The Manifesto

Contemporary architecture faces a profound crisis, increasingly dominated by mass-produced buildings that prioritise speed and profit over quality, identity, and the human experience. This trend undermines the essential role of architecture in shaping our lives, communities, and interactions. Two approaches can be taken to address this issue.

The first is to draw inspiration from the balance found in nature. Architecture that fosters a strong connection with the natural landscape creates spaces that are both harmonious and timeless, enriching the human experience. This can be done by incorporating natural elements such as light, air, water, and the surrounding landscape.

The prehistoric temples of Malta showcase how ancient architecture harmoniously integrated with the natural environment. Constructed from megalithic limestone blocks, these temples demonstrate a profound understanding of spatial alignment and natural elements. These often reflect precise orientations towards celestial bodies such as the sun and constellations, indicating an advanced knowledge of astronomy and its influence on the arrangement of the temples. For instance, some temples are aligned with the sun’s solstices or equinoxes, marking significant seasonal events and connecting the structures to the natural cycles of the environment. These ancient temples, dating back thousands of years, serve as a testament to the enduring impact of the use of local materials. Their construction utilised local limestone, which not only provided a harmonious aesthetic but also ensured that the structures blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

The second is a return to the fundamental principles that have guided architectural excellence throughout history. Articulated by Vitruvius in 20-30 BCE, these principles include order, arrangement, eurythmy, symmetry, propriety, and economy. These timeless guidelines, when reinterpreted for the contemporary context, can inspire designs that bridge the past and present. Combining these fundamental principles with a deep appreciation for nature can foster a more holistic and enduring approach to contemporary architecture. The successful integration of these principles in modern architecture can be seen in the works of renowned architects such as Tadao Ando, Alvaro Siza and Alvar Aalto. Their designs emphasize user experience, atmosphere, and sensitivity, demonstrating that contemporary architecture can remain grounded in classical values while still addressing modern needs. These architects demonstrate that by seamlessly integrating functionality, beauty, and a focus on the human experience, architecture can stand the test of time, grounded in the thoughtful application of timeless principles.ng experiences that inspire and endure, and we were honoured to have presented our art installation, ISSA, at the esteemed Venice Biennale 2023. Our installation aimed to confront the contemporary architectural crisis in Malta and address the absence of a distinct architectural identity.

Unfortunately, many contemporary buildings lack this sensitivity to context, resulting in designs that are disjointed and devoid of character. To remedy this, we must reclaim the principles, orders, and materials of the past. Hassan Fathy eloquently argued for the reintroduction of aesthetics and harmony in architecture, viewing it as a crucial duty rather than a choice. This perspective demands a shift in mindset, prioritising architectural design over mere construction or development.

To guide this transformation, architects should focus on the following concepts, implying that the architectural policies and legislation they must adhere to should be amended to align with and support these principles:

1. Pure Forms: Respectfully reinterpreting past architectural components through simplicity of form and geometry. This approach ensures designs simultaneously remain timeless and rooted in tradition. Pure forms allow architecture to be both innovative and grounded, creating spaces that resonate on a fundamental level.

2. Scale and Proportion: Prioritising human scale in designs, ensuring buildings are comfortable and relatable to users. Simultaneously, contextualise buildings within their surroundings, creating harmonious relationships between the built environment and its natural setting.

3. Geometry and Articulation: Emphasising the importance of solid to void ratios to develop a coherent and harmonious architectural language. This balance between mass and space is essential for creating timeless buildings.

4. Materiality: Using materials that are appropriate to the context. This not only enhances the environmental sustainability of buildings, but also strengthens their cultural relevance, making them resonate with the local community. The choice of materials should reflect the local environment and traditions, creating a sense of continuity and connection with the natural environment.

5. Monochromatism: Stripping away unnecessary colour to highlight texture, form, and composition. By focusing on the intrinsic qualities of materials and design elements, architects can create spaces that are visually striking without relying on superficial ornamentation. Monochromatism emphasizes the purity of design, allowing the true essence of the architecture to shine through.

6. Light and Shadow: Considering the dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. Harnessing natural light can dramatically enhance the architectural experience, creating spaces that change and adapt with the movement of the sun. The thoughtful use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to buildings, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.

By adhering to these principles, architects can develop a timeless architectural language that bridges the past and present. This approach reclaims architectural identity, ensuring that buildings are not only functional, but also deeply meaningful, contextually relevant and speak of their time. It re-establishes architecture as a vital and impactful aspect of human experience, capable of inspiring and uplifting those who interact with it.

The future of architecture lies in a conscientious return to its roots, guided by principles that have stood the test of time. By embracing the wisdom of the past and integrating it with the present, architects can create spaces that are enduring, beautiful, and profoundly human. Importantly, this renaissance in architectural thinking is not a nostalgic longing for bygone eras, but rather a necessary evolution towards buildings that enrich the human experience and are personifications of the lasting impact of thoughtful design. Only by doing so can we create a built environment that truly enhances our lives and reflects the best of our collective heritage.

References:

Vitruvius, M. P. (1st century BCE). De architectura. | Norberg-Schulz. (1979).| Genius Loci: Towards a phenomenology of architecture. Rizzoli. | Tadao Ando. (2008). Tadao Ando: Conversations with students. TOTO Publishing. | Álvaro Siza. (1999). Álvaro Siza: Complete works. Rizzoli.| Alvar Aalto. (2008). Alvar Aalto: Architecture and design. Phaidon Press. | Clarke, D. (2002). Prehistoric Malta. University of Malta. | Hassan Fathy. (1973). Architecture for the poor: An experiment in rural Egypt. University of Chicago Press. | Juhani Pallasmaa. (1996). The eyes of the skin: Architecture and the senses. Wiley. | Alois Riegl. (1901). The age of bronze: Studies in the history of architecture. Getty Research Institute. | Rem Koolhaas. (1995). S, M, L, XL. Monacelli Press. | Mies van der Rohe. (1977). Mies van der Rohe: Buildings and projects. Rizzoli. | J. C. R. H. G. (1998). Architectural theory: An anthology from Vitruvius to 1850. MIT Press. | Harry Francis Mallgrave. (2020). The architect’s brain. Routledge.

the manifesto

The first is to draw inspiration from the balance found in nature.

Architecture that fosters a strong connection with the natural landscape creates spaces that are both harmonious and timeless, enriching the human experience. This can be done by incorporating natural elements such as light, air, water, and the surrounding landscape.

The prehistoric temples of Malta showcase how ancient architecture harmoniously integrated with the natural environment.

Constructed from megalithic limestone blocks, these temples demonstrate a profound understanding of spatial alignment and natural elements. These often reflect precise orientations towards celestial bodies such as the sun and constellations, indicating an advanced knowledge of astronomy and its influence on the arrangement of the temples. For instance, some temples are aligned with the sun’s solstices or equinoxes, marking significant seasonal events and connecting the

structures to the natural cycles of the environment. These ancient temples, dating back thousands of years, serve as a testament to the enduring impact of the use of local materials. Their construction utilised local limestone, which not only provided a harmonious aesthetic but also ensured that the structures blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

The second is a return to the fundamental principles that have guided architectural excellence throughout history.

Articulated by Vitruvius in 20-30 BCE, these principles include order, arrangement, eurythmy, symmetry, propriety, and economy. These timeless guidelines, when reinterpreted for the contemporary context, can inspire designs that bridge the past and present. Combining these fundamental principles with a deep appreciation for nature can foster a more holistic and enduring approach to contemporary architecture. The successful integration of these principles in modern architecture –

can be seen in the works of renowned architects such as Tadao Ando, Alvaro Siza and Alvar Aalto. Their designs emphasize user experience, atmosphere, and sensitivity, demonstrating that contemporary architecture can remain grounded in classical values while still addressing modern needs. These architects demonstrate that by seamlessly integrating functionality, beauty, and a focus on the human experience, architecture can stand the test of time, –

– grounded in the thoughtful application of timeless principles.ng experiences that inspire and endure, and we were honoured to have presented our art installation, ISSA, at the esteemed Venice Biennale 2023. Our installation aimed to confront the contemporary architectural crisis in Malta and address the absence of a distinct architectural identity.

Unfortunately, many contemporary buildings lack this sensitivity to context, resulting in designs that are –

– disjointed and devoid of character. To remedy this, we must reclaim the principles, orders, and materials of the past. Hassan Fathy eloquently argued for the reintroduction of aesthetics and harmony in architecture, viewing it as a crucial duty rather than a choice. This perspective demands a shift in mindset, prioritising architectural design over mere construction or development.

To guide this transformation, architects should focus on the following concepts, –

– implying that the architectural policies and legislation they must adhere to should be amended to align with and support these principles:

– grounded, creating spaces that resonate on a fundamental level.

3. Geometry and Articulation: Emphasising the importance of solid to void ratios to develop a –

– harmonious architectural language. This balance between mass and space is essential for creating timeless buildings.

6. Light and Shadow: Considering the dynamic –

– interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. Harnessing natural light can dramatically enhance the architectural experience, creating spaces that change and adapt with the movement of the sun. The thoughtful use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to buildings, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.

By adhering to these principles, architects can develop a timeless architectural language –

– language that bridges the past and present. This approach reclaims architectural identity, ensuring that buildings are not only functional, but also deeply meaningful, contextually relevant and speak of their time. It re-establishes architecture as a vital and impactful aspect of human experience, capable of inspiring and uplifting those who interact with it.

The future of architecture lies in a conscientious return to its roots –

– guided by principles that have stood the test of time. By embracing the wisdom of the past and integrating it with the present, architects can create spaces that are enduring, beautiful, and profoundly human. Importantly, this renaissance in architectural thinking is not a nostalgic longing for bygone eras, but rather a necessary evolution towards buildings that enrich the human experience and are personifications of the lasting impact of thoughtful design. Only by doing so can we create a built environment –

– that truly enhances our lives and reflects the best of our collective heritage.

References:

Alvar Aalto: Architecture and design. Phaidon Press. | Clarke, D. (2002). Prehistoric Malta. University of Malta. | Hassan Fathy. (1973). Architecture for the poor: An experiment in rural Egypt. University of Chicago Press. | Juhani Pallasmaa. (1996). The eyes of the skin: Architecture and the senses. Wiley. | Alois Riegl. (1901). The age of bronze: Studies in the history of architecture. Getty Research Institute. | Rem Koolhaas. (1995). S, M, L, XL. Monacelli Press. |

Mies van der Rohe. (1977). Mies van der Rohe: Buildings and projects. Rizzoli. | J. C. R. H. G. (1998). Architectural theory: An anthology from Vitruvius to 1850. MIT Press. | Harry Francis Mallgrave. (2020). The architect’s brain. Routledge.