Entering the City – a barbarian appraisal
J’accuse is no architect and notwithstanding the ever-expanding ego does not deem itself an expert in the field of architectural appraisals. What follows is a barbarian appraisal of the sketches, plans and whatnot that have been unveiled for the hoi polloi to see and for the commentators (or bloggers as the Sunday Times editor seems to insist) to comment.
In primis we should say that we are always a tad bit mefiant (mistrusting) when it comes to abbozzi or models prepared by prize architects or upcoming upstarts alike. Whenever the work is actually finished the artist’s impression remains just that – an impression – and something gets lost along the way.
Having rid ourselves of that uncomfortable premiss let J’accuse also get rid of the part nobody could give a pig’s bottom (or a salvu balzan face, as the experts in anal discourse and bestiality seem to have decreed) about. J’accuse likes it. We mean the plan and not the swine’s rear-end.
And now for the candid, barbarian observation. What I find most thrilling about the whole shebang in a “I can’t wait to experience it” kind of way is not the Parliament house on stilts (a prize image for us commentators/bloggers) or the fact that 60 years later we decide to preserve the status quo for the Opera House ruins (luverly). Nor is it the ironic fact that the City Gate project will have anything but a gate (charming, and I’m serious).
What I do like is the idea of the subterrenean gallery that, if I read the dastardly sketches right (dastardly because they are miniscule online), should lead through the very entrails of the city for gentlemen and allow the visitor to surface magickally in the midst of what one supposes will be the hustle and bustle of the starting point of Strada San Giorgio (all right, Republic Street).
I recently went on a fleeting visit to the Italy city of Perugia. Having parked in Piazza dei Partigiani the easiest access to the city was through the Rocca Paoliana – a magical city under the city made up of old tunnels and galleries complete with escalators that led you to the very heart of the city. I remember thinking what a magnificent way to get the feel of a city and its history. Who knows, maybe Renzo Piano could have something like that in mind?
Then again, these are only the scrawls and ramblings of a barbarian.
*image taken from the OPM site: Valletta Projects
I didn’t like it much, I have to say.
The “gate with no gate” is incomprehensible, as far a I am concerned – and what, in god’s name, is that species of gallows on top of the block which seems to be a leftover in a disused quarry?
As far as the “opera house” site(which Piano assures is “too small” without providing any facts to back it up) the proposed construction looks like nothing so much as a permanent construction site (it only needs a tower crane to complete the illusion).
Or, (as someone wittily said on another forum) a cage for King Kong.
The Parliament building is, I suppose, a matter of taste. Personally, I don’t like it at all.
For the record, the drawings are not at all small. Have you tried to click on each one? Try it and, as if by magic, a pdf will open with a larger-than-screen picture.
The second piece of information I have that might interest you, is that the ‘subterranean’ gallery (as opposed to an above-ground gallery I suppose) already exists (part of the old railway network) under Freedom Square so it’s not “should lead through the very entrails of the city”. You talk about it as if it still has to be dug.
One last point: an opinion about the “scrawls and ramblings of a barbarian”. False modesty does not suit you. What comes across is the false, rather than the modesty.
@Antoine. Amusing. Your attempts at sarcasm, I mean.
When His Mistress’ Voice obliged to visit J’accuse he struggled hard to find something to pick on (for the record of course).
It’s “subterranean gallery” Antoine, as against “art gallery” or a “gallery” for whatever other purpose an architect might deem fit.
I don’t talk about it as if it still has to be dug. I talk about it as it might be redesigned. reimplemented , recycled. As your Mistress would say… don’t be stupid.
For the record Antoine, what record? This one is stuck on the same tune.
It’s not false modesty. It’s diminutio – read the Franklin man, read the Franklin.
Is this where all the negative people congregate? Bit old before your time, aren’t you? You’re going to be very attractive company in the old people’s home, I must say. The nurses are going to be queuing up to change your nappies, I don’t think. Xi dwejjaq ta’ nies. Il-vera qirda.