Royal Flush

Valletta, Malta

Akin to our intimate relationship with Valletta, we were very much concerned about the poor state of the five public lavatories in the city.

In early 2009, the young mayor shared our concerns and started discussing a way forward. We concluded that a total overhaul was required, and that it was also necessary to create a sustainable and impactful project, unique to the capital.

In collaboration with the Valletta Local Council, we worked pro bono on initial design presentations of these facilities. We imagined these 'public conveniences' being reinvented into a 'cultural convenience', whereby space within these bathrooms would be dedicated to exhibiting public art, all five simultaneously showcasing art shows in different media.

The first one to open was on Strait Street - the red-light district of early 1900s Valletta – and the design theme that modestly frames the venue is that of a decadent cabaret.

 Photos by Norbert Attard