Minister George Pullicino's article on quality architecture (September 2), while lauding initiatives that promote good architecture states that this requires clients with a vision, creative architects and a regulatory authority that facilitates the creativity process.

While these elements are all necessary ingredients for producing a high quality architectural design, they certainly are not the only ones.

Clients with a vision do not materialise out of nowhere. Their sensitivity towards good design and quality in construction are more often than not the result of exposure to similar projects overseas combined with an innate good taste in aesthetics and proportion. This is an important ingredient particularly in commercial projects where the urge to maximise on every square metre of the site often produces an undesirable level of quality if left unchecked. There is a need for an educational campaign at national level, including children ( I would say especially children) to raise awareness on improving the quality of the built environment. The media too have an important role to play since a well-informed objective press is needed to maintain a healthy dialogue on architectural topics.

Creative architects need an environment where quality is appreciated and expected. The Minister mentioned the Malta Environment and Planning Authority awards and the architectural festival called Time for Architecture organised jointly by the Kamra tal-Periti (not Chamber of Architects, please Minister) together with SACES, the students' association. One must also mention the Din L-Art Helwa award which is also scheduled for the coming weeks. We suddenly have a glut of events aimed at rewarding good architecture in one way or another, which is very encouraging.

To be eligible for such awards the architects must have the opportunity for adequate training to ensure a high level of service, both prior to graduation by virtue of their academic tuition and afterwards through continued professional development. It follows that our Faculty and the KTP itself must ensure that these levels of professional standards are met and maintained.

The client and architect together must finally work in synergy with planning officers at Mepa who have also been similarly trained and who can recognise and appreciate quality in design just as much as the clients who are proposing the development.

What is needed is a coordinated plan at national level to achieve these goals. The national policy for architecture which the KTP has been campaigning for is now ready to get off the ground. The ground work has been carried out by a group of KTP members, and the programme should be launched in the coming weeks. The KTP looks forward to raising the quality of architecture through a national policy which will promote awareness, appreciation and delivery of quality architecture in all spheres of life.