Openworkstudio

Openworkstudio OWS is a professional design practice specializing in architecture, restoration, and interior design.

Openworkstudio is pleased to announce that Joanna Spiteri Staines will deliver the first lecture in the Notarial Archive...
02/10/2026

Openworkstudio is pleased to announce that Joanna Spiteri Staines will deliver the first lecture in the Notarial Archives Foundation 2026–2027 Lecture Series.

Titled Grand Harbour Revisited, the lecture will focus on the area immediately beyond Victoria Gate, a historically significant stretch of approximately 600 metres which represents the first area to have developed beyond Valletta’s city walls. Having retained much of its original relationship with the water, the area offers a particularly rich insight into the way the city once extended beyond its fortified walls and engaged with the harbour, even as subsequent changes to the waterfront have altered many of these historic connections.

The area includes important historic remains such as the 17th-century Old Quarantine Hospital, which today stands in a state of serious disrepair, while other elements of the historic waterfront have been lost over time. Among them are the steps adjacent to the Old Fish Market, which disappeared with the recent construction of the landing point for the Gozo ferry. Such changes illustrate the importance of understanding the history and development of a place before considering how it might be transformed in the future.

With the recently published plans for the Grand Harbour Revival bringing renewed attention to the harbour, Joanna will explore the historical layers of this particular stretch of waterfront and what can still be understood from the fabric that remains. Her reading of the area draws on a longstanding engagement with architectural heritage, both through her practice and through her research and collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa.

This experience also extends to the Grand Harbour itself, through projects including the masterplan for the Pinto Stores and Grand Harbour Cruise Liner Terminal, which received a Europa Nostra Award in 2006. Together with her academic work in the conservation and sustainable future of historic places, these experiences have shaped an approach that considers buildings in relation to their wider context and the layers of history that give a place its character.

The lecture will consider how a closer understanding of this history might inform the future of this stretch of waterfront, with a particular focus on its restoration, revival and rehabilitation.

Grand Harbour Revisited will take place on Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 10:00 at the Notarial Registers Archive, 217 St Paul Street, Valletta.

Register Now: https://sl1nk.com/25fmykx

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MGKa4w2bR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

OWS Director and NIDUM Director Joanna Spiteri Staines shows the City of Culture Jury round the Gozo Museum Site.Openwor...
28/09/2026

OWS Director and NIDUM Director Joanna Spiteri Staines shows the City of Culture Jury round the Gozo Museum Site.

Openwork Studio together with NIDUM Ltd. is proud to announce that the Gozo Museum formed part of the projects presented as part of the bid for Victoria, city of Culture.

Congratulations to the teams involved and to Victoria. We look forward to putting the Gozo Museum on Europe’s City of Cultures’ Cultural Map.

A new layer of history within the Capital • Blending the new with the existing
16/09/2026

A new layer of history within the Capital • Blending the new with the existing

Casa Bonavita features on the cover of the latest issue of Architecture & Design.Openworkstudio was involved throughout ...
10/09/2026

Casa Bonavita features on the cover of the latest issue of Architecture & Design.

Openworkstudio was involved throughout the restoration and conversion, with our partner Debby De Domenico managing and coordinating the works throughout.

It is a pleasure to see Casa Bonavita featured in such publications and to revisit a project that has been such an important part of our work over the past few years.

Read the full publication:
https://ows.com.mt/architecture-design/

More about our contribution to Casa Bonavita:
https://ows.com.mt/portfolio/casa-bonavita/

Stories That Ought To Be ToldA few months ago, Alberto Miceli-Farrugia participated as a speaker at the SHARE Malta 2026...
26/08/2026

Stories That Ought To Be Told

A few months ago, Alberto Miceli-Farrugia participated as a speaker at the SHARE Malta 2026 International Architecture Forum, contributing to an international dialogue on architecture, heritage, sustainability and the future of our cities.

His presentation, Stories That Ought To Be Told, brought together projects and research developed through NIDUM and Openworkstudio, exploring how context, memory and community can inform more thoughtful and enduring forms of development.

Among the projects discussed were City of 1000 Gardens, a regeneration vision for Marsascala, and the ongoing Gozo Museum project in Victoria, where newly discovered archaeological remains have become an integral part of the museum’s architectural narrative.

A reflection on the role of architecture in connecting place, history and contemporary life.

Read the full article: https://ows.com.mt/stories-that-ought-to-be-told/

Building on MemoriesAlberto Miceli-Farrugia was recently invited to Siracusa to present Building on Memories as part of ...
10/08/2026

Building on Memories

Alberto Miceli-Farrugia was recently invited to Siracusa to present Building on Memories as part of the Professionismo Colto seminar series.

Held at Palazzo Impellizzeri in Ortigia, the presentation explored the relationship between architecture, memory, identity and place, and how history and lived experience continue to inform contemporary practice.

Drawing on projects including Dock 1 Gardens, the City of 1000 Gardens masterplan and the Gozo Museum, the discussion considered how architecture can respond to what already exists while creating new places that remain meaningful over time.

The presentation also featured student research from the University of Malta, extending the conversation to ecology, resilience and the future of our built environment.

A valuable exchange between Malta and Sicily, and a reflection on the role of memory in shaping contemporary architecture.

Read the full article:
https://ows.com.mt/building-on-memories/

Last week, members of the Openworkstudio team had the opportunity to visit MICAS for a private tour of Mela, Reggie Burr...
08/07/2026

Last week, members of the Openworkstudio team had the opportunity to visit MICAS for a private tour of Mela, Reggie Burrows Hodges' first European exhibition, followed by a guided tour of the museum.

Created during the artist's time in Malta, the exhibition offers a thoughtful perspective on the island's landscapes, architecture and everyday life. Experiencing the works within the architecture of MICAS and seeing how several paintings engage directly with the museum itself, made for a particularly rewarding visit.

A heartfelt thank you to Guillaume Dreyfuss for the invitation and for sharing his time, knowledge and enthusiasm with us. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Greta Caruana Smith recently took part in the 33rd Annual Engineering Conference organised by the Chamber of Engineers, ...
05/06/2026

Greta Caruana Smith recently took part in the 33rd Annual Engineering Conference organised by the Chamber of Engineers, joining a panel discussion on Intelligent Building Performance and Energy Optimisation in her role as President of M.E.E.R.E.A.

The session examined how intelligence within the built environment extends far beyond automation and digital systems alone. Greta spoke about the importance of designing buildings that are resilient, adaptable and responsive to the people who occupy them, while remaining capable of evolving alongside changing environmental, technological and social conditions.

A key part of the discussion focused on longevity within architecture and the responsibility of creating buildings that continue to perform effectively over time. Topics such as climate resilience, operational flexibility, occupant wellbeing and resource efficiency formed part of the wider conversation surrounding the future of intelligent buildings and sustainable design practices.

The panel also addressed the realities of retrofitting existing and heritage buildings, particularly the challenges involved in integrating contemporary systems within structures that were never designed for them. Greta reflected on the importance of collaboration between architects, engineers, consultants and clients when navigating the technical, spatial and logistical complexities of these projects.

Bringing together professionals from across the engineering and built environment sectors, the conference provided an important platform for discussion on the future of sustainable and intelligent design.

Mysteriously tucked away in the heart of Attard, the elegant early 18th century noble residence, Casa Bonavita, welcomed...
29/05/2026

Mysteriously tucked away in the heart of Attard, the elegant early 18th century noble residence, Casa Bonavita, welcomed its very first guests just a few days ago, marking the completion of an extraordinary transformation into a 17-room boutique hotel with splendid gardens, luxurious rooms and suites, and beautifully welcoming public spaces.

Acquired in 2010 by Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, the palazzo was lovingly restored to fulfil their vision of preserving Maltese character, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations. Their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment over many years have brought new life to this remarkable property, carefully reviving its beauty, intimacy, and quiet grandeur.

Openworkstudio is especially proud of the contribution of our own partner, Debby De Domenico, who managed and coordinated the works throughout, ensuring the highest standards of quality and attention to detail were achieved at every stage.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Chris and Suzanne for entrusting us with helping realise their dream, and also to all the contractors, suppliers, artists, and craftsmen whose talent and dedication helped bring this vision to life.

Congratulations to everyone involved on this wonderful achievement, and best wishes to Casa Bonavita and its management team as it begins this exciting new chapter, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience Malta at its very best.

Visit www.casabonavita.com for more information.

Openworkstudio celebrates 10 years of practice this year, ten years of collaboration, research, creativity, and a shared...
21/05/2026

Openworkstudio celebrates 10 years of practice this year, ten years of collaboration, research, creativity, and a shared commitment to thoughtful design.

Founded in 2016 by Alberto Miceli-Farrugia, Joanna Spiteri Staines, Debby De Domenico, and Greta Caruana Smith, the studio has grown into a multidisciplinary practice working across architecture, interiors, restoration, environmental design, and adaptive reuse. Over the years, the office has had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects throughout Malta, from smaller residential interventions to larger commercial and heritage-led developments.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain incredibly grateful to every client, collaborator, consultant, contractor, and member of the team who has formed part of the journey so far. What began as a shared vision between four partners has continued to evolve through the people, projects, and relationships built along the way.

Here’s to the next chapter of Openworkstudio.

Address

3 Melita House, 35 Sir Augustus Bartolo Street
Ta' Xbiex
XBX1094

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 18:30
Tuesday 08:30 - 18:30
Wednesday 08:30 - 18:30
Thursday 08:30 - 18:30
Friday 08:30 - 18:30

Telephone

+35621339202

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