/library/oar/handle/123456789/118863 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:08:05 GMT 2025-11-11T12:08:05Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/133037 Title: Soundscape : sound and comfort in the Maltese urban environment Abstract: In 2022, the Maltese Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) published a public consultation document on the Noise Action Plan for Malta. Data for noise levels pertaining to noise emanating from roads suggests significant increases in noise levels in the period of 2006-2016 (ERA, n.d.). The recent media debate about nightlife activities in Valletta indicates that concerns as to the quality of the aural environment are on the increase. As we are becoming an increasingly more vision-oriented society, we often forget that we also interact with the urban environment through our other senses (Spence, 2020). However, we cannot be completely indifferent to these constantly changing conditions of the acoustic environment because, although we may not be consciously aware of them, they have a major impact on our physical and mental health (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2018). This makes auditory comfort an important aspect of a quality public realm. Indeed, Wunderlich (2013) studied the rhythmic qualities of public space use and observed the importance of a ‘hi-fi soundscape’, where the provenance and proximity of sounds can be easily discerned, to auditory comfort. This dissertation considers the acoustic qualities of the Maltese built environment and the relationships between noise and comfort. The research involves the use of soundwalks in combination with questionnaires filled in at individual stops during the walk. The questionnaires consist of closed-ended questions on a scale of 1-5 and open-ended questions. Sound level measurements taken during the walk and included with photographs provide context for the research site. The selected site encompasses as many model situations commonly encountered in the local acoustic environment as possible. The key findings of this dissertation highlight that the Maltese soundscapes are lacking in natural sounds in some areas. Traffic noise is a significant contributor to the soundscape, often making the aural environment less pleasant for participants. On the other hand, identified natural sounds, like birdsong, enhance the auditory experience, contributing to a more pleasant soundscape. This research provides valuable insights into the relationship between soundscapes and shows how users of these spaces assess them regarding the comfort and auditory quality of public space in residential areas. Thus, it offers a foundation for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders to devise comprehensive strategies for soundscape management and urban planning. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/133037 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/133036 Title: Capturing lived experience in locality : a socio-spatial characterisation of Floriana from an older residents’ perspective Abstract: As our age demographics shift further towards an ageing population, exploring the possibilities to accommodate this shift becomes necessary. The dissertation focuses on the relationship between older residents in Floriana and their relationship with their neighbourhood, both physical and social and how this relationship is changing as they grow older. The research looks into the important role of ageing in place, and the benefits of allowing a population to do so, as well as the requirements for ageing in place to be possible. This is done through a review of literature as well as direct observation, and several sedentary and go-along interviews with older residents in Floriana to look into their perceptions and experiences in the locality, and how the locality is enabling them to age in place. The results of the research show that through a supportive and enabling environment, an older population is self-sufficient through inter-dependence with their immediate environment and other residents with whom they have had long-term relationships that have come about through shared past experiences in place. The residents expressed gratitude towards having had the opportunity to age in place due to the affordances that Floriana offers for them to do so. The research is presented as a case study as to how neighbourhoods should be adapted to ensure the long-term liveability of residents in place. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/133036 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/133035 Title: Retreat : the architecture of a getaway Abstract: The dissertation looks at the architecture of a getaway: dwellings responding to the desire for escape. It aims to present their typological evolution over the course of time, placing it in the context of the emerging and changing understandings of leisure and tourism, as well as societal, political and cultural occurrences: stressing that architecture does not exist in a vacuum (Architectural Review, 2021) but rather responds to, and inspires, the wider phenomena. The development timeline, achieved through review of descriptive data: literature, archives and visual media, provides the background for establishment of emergent themes, which then form part of the discussion about getaway architecture’s character and affordances beyond the provision of holiday accommodation. The European and Maltese context are analyzed separately and then contrasted to provide an understanding of the characteristics of local architecture of a getaway, with interviews with professionals and field observations affording a more in-depth analysis of the state of Maltese leisure. A level of interdisciplinarity, tackling the fields of anthropology and sociology, is crucial in providing a holistic view of getaway architecture and tracing its impact, as a key part of the ever growing tourism industry, on society, landscape and culture. The findings prove that getaway architecture is a complex phenomenon rather than a simple set of formal typologies; not only susceptible to the influence of the external factors but also possessing a transformative agency, shaping the reality. The development of Maltese leisure architecture is shown to be mostly aligned with the European timeline, with certain geographical and political factors adding to its unique character. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/133035 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/133034 Title: Investigating (im)permanence within the spatial realm Abstract: Building on previous M.Arch. dissertations from the Faculty for the Built Environment at the University of Malta, the dissertation research investigates the relationship between permanence and impermanence in the Western context. The literature review reveals how the co-existence of permanence and impermanence shapes and alters space, their relationship driving a perpetual state of change instigated by society, time, and architectural qualities. From this dynamic, (Im)Permanence emerges, setting a definition for this relationship, expressed both tangibly and intangibly. Four key manifestations illustrate this notion: beauty, the memory of elements that no longer exist, perpetual change, and a false sense of the defeat of time. Guided by the interpretation of Lefebvre’s theory of space and the Vitruvian principles of architecture, the research develops a theoretical framework for analysing and discussing examples and case studies of (Im)Permanence. The four manifestations are further explored through three local case studies, first via desk research, followed by semi-structured interviews with architects who instigated a degree of change within each space. An objective analysis and a subjective interpretation of (Im)Permanence for each case study reinforce the discussion in the literature review. The dissertation research concludes by establishing (Im)Permanence as a defining spatial reality, with both forces of permanence and impermanence defining the space as a constant state of change is inflicted by its three agents. The research not only lays the foundation for future studies on the topic but also offers a self-reflection on one’s approach towards the realities of spatial (Im)Permanence. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/133034 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z