Regeneration of Triton Square and Triton Fountain

The embellishment and upgrading of Triton Square and the restoration of the Triton Fountain were intended to satisfy the following objectives, namely:  converting the square into a free urban central meeting point for social, cultural and entertainment activities and events,  restoring the Triton Fountain to its original appearance and function as the focal point of the square,  reviving the historical backdrop of the square, in particular the bastions and ditch, while preserving the archaeological findings,  rendering the square as a pedestrian area accessible for all from the Biskuttin to City Gate,  facilitating the operational requirements in and around the square for buses, taxis, cabs and other service providers in an organized and safe way.

The proposed layout was influenced by the existing axis and historical structures present in the area. The approximate main axis links Biskuttin Garden, Kristu Re Monument, Triton Fountain and City Gate entrance. Large planar slopes sculpted the shape of the new square. The slopes feel modern while hinting at the past forms and the processional experience of approaching Valletta through the outworks. Holm Oak trees are a vital element within the design as they provide a covered walkway where a comfortable climate is maintained throughout the year. Large hardstone stairs, which envelop Triton Fountain, are framed by the adjacent tree lines. The most visible and pleasing aspect of the fountain are the water features, which give dimensional balance to the structure and add life to an otherwise static monument. The project reproduced the original display of the three water jets and the works included a water treatment system to render the water safe for the people close to the fountain, without adversely affecting the travertine and the bronzes.

Local hardstone, iroko wood and galvanized metal were used within the square. All these materials are durable and gave the square a monolithic unified look , Local hardstone is quite beautiful with each paving stone having different warm tones and multitudes of marine fossils, Being sourced locally reduced its carbon foot print and unified the colour and texture of the square with the surrounding historic fabric built out of the same stone centuries ago, All rain water is stored in 20 reservoirs which feed the irrigation system for the Holm Oaks. The square requires little maintenance even after heavy usage during mass events, The historic fabric of the Triton Fountain was identified and conserved through a faithful restoration of the visible elements of this monument. The restoration of the sculptural group included the consolidation of the triton figures, the repair of the badly-warped basin, and the installation of a structural reinforcement within the tritons to withstand the weight of the upper basin The sculptural group was given its original patina hue.