A design by X,Y,Z Architecture & Design has been awarded first place in an architectural design competition for the rehabilitation of a palazzo into a homeless shelter for the elderly and disabled, organised by Kamra tal-Periti and the Malta Housing Authority.

The firm’s design was hailed by the competition’s jury as “very elaborate and sensitive to the needs of the users. Its resilient design promotes human flourishing through interaction and exchange via function, creative spaces and inclusivity.”

Providing insights into the design on its Facebook page, X,Y,Z explained, “our concept intends to allow the individuals to celebrate and foster “their personality and aspirations and the place they could have in the community”.

The concept, it says, aims “to foster the tension between what of their life/memories/previous experiences make them feel good, to where they hope they will be in the future”.

The competition was launched at the end of 2020, based on research by the YMCA, which is said to be the local leading expert in the field of homelessness, and identified a gap in the provision of services for older people and people with disabilities.

 Prizes were awarded for the best three designs, with €3,500, €1,750, and €1,050 awarded to the respective winner and top runner-ups.

Second place was picked up by MODEL, whose design was described as “distinct and innovative”.

The competition jury, which included such prominent persons in the architecture sector in Malta as Din l-Art Ħelwa President Alex Torpiano and Kamra tal-Periti Honorary Secretary Amber Wismayer, commented it was the only entry “which makes a direct connection to the sea”.

Third place was awarded to architects Mark Cauchi, James Dingli and Robert Pace, whose project was described as “around resilient design.”

“Flexibility is also inbuilt within the plan while promoting social dignity and support. It seems to be planned on a light study which is very welcome,” the jury said of this project.