Talks over 'natural light' shelter for Hagar Qim

The architect who has been selected to design the Mnajdra and Hagar Qim heritage park is proposing the use of material that provides filtered natural skylight conditions for the interior.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said that architect, Walter Hunziker, has proposed a system composed of modular frame units while the protective shelters would be tension tents - systems that are light, adaptable, extendable and reversible.

Dr Zammit Dimech was speaking at the presentation of prizes to the winners of the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra heritage park design competition. He said the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples were unique and the government was ready to develop facilities for their conservation and preservation.

Dr Zammit Dimech said the adjudicating jury awarded first prize to Mr Hunziker.

He said that an interesting feature in Mr Hunziker's proposal was the form-active tent structures with a 55 - 75-metre span supported by one, or if necessary two, interior arches, made of laminated wood, for high point construction. He said the material provided filtered natural skylight conditions for the interior, reflecting even the position of the sun. This made it possible for the megalithic sites to be appreciated under almost natural light conditions.

The minister said the Mnajdra and Hagar Qim heritage park project consisted of the construction of shelters for the conservation of the temples; a visitors' centre; security; accessibility and infrastructural improvements. The ministry has applied for €3.5 million from EU structural funds for the first part of the project.

The minister said he was confident that the more cultural heritage was promoted the more tourists would visit Malta. He augured that the synergy that was created when tourism and culture were placed under one ministry would be further developed to the benefit of the economy.