Mizzi Studio’s Malta Bus Reborn project, which sees the electrification of Malta’s iconic traditional public transport buses, has been selected as a finalist in the EU: New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prizes 2024.
Malta’s modern buses have been selected from over 530 applicants across Europe because of its quality and alignment with NEB values: beauty, sustainability, and inclusion under the category of “Regaining a Sense of Belonging.”
Designed by Mizzi Studio, a London and Malta-based bioarchitectural and biophilic design studio, the fleet was transformed into electric buses with zero emission technology whilst keeping its iconic look with a hint of modernisation.
The designs, unveiled in 2019, incorporate the traditional fleet’s colours, a chrome grill, round hooded headlights and the nostalgic use of ‘tberfil’, the hand-painted line designs and lettering.
“Through our contemporary, eco-friendly reimagining, we hope to ignite a renewed sense of pride in Malta’s industrial and cultural heritage,” Mizzi Studio had explained.
Mizzi Studio’s research drew inspiration from its international position, in particular London’s investment in transport heritage via Heatherwick Studio’s re-imagined Routemaster bus.
Malta’s old-school diesel fleet were made idle in 2011 because of environmental and accessibility issues. Nowadays, some are being used as a charming means of transport for weddings and others have been transformed it into a souvenir hub.
“Malta’s old buses were untenable pollutants, exacerbating air quality issues. The new Malta bus is a key player in achieving emission targets, reducing private vehicles, and introducing net zero mobility into Malta’s transport narrative,” the firm explained in its application submitted to the NEB initiative.
The NEB initiative was launched by the European Commission in 2020, aimed at connecting the European Green Deal to living spaces and experiences while also expressing the EU’s ambition of creating beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive places, products, and ways of living.
Among the finalists in the category, Portugal submitted ‘The wool cycle in Barroso’ a project that restored wool making practices and knowledge related to artisanal wool production processes, value local communities and enhance the identity of the territory.
In addition, Bulgaria submitted the ‘Concrete to Culture’ concept, a long-term initiative to turn an office complex into active community space through a collective design process that brings together locals, experts, and artists.
Other finalists are InnoRenew CoE from Slovenia, Places from Spaces from Czech Republic, SET Community Gardens from the Netherlands, Prigats Pavillion/Stop from Latvia, Map4Water: One Thousand Fountains City from Bosnia and Herzegovina, MAmMAI from Spain and Circular Green Blocks from Finland.
Results will be announced during the second edition of the New European Bauhaus Festival, at the awards ceremony on 12th April, in Brussels.
To support Mizzi Studio’s take on a modern cultural icon, one can vote here.
