A Russian architectural firm has released detailed plans to rebuild the collapsed Azure Window using mirrored steel and some pretty sharp edges.

‘The Heart of Malta’ is Hotei Russia’s eccentric five-floor exhibition space, which would feature 5,000 square metres of artistic space along with five spiral floors.
Calling it an “icon of the Maltese Islands”, the architectural firm detailed their plans to replace the Azure Window with their unique steel structure.

“The Heart of Malta is a polygonal architectural form with mirrored steel faces, which will blend into the landscape, and have the same size and proportions as the original limestone arch,” the architectural firm said in a promotional video.

“We have a plan to give this symbol a new life” – Russian architect Svetozar Andreev

Speaking to Maltatoday, Svetozar Andreev opened up about his plans.

“The objective is to compensate for the loss of the Azure Window and create a centre of attraction in Dwejra, a new asset to draw tourists, this time to a new architectural and cultural landmark. It will be a perfect monument and symbol of the fusion of modernity and nature, of time and history, and a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit,” Andreev said.

“It will blend into the landscape, and have the same size and proportions as the original limestone arch.”

The Azure Window collapsed into the sea after a heavy storm battered the islands in March 2017

The collapse of the arch made international news, with the Maltese diaspora, as well as local Maltese and Gozitans, mourning the loss of the famous arch.

What do you think of these architectural plans?

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]