MEUSAC National Design Competition – Showcasing EU funded Projects
A Successful Project undertaken by Year 4 Students (2010-2011) from the
Department of Architecture, Faculty for the Built Environment – University of Malta
MEUSAC launched an open design competition for participants representing organizations /
institutions engaged in design, art, architecture, landscape architecture, planning and/or
engineering in Malta and Gozo on the 21st February 2011. This conveniently was announced by
MEUSAC at the beginning of the second semester, Year 4, Architecture & Urban Design
students, who were embarking on Interior Design Unit AUD 4015. The Project Theme this term
was targeted at Display Systems, with a particular focus on the suitability for the area chosen.
The opportunity to undertake on this National Competition was an irresistible challenge which
gave a first hands-on experience for a real-life situation, design problem-solving project with a
real client. The added incentive of both the prestige the Competition carried and the financial
reward the winner was to receive, further stimulated my students.
A time-line, in parallel with that set by MEUSAC, was Lecture One of the Unit, whereby the aims
of the projects and other requirements were discussed. Three teams were selected and a
modus operandi, devised. For this lecture Meusac officials were requested to attend in order to
assist with queries.
The scope of this National Design Competition was showcasing EU Funded Projects, which fell
in-line with this year’s unit – Exhibition Design. Proposals for Installations targeting this
criterion were requested for display in public spaces. Such spaces were to be recommended by
participants and for which the generated exposure falls in line with the objectives of this
competition.
Site research to give maximum exposure, product viability in terms of cost, weather (time of
year set out for installation structures), material and construction, equal opportunities, MEPA
and Malta Standards Authority and the Malta Transport Authority regulations, and design
constraints were discussed and identified in the ensuing weeks. The sharing of ideas between
all three teams so no rivalry but a sense of camaraderie between aspiring architects and
designers. Three very valid projects (attached) were submitted as entries for Phase One of the
Competition.
Two Teams made it to Phase Two of the Competition; an achievement considering only three
submissions were chosen for this final stage. The selected submission among the finalists from
Phase II was forwarded to the European Commission Representation Office and the European
Parliament Information Office in Malta for approval. The frivolous approach taken by the Team
formed by Fabio Aquilina, Marie Clare Galea and Nicola Zammit, exploited the ‘Fruit’ of EU
Funding, by presenting three meter fruit shaped structures, sectioned and varied. This original
and contemporary approach in advertising was perhaps too avant-garde for judging panel.
The winning team, made up of Francesca Camilleri, Nicolo’ Bencini and Jonathan Borg,
alternatively, decided that the best way to was to ‘replace the billboard’ by the well-known
shape that is synonymous with the EU: the Star; which would appear to be partly dug into the
ground, as though to have fallen from the sky. This 3.5metre high steel mesh and
polycarbonate impressive structure would display on different faces the requested information
in the form of translucent stickers. The Star was also an interactive structure which would give a
pulsating sound as it was approached. A section of the star may serve as seating to
accommodate users accessing Wi-Fi. Specific sites in Valletta, Sliema, Marsascala and Gozo
were selected to give maximum exposure. It was not excluded that such structures may be
transported elsewhere as required.
The dedication and work put into the project by these two finalist teams, even during their
Easter break, including further tutorials and meetings both at University and with experts in
materials and technology, has been an inspiring and rewarding experience. Well Done.
The first placed finalist team will be required to enter into an agreement with MEUSAC relating
to the implementation of the winning design and their respective rights and responsibilities.
Francesca, Nicolo’ and Jonathan, will be awarded EUR 4,000 for the completion of all drawings
including supervision of construction work at various stages.
Patrick Galea
13 – 08 - 2011
Scale Model 1:50