN CHALLENGE: Our Quality of Life and the Built Environment. The idea of the document dates to July 2004, when the Kamra tal-periti presented its discussion paper called A National Policy for Architecture in Malta Is it Worth it?. Since then, the Kamra has stepped up its efforts to place the debate on architectural design and quality in the built (and unbuilt) environment high on the national agenda. The events regularly organised by the Kamra including Architecture Nights, and Time for Architecture have helped in raising awareness of the importance of quality in design as a means of reinforcing national identity and improving the quality of life of the citizen. The publication of this Policy Paper represents a significant step towards the Kamra s longer term goals of having a National Policy for Architecture adopted by Government and of establishing a national Centre for Architecture and the Built Environment. The Kamra s exposure over recent years to the workings of the Architect s Council of Europe (ACE), and the European Forum for Architectural Policies (EFAP) encouraged the Kamra to embark on the process leading to the publication of this document, which is intended to promote the Kamra s urgent call for a more sustainable development of the built and rural environment and for the endorsement of quality in design as an essential tool for the nation s economic and social development.

10 THE URBAN CHALLENGE The document reinforces the belief that quality is essential in adding value to any investment in the country s future. More so where the country s built environment is concerned, since better standards will result in a better quality of life for all and an environment better geared to attract investment and tourism. In its document, the Kamra makes several recommendations in this regard, including the better protection of the nation s heritage (built and natural) and the strengthening of the process and management of change (planning), which needs to embrace and build on the values inherent in the country s cultural and geopolitical standing in a global society. The paper suggests more focus in our education system on encouraging creativity and innovation from as early an age as possible. It sets an agenda for the renovation of the profession of the Perit and, recognizing the important contribution of all stakeholders, it calls on them to collectively re-commit to better quality in architecture and urban design and to higher standards in the construction of buildings and urban spaces for the benefit of the community. The Urban Challenge: Our Quality of Life and the Built Environment may be downloaded from

11 CENTRE FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT In order to advance the profession and at the same time bring architecture closer to the general public the Kamra has long felt the need to establish an Architecture Centre on the same lines as other Architecture Centres currently operating in Europe. The main objective or mission of the Centre, which could even be appropriately called Centre for Architecture and the Built Environment or simply Centre for the Built Environment shall be that to lead to the better appreciation of our built heritage and environment and aim for a more sustainable development in future years. It shall assist in raising the awareness of the importance of good design and quality in our built environment from an economic and environmental point of view. Above all, it should act as a cultural venue which is open to the public and which uses a variety of methods for communicating about the shaping of human space. The Centre should, ideally be established as a foundation or similar not for profit organization, run almost independently of the day to day operations of the Kamra but with parallel and almost identical objectives to those of the Kamra. Several Architecture Centres exist around the world, notably in European countries. In the U.K. alone, there are 23 such centres for architecture and/or the built environment and these are networked together through the Architecture Centre Network that provides a national focal point. In 2007, a delegation from Kamra paid a very interesting and informative visit to three such Centres in the Netherlands. This visit was made possible through the direct intervention of the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Malta, Dr Jan Heidsma.

12 CENTRE FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT The Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAI) is the Netherlands national centre for architecture and design and which employs almost 100 staff on a full time or part-time basis. The centre s vision is to develop the links between design, architecture, and the creative industries, seeing these as interconnected social, educational, economic and cultural issues of concern to everyone. The establishment of an Architecture Centre in Malta opens up avenues through which the Kamra can operate and become more effective. Although one of the main aims of the Kamra tal-periti is that of offering a service to the profession, doing this at a commercial level is a new aspect that should be explored further and integrated within the Kamra s everyday operation. The Architecture Centre should open up such possibilities and give a better and more open dimension to the operations and mandate of the Kamra. Thus, the Architecture Centre should be large enough to house under one roof all the functions currently being carried out by the Kamra tal- Periti. All functions, Council activities, Council meetings, subcommittee meetings and activities, events such as Architecture Nights, Time for Architecture, product seminars and other related activities should be housed within the new location. Ideally, and as far as is practicable, all other activities, functions, meetings, etc. organised by the Kamra should also be held at the new Centre. Not only should all current functions and services being offered by the Kamra continue to be given in an efficient and timely manner, but, it is hoped, that by time these will increase and be more effective in enhancing the image and efficacy of the profession and thus bring the Kamra closer to its members and the public.

13 CENTRE FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT The facilities within the Centre should be such that they provide a good and comfortable ambience for people working therein and for visitors. The décor should be such that it offers a welcoming, modern and fresh look. It should also be such as to portray excellence and high quality. It is expected that the main facilities to be provided should consist of a Reception Area, a Management Office Suite, a Kamra tal-periti Council Suite, a number of Meeting Rooms for meetings of the Council and its sub-committees; a Conference Room suitable for large audiences and fully equipped with visual and audio facilities, a Library that should be open to architects and the public and that should serve as a centre for research and learning on architecture and the built environment and all other associated disciplines and practices linked to the two. Within the library, space should be provided to house a Drawings Collection (public and private) for the preservation of Architectural Works, and an Architectural Model storage and display area; a specialized Bookshop that shall provide users with the possibility of directly purchasing books and magazines or placing orders for delivery of books and magazines. The bookshop should also provide a service to users in obtaining books, magazines and other related material on their behalf; an Architecture Gallery for the temporary exhibition and display of material specifically related to architecture, competition results, studies commissioned by the Centre, Architect s Own exhibitions, project exhibitions, awards, students work, etc. Although the Centre is not primarily a museum, yet it is essential that it serves as an exhibition place for collections of plans, drawings, sketches having an intrinsic architectural value. The possibility of having a permanent picture gallery should also not be overlooked.

14 ARCHITECTURE & CHILDREN The need to raise the awareness and appreciation of quality in architecture and the built environment is a key consideration in the education of children. It is crucial that, as future shapers of the environment, children are equipped with the tools that will enable them to make sustainable, responsible, open-minded choices, and to exercise informed judgment on all that constitutes the built environment. To this end, a Programme is being proposed, with the task of forming a link between education and design, of which architecture and the built environment form a part. Various initiatives are currently under way in various countries: The UIA (International Union of Architects) has issued a set of guidelines entitled Built Environment Education Guide. The guidelines provide information on the objectives of the Architects in Schools Programme, on curriculum resources and teacher training. These Programmes are already being implemented with great success in various locations across the world. Another initiative, involving schoolchildren as well as the general public, is the London openhouse project, which provides several exciting opportunities and events for discovering the world of architecture. The Programme focuses on opening eyes, opening doors, and opening minds. The joinedupdesignforschools is a venture that aims to improve schools across Britain by appointing student client teams and pairing them up with some of the best international designers and architects, briefed to design inspiring learning and social spaces. The students themselves took on the role of client, providing the input to resolving common issues in their school environment.

15 ARCHITECTURE & CHILDREN Once the need to act has been established, implementation of the Programme can commence. The main aspects of the Programme in Malta include: INTEGRATION WITH OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES The Programme is a regular curriculum subject with a difference. It is a hands on subject, with no assessment, in which the student is set a specific task, designed to address the above issues. EXTRACURRICULAR EVENTS In conjunction with local Councils and other government and private authorities, a series of workshops and site visits shall be organized to provide a window to the general public onto the achievements within the Programme, to exhibit the students efforts and to propagate awareness even further through a series of annual or special events. IDEAS CHALLENGE This part of the Programme places the student at the centre of all design related decisions taken regarding the school environment. The concept outlining the IDEAS (Inspired Design for Exciting Architectural Spaces) Challenge is based on teaching through experience. Children give feedback based on their own experience and define the needs and requirements that are being addressed by the appointed designer, through a process that simulates an actual client-designer relationship. The short term objective consists of a pilot project involving one state school and one private school. Experience in similar programmes identifies the 9-11 year age bracket as the best choice for implementation. Initial estimates indicate an outlay of to implement this project. This would include the remuneration to the coordinator and field workers, purchase of teaching aids, and publicity.

16 TIME FOR ARCHITECTURE The main aim of Time for Architecture (T4A) is to promote "good architecture", to increase the awareness of the work of Maltese architects and architectural firms among the general public, and to serve as a meeting point for the current and future members of the Kamra and others. T4A coincides with World Architecture Day which is celebrated on the first Monday of October each year. This celebration was initiated by the Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA), of which Malta is a member country. On the same day, the United Nations celebrates World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. Following on the success of T4A over the last three years, the Kamra tal-periti in collaboration with SACES shall be organising Time for Architecture This year s events are currently being planned and promise to be immensely interesting and varied. Regular activities include an exhibition of Contemporary Maltese architecture (organised bi-annually) together with Designs, an exhibition organised by SACES, the architecture students organisation in collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Malta, keynote lectures by renowned foreign architects / architecture critics, seminars regarding specific fields of architecture (eg. Landscape Architecture), a Children s Workshop, architectural tours (past events included tours of Valletta, boat trip around the Grand Harbour and temples tour) and a film festival.

17 TIME FOR ARCHITECTURE Boat Trip, T4A 2006 Temples Tour, T4A 2007 Architects Exhibition, T4A 2007 Children s Workshop, T4A 2006 Designs, T4A 2006 Children s Workship, T4A 2007

18 ARCHITECTURE NIGHTS In 2006 and 2007, the Kamra tal-periti organised a series of architectural lectures and debates, entitled Architecture Nights, in view of promoting good architecture and quality in design of the built environment. This architectural series featured speakers from award-winning international practices Building Design Partnership, Llewelyn-Davies Yeang and Bennetts Associates Architects from London, together with internationally acclaimed Richard England from Malta, in 2006, Mario Botta, Manfredi Nicoletti, Cesare Casati, Peter Lorenz and Mario Pisani in AN 2007 Mario Botta Following the success of these events, the KTP is once again organising Architecture Nights in It is the KTP s wish to do its utmost to invite world-renowned architects to expose our audience to the best contemporary examples in architecture worldwide.

19 CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Continuing professional development (CPD) for architects is any activity that systematically enhances the professional knowledge and personal skills needed for the advancement of architecture, society and the environment. With the changing regulatory environment, increasing competition, changes in technology and increased public awareness of such issues as ecological sustainability, CPD is more becoming more important than ever. The Kamra tal-periti is committed to the advancement of architecture and the fostering of skills and service in the profession; it is concerned with the maintenance and development of professional competence in all areas of architectural endeavour, for the benefit of the broader community. Architects are required to commit themselves to the attainment of high standards and uphold the values of; aspiration to excellence, and competent professional performance. In the current climate to provide professional services conscientiously and competently, architects must improve their professional knowledge and skills through participation in CPD activities.

20 MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS

21 VALUATION STANDARDS In 2004, The Kamra tal-periti compiled Valuation Standards making considerable reference to European Valuation Standards (EVS) 2000, a publication by the European Group of Valuer s Association, TEGOVA ( It is the recommendation of the Kamra that these standards should be adopted and applied where valuations are to be incorporated into accounts or used for any other purposes which are in the public domain, or where there is significant public interest. The purpose of these standards is to assist valuers to prepare coherent reports for presentation to their clients by providing clear guidance to promote consistency by the use of standard definition of value and approach to valuation; to enable users of valuations to know and understand more fully what is meant by particular terms and definitions; to provide a quality standard to serve as a benchmark for users of valuations; and to institute procedures which are likely to lead to clearly set out, accurate, unambiguous certificates of value which are consistent with national legislation. These valuation standards are intended to cover situations of public record and interest particularly where publication of the valuation is involved. Adhering to the Kamra s code of professional conduct is essential to the legitimacy of valuation works, and matters such as the keeping of proper records, confidentiality and disciplinary issues are dealt with in this publication wherever appropriate.

22 KTP PUBLICATIONS The Architect The Architect is the official journal of the Kamra Tal-Periti. It is published on a quarterly basis and distributed with the Business Today newspaper. KTP NEWS KTP News is the Kamra s electonic newsletter which is distributed monthly to all periti and international affiliations via . Both publications are available for download from

23 The Council 2008 David Felice Vincent Cassar Simone Vella Lenicker Frank Giordmaina Medici Alberto Miceli Farrugia Anthony Fenech Vella Damian Vella Lenicker Danica Mifsud Etienne Micallef Grimaud Keith Cole Philip Grech President Vice-President Honorary Secretary Treasurer Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Chairpersons Standing Committees THE PROFESSIONAL CENTRE SLIEMA ROAD GZIRA GZR 1633 MALTA TEL / FAX (+356) info@ktpmalta.com WEBSITE: Professional Conduct Communications Education International Professional Practice Events Built Environment Work Groups Architecture Centre Architecture & Children Publications the Architect KTP News Website David Felice Danica Mifsud Keith Cole Anthony Fenech Vella Damian Vella Lenicker Etienne Micallef Grimaud Alberto Miceli Farrugia Philip Grech Vincent Cassar David Pace Simone Vella Lenicker Danica Mifsud Saviour Borg