ADPD’s Ambitious Plan: A ‘Passport’ for Every Building in Malta

Imagine walking down Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings. Now, picture each one of these architectural gems having its own unique identity card, a ‘passport’ if you will, detailing its history, structure, and even its energy efficiency. This isn’t just a futuristic fantasy; it’s the vision of the Association of Designers in the Built Environment (ADPD).

The ADPD, a local association representing professionals in architecture, design, and planning, wants to create a digital ‘passport’ for every building in Malta and Gozo. This initiative, dubbed ‘Built Heritage Passport’, aims to preserve, promote, and enhance our islands’ built heritage. But why is this necessary, you might ask?

Malta’s built environment is a complex mix history, culture, and innovation. From the ancient megalithic temples to the modernist masterpieces of the 1960s, our buildings tell a story. Yet, this story is often lost or overlooked. The ADPD believes that by giving each building a ‘passport’, we can unlock this rich heritage and make it accessible to everyone.

The ‘Built Heritage Passport’ is more than just a digital document. It’s a tool that can help us understand, maintain, and even improve our built environment. Here’s how:

• Preservation: The ‘passport’ will include detailed information about a building’s history, architecture, and any significant features. This knowledge can guide restoration and conservation efforts, ensuring that our built heritage is preserved for future generations.
• Promotion: Imagine walking through the narrow streets of Mdina and discovering the fascinating stories behind each building. The ‘passport’ can be used to create interactive tours, both physical and virtual, promoting our heritage to locals and tourists alike.
• Improvement: The ‘passport’ will also include data on a building’s energy efficiency. This can help owners and tenants make informed decisions about improvements, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

While the idea of a ‘Built Heritage Passport’ is exciting, there are challenges to overcome. The ADPD estimates that there are around 150,000 buildings in Malta and Gozo. Creating a ‘passport’ for each one will require significant resources and collaboration between the ADPD, local councils, and other stakeholders.

The ADPD is currently working on a pilot project in Valletta, creating ‘passports’ for a select number of buildings. The results of this pilot will be crucial in shaping the future of the project and demonstrating its potential benefits.

In the meantime, the ADPD is calling on the public to support this initiative. If you’re a building owner, consider contributing information about your property. If you’re a history buff or a curious local, keep an eye out for the pilot project and share your thoughts and ideas.

, let’s remember that our built heritage is not just a collection of old buildings. It’s a living, breathing part of our culture and our identity. The ‘Built Heritage Passport’ is more than just a document; it’s a tool that can help us understand, appreciate, and protect this precious heritage.

As ADPD President, Architect Godwin Degiorgio, puts it, “Our built heritage is our collective memory. It’s up to us to preserve it, promote it, and make sure it continues to tell our story.”