Valletta
Calling all Vallettaphiles! Famed Architect Chris Briffa to release swanky new publication
Design aficionados rejoice!

Nicole Parnis

From the design firm that's consistently made Malta proud comes a highly anticipated new publication by the name of 'Valletta Files'. The book, set to be released at the end of November, is a retrospective of the genius design work by famed Matese architect Chris Briffa, and is being waited for with baited breath, already having almost sold out on pre-order!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Briffa Architects (@chris_briffa_architects) on

Luckily, there's still chance to get your hands on one of the last remaining copies, which explore the beautiful portfolio of the design house's projects, specifically in Valletta, Malta's gorgeous capital city.

Valletta was first built in the times of the Knights Of Saint John, when the architect of the moment was Girolamo Cassar, who designed high-profile landmarks such as St John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace and the Auberge De Castille, amongst many others. Nowadays, some of Valletta's coolest new structures and conversions are down to the modern firm, Chris Briffa Architects. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Briffa Architects (@chris_briffa_architects) on

From Strait Street's new Jazz music performance platform at The Gut, to the same street's funky public conveniences, Chris Briffa Architects has been at the forefront of the gentrification and much-needed modernisation of the city, (in the best way possible!).

The book zones in on every project completed in Valletta, hence its title - from interiors in houses of character to boutique hotels and palazzos. It also includes unseen works of plans and proposals not yet realised, including a total underground car park well below the whole city of Valletta, dug deep into the bedrock and operated with lifts dotted around the city to render Valletta completely pedestrianised. Cool!

And who can forget that award-winning open gallarija breakthrough, the aptly named Gallarija Miftuħa, unveiled to the city back in 2015, and now patented and manufactured by the design firm along with Vassallo Joiners. What a revolutionary game changer! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Briffa Architects (@chris_briffa_architects) on

The swanky hardback book is sure to be a hit with architecture lovers this Christmas, and would make the perfect gift for students and all lovers of beautiful design.

As well as glossy visuals of dream homes and layout drawings of projects built and proposed over the past 15 years, it also comes chockablock with testimonials from the likes of homeowners, hotel guests and high-profile architects including Richard England, all singing the praises of Chris Briffa Architects' imagination. 

At €50, it comes at a welcomed price. When asked why 'Valletta Files' was priced as so, Chris Briffa replies modestly. "It has to be accessible to inspire others. Everyone is giving up hope in architecture because of overdevelopment, so hopefully this project could show that, if you don't give up, these things are possible. Hopefully this book can make a difference." Inspiring words indeed!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Briffa Architects (@chris_briffa_architects) on

The last remaining books are still available to purchase online, and we're incredibly excited to get our hands on one of these books this year. We can definitely see this coffee table book having pride of place in any design lover's home! 

22nd October 2019


Nicole Parnis
Written by
Nicole Parnis
Nicole Parnis is a writer and lifestyle blogger with a passion for music and a penchant for anything retro. She loves nothing more than rummaging for new vinyl records on a Sunday with her chihuahua Frankie.

You may also like...
Valletta
Valletta
Which are the most photogenic spots in Valletta? Find out where to take the best pictures of Malta's capital.

Melanie Drury
Valletta
Valletta
Valletta is brimming with stunning open spaces which pump life into the cityscape.

Rebecca Anastasi
Valletta

Jillian Mallia
Valletta
Valletta
Discover the legacy of forts standing sentinel over Malta's two main harbours left by the Knights of Malta and the British.

Melanie Drury
Valletta
Valletta
With so much to do, here's how to make the best of your day in Valletta, so you can tick all the boxes!

Melanie Drury