Designed by Chris Briffa Architects, the installation is a temporal collage, juxtaposing the seminal changes in Valletta’s lifetime while highlighting its forthcoming agenda as European Capital of Culture.

Valletta’s five historic gates were studied, draughted and reinterpreted into a singular 2D icon, a structure which was subsequently disassembled into different planes and anamorphic projections; the installation has been mounted at the foot of Ġlormu Cassar Avenue (close to St James ditch).

The Valletta 2018 Foundation believes that the most effective way to celebrate the European Capital of Culture is by putting creative thought at the forefront of its activities; hence, the communicative and celebratory dimensions of the structure are balanced by an imaginative and innovative use of space and location that may also take into account various factors like interactivity, visibility and even playfulness.

In Chris Briffa’s words, Valletta is a collection of eras, a summation of times on which layers of architecture pay homage to its stylistic preoccupations and ambitions. “Prospettiva is an analogy to the importance of the combined effort needed from a variety of localities and people in the creation of a coherent whole” Briffa said, “A joint success which is deeply rooted in its legacy.”

The installation was chosen by a jury made up of Prof. Richard England, Rupert Cefai and Carlo Schembri following a competition.