/library/oar/handle/123456789/104928 2026-06-13T16:47:53Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/108320 Title: Scheduling of cultural heritage sites : towards a more holistic approach Abstract: Historic buildings and sites which are considered worthy of safekeeping are scheduled to be closely monitored and receive statutory protection. Places are scheduled because they are assigned heritage values informed by conservation theory. However, the notion of conservation has undergone significant change and the characteristics of the shifting construct of what defines heritage has necessitated the revision of existing conservation principles. Values attributed to cultural heritage have expanded in meaning and an increased sensitivity to divergent historical and cultural practices has been felt among conservation professionals. Moreover, heritage experts have started moving away from inherited theories and have started to engage with the changing dynamics of society. This dissertation examines existing challenges in the conservation field and scrutinises the current principles and value typologies in light of a shifting paradigm in the definition of cultural heritage. This study also examines the process of the scheduling, both in the UK context as well as in Malta through content analysis and structured interviews with local professionals. Several themes and concerns regarding the local scheduling process, which have emerged from the interviews are also explored in this study. The study also develops a more holistic system for heritage valorisation, which is less subjective and which uses mathematical multi-criteria analysis. The computation developed in this study, named the Heritage Value Calculation, comprises of a multitude of interlaced heritage value benchmarks which make the system applicable to different heritage sites and to diverse cultural contexts. The established criteria and subsequent formulation of this system address the gaps in heritage discourse presented by the reviewed literature as well as the structured interviews. The computation is formulated as a decision-making tool in the scheduling process of cultural heritage. Description: P.G.Dip.(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/105268 Title: Re-evaluating demolition waste : environmental value in building materials Abstract: Malta has been experiencing an ongoing construction boom which has increased the magnitude of demolition waste. One asks why we demolish in the first place, as retaining existing buildings remains the most sustainable solution. Heritage literature, as presented in the research, fails to address the data needed to manage demolition waste as a resource. Hence given the climate crisis, preserving existing materials needs to be included in the sustainable model, while considering the environmental value of building materials. One of the main aims of this research was to start a conversation on the embodied energy and carbon within the conservation practice, an approach which is usually taken for only new buildings. Hence, within the research, two chosen case studies are investigated, both distinct in their primary building material, limestone and concrete, reflecting the primary building materials used locally. For each case study, the embodied energy and carbon of these building materials are calculated with the intention to investigate quantitatively the environmental impact of these building materials. This quantitative research gives a clearer understanding of the energy and carbon embedded within the building materials and the energy that would be ‘lost’ when one chooses to demolish a building. In conclusion, the research reveals that maintaining and conserving an existing building to prolong its life is the least energy and carbon-intensive approach. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/105267 Title: The hand leading the mind : materialising the invisible Abstract: Sketches, being free and affording expression are amongst the best tools one can use during the fluidity of the preconcept. Being ambiguous, imaginative, and curious, sketches provoke their creator to take leaps further from their initial thoughts whilst materialising their thought process in paper. The creative journey is impregnated with feedback loops reflecting the dialogue between hand, mind, eyes, and paper, forming a discovery through the sense of embodiment of the natural and imaginative environments. This journey materialises concepts through the lines, hatches, and crevices of the sketch, which allow provocation for one to see beyond the paper and leap. The aspect of ideation forms the essence of this journey as the key to developing and testing ideas further than the first mental image. This journey was materialised with the help of experienced architects by holding semi structured interviews involving dialogue and sketching. Using Protocol Analysis, the hand and the mind were mapped out simultaneously, resulting in four categories indicative of the challenges occurring between hand and mind. Resulting in the materialisation and vivid depiction of the difference between hand-led or mind-led thought processes, it can be said that the sketch is one of the most important tools in the architect’s toolbox. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/105266 Title: Space, place & youth : exploring the relationship between space, place & youth mental health & wellbeing Abstract: This dissertation focuses on the relationship between space, place and youth mental health and wellbeing. It explores the relationship between space and place, youth mental health and wellbeing, help-seeking behaviour and the role of friendships and connectedness in creating a sense of belonging and identity. It addresses key elements such as affordance and place attachment, the role of nature and the environment, as well as prevention and early intervention in youth mental health. This research obtains young people’s and professionals’ perspectives on the role of the environment in youth wellbeing and mental health. This is done through a thorough review of the literature, quantitative surveys and focus groups with youth which explore their perceptions and experiences in relation to the topic, and key-informant interviews with experts in the fields of youth and mental health. The results clearly show the need to listen to young people’s opinions and to provide fora within which they can express themselves. Because they were given the chance through this research, they told us how spaces and places impact their lives and wellbeing, and they warned us that we are absolutely not doing enough to understand the extent of this impact. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z