A New Heart

Our new design for Birgu’s main square, one of the Island’s oldest urban spaces having important historical roots, comprises a revaluation of the urban space as a paved environment, rather than an extension of the surrounding road network and surface parking area. The proposed design includes a new, pedestrian-only central public square, a shared limited vehicular route along the square’s periphery, rethinking of external levels in order to provide accessible-for-all zones, the reduction and reorganisation of on-street parking around the edges, the introduction of sensitively thought landscaping and other amenities including new seating areas and a new lighting scheme for the square. The design process was developed extensively with discussions and sessions held with residents, the Birgu Local Council, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and local organisations including the band clubs and local feast (festa) enthusiasts.