Milan’s Bosco Verticale Co-Designer Laura Gatti To Landscape db Towers

Oct 12 2024

Laura Gatti, a distinguished landscape planner and agricultural scientist hailing from Milan, has been selected to spearhead the transformation of the residential component of the db Group’s project in St. George’s Bay into stunning vertical gardens.

Renowned for her role as co-designer in the creation of Stefano Boeri’s iconic Bosco Verticale in Milan and her involvement in other celebrated landscape projects for esteemed entities such as Giorgio Armani, Esselunga and Campari, Laura Gatti is now bringing her unique expertise to Malta.

The St. George’s Bay development comprises two towers housing the exclusive ORA Residences, alongside a five-star Hard Rock Hotel and an expansive shopping mall, St. George’s Mall.

Beyond offering breathtaking views, the residential towers will be adorned with a carefully-curated selection of trees and shrubs, thoughtfully adapted to Malta’s unique landscape and climatic conditions.

“It is imperative that the structures we create strike a harmonious balance with our communities. By crafting a vertical forest around these towers, we not only diminish their visual impact but also usher in more sustainable cooling and shading solutions for the buildings themselves. In parallel, in light of the open sea a few meters away we are meticulously selecting the plants and trees that can withstand and thrive in this environment. I am absolutely thrilled to lend my decades of experience to this groundbreaking endeavour in Malta, pioneering a development that stands as a testament to innovation,” said Laura Gatti.

Robert Debono, CEO of db Group, articulated the group’s vision, saying, “Our aspiration is to establish a new benchmark for high-rise construction in Malta, one that mitigates environmental impact and contributes to a greener island. Given the country’s size limited, vertical construction is arguably a necessity. However, this doesn’t mean we must restrict our landscaping efforts solely to the open plazas below the towers; we can also use the towers themselves as canvases for nature.”

Silvio Debono, Chairman of db Group, emphasised the company’s dedication to excellence, stating, “Our company has consistently embraced innovation and uncompromising quality. We take great pride in our collaboration with an accomplished landscape artist for this project, firmly believing that the final outcome will be appreciated by all.”

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3K Tonnes Of Highest Quality Material By New Automated Glass Sorting Line

Oct 12 2024

WasteServ has successfully processed 3,000 tonnes of glass cullet, equivalent to over 13 million glass bottles, for the first time using high-quality material. This milestone follows the installation of a new automated glass sorting line last June.

By reintroducing this large volume of glass into the circular economy, WasteServ is helping to reduce environmental impact and conserve raw materials, as glass can be endlessly recycled.

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli praised the achievement, noting that the €2.5 million investment is yielding benefits and contributing to Malta’s efforts to meet the EU’s recycling targets. She emphasised the importance of sustainable waste management, viewing waste as a valuable resource.

WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca highlighted the efficiency of the new facility, which produces higher-grade glass cullet and supports Malta’s transition to a circular economy. The automated line produces furnace-ready glass cullet, eliminating the need for further processing, allowing manufacturers to immediately reuse the glass for new bottles and jars.

This investment is part of WasteServ’s broader strategy to modernise its infrastructure. Recently, a new pasteuriser was installed to turn organic waste by-products into agricultural compost, and efforts are underway to maximise landfill use to preserve agricultural land.

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Voice Of Iconic Anime Doraemon Passes Away Aged 90

Oct 12 2024

Do you remember Doraemon?

Nobuyo Oyama, the beloved voice actress of the iconic Japanese anime character Doraemon, passed away at age 90 on September 29, her agency confirmed.

She died of old age, and a private funeral was held with close relatives. Oyama voiced Doraemon, the robotic cat from the future, in the popular television series that aired from 1979 to 2005.

The show became a significant part of childhood for many across Asia, including in Hong Kong and Vietnam. The Doraemon franchise, which includes animated films, video games, and manga, follows Doraemon’s adventures as he helps a young boy, Nobita, using futuristic gadgets.

Oyama’s portrayal of Doraemon, often referred to as the “Oyama edition,” is cherished by fans, distinguishing her version from other adaptations.

Before her iconic role, Oyama appeared in the NHK puppet show “Boo Foo Woo” from 1960 to 1967. Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow voice actors.

Kazuhiko Inoue, known for voicing Kakashi in Naruto, expressed gratitude for her support early in his career.

Fans worldwide shared their grief and fond memories of her voice, with many remarking on her enduring influence on their childhoods.

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Floriana Council Objects to Development Proposal in Triq il-Vittmi Furianizi tal Verra

Oct 11 2024

The Planning Authority has approved a three-storey office block at the Valletta Waterfront, replacing an open space currently used as a car park.

Known as the Wedge Building, it will be built on a 507-square-metre plot between Pinto Wharf and Triq il-Vittmi Furjanizi tal-Gwerra in Floriana.

The building, designed by AP Valletta and filed by Valletta Cruise Port, had been downsized from earlier plans for a taller structure. The approved height will match existing buildings and will not be visible from the Grand Harbour.

The PA stated that the design respects the surrounding environment while incorporating a modern architectural style.

Previous applications dating back to 1999 proposed including the site as part of the passenger terminal plans, but it remained used for street parking.

Two attempts in 2017 and 2019 to build a four-storey office building were withdrawn before the current proposal was submitted in 2021.

In a recent meeting, the Floriana Council, led by Deputy Mayor James Aaron Ellul expressed strong objections to a proposed development on Triq il-Vittmi Furianizi tal Verra, located opposite the Waterfront. The council raised concerns about the ongoing loss of public land, advocating for the creation of more open spaces for community use.

Ellul emphasized the need to protect public land, pointing out that Floriana is already saturated with properties primarily designated for office use. He urged a shift in focus towards supporting local entities and ensuring sustainable development that truly benefits the community.

The council reiterated its commitment to balancing development with public accessibility, calling for a reevaluation of land use priorities. This approach seeks to foster growth that not only supports economic interests but also enhances the quality of life for residents. The Floriana Council remains dedicated to advocating for community-driven initiatives that prioritise the needs of the locality and its inhabitants.

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