/library/oar/handle/123456789/70301 Sat, 27 Dec 2025 22:18:15 GMT 2025-12-27T22:18:15Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/99442 Title: Contextualising freedoms : documenting the loss of the human element in the contemporary public realm Abstract: The events which constitute one's daily life are informed by the constant dialogue and interaction with the surrounding environment, to the extent that it becomes impossible to imagine the experience of them, without also imagining the spaces in which they occurred. They are moulded by one's surroundings, by the spaces visited and the architecture encountered and as a result they begin to shape one's life and define one's character (Alexander, 1979). A city's parks, streets, pjazzas, markets and waterfronts are the settings which allow for people from different cultural groups to come together and share the same space. They represent sites of collective well-being and vessels which have the ability of increasing one's empathy towards the other. It is for this revision that public space is such an important feature in one's daily life and plays a crucial part in one's everyday rhythm (Anin, 2008). However, as the social structure of a society transforms, so does the spatial forms they inhabit transform, therefore, as society undergoes a period of accelerated growth, the public spaces which made up the urban fabric of the city are being affected. This dissertation attempted to highlight how as public land is sold and bartered, its' principle users are being excluded from the decisions made by those in power, with little consideration being taken to how they experience and identify with it, and the effects it has on their everyday life. This was analysed through the study of thee public spaces within the Maltese context which have been subject to physical changes over the past few years, resulting in a transformation in their nature as a public space. The spaces examined where; Tigne Pjazza, Sliema, Antoine de Paule Pjazza, Paola and Suq tal-Belt, Valletta. By analyzing the spatial and everyday rhythms which constitute each of these spaces, both at present, and prior to its transformation, this dissertation shed light on the imbalance that exists between the spaces being created in the contemporary public realm, and the desires of its users. Through the objective understanding of a user's behaviour within each space, the study demonstrated the dichotomy that exists between real and perceived freedom within the contemporary public realm. As the behavioural powers the spatial environment holds on the user is documented, the study brings into awareness how the notion of freedom and belonging within public space is beginning to dissolve. Description: M.ARCH. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/99442 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/78135 Title: The reuse of industrial buildings in Malta Abstract: Awareness of the local industrial heritage has become an important priority towards the history of Maltese architecture. This legacy spans for many centuries, within all phases of human development. However, the Industrial Revolution, which mainly manifested in England, was the most influential in this regard. Amidst this revolution, many local companies have taken the opportunity to build industrial facilities, serving an important economic power for the Maltese islands. Today, many of these local buildings retain many important values for the history of industrial heritage in Malta. Due to the constant rise of economic growth and production, many industrial companies needed to improve, or enlarge their facilities, in order to keep up with the ever-growing demand. This led to the replacement of machinery, as well as the demolition and construction of newer buildings or additional spaces. Until local legislations introduced policies pertaining to the reuse of such places, many companies had applied changes as they pleased, leading to the detrimental loss of the original fabric. Throughout the years, local and foreign organizations have provided initiatives to promote reuse of industrial buildings. However, their effective measures need further assessment, questioning whether they are serving their purpose on a local scale. Therefore, this study aimed at analysing a case study in Malta, taking note of how the reuse of industrial buildings is being implemented. Since the Farsons Brewery, in Mrieħel, had recently applied a reuse project towards its original factory, this building was chosen as a basis for this research. Apart from determining the significance and values pertaining to its historic fabric, an analysis of how the reuse project was applied, was taken into consideration. This revealed that the new changes did result in having positive and negative outcomes. The project required to separate the main factory into two separate projects. Thus, the linkage, which had served as an important driving mechanism for the running of the brewery, was lost. Apart from that, several mixed uses were introduced, most of which have altered the reused premises. With regards to the brewhouse, the project reused the area for a new visitor’s centre. To further emphasize on the importance of commercial use, an additional floor for a sky bar was added, providing visitors an opportunity to experience panoramic views of Mrieħel. All this was possible by retaining most of the main fabric of the building. Meanwhile, the former warehouses and offices of the brewery were demolished to make way for a new business park. Although the façade at this part of the brewery was the only architectural feature retained, the reuse involved a series of additional floors, as well as minor alterations on the same façade. Apart from that, its new reuse will no longer associate itself with Farsons, marking it as a distinctive entity from its surroundings. Overall, the project has made progress towards applying a mixed use, whilst respecting its industrial heritage. However, with the way some parts of the project have been handled, it has been observed that the local policies, are only based around satisfying present needs. One must acknowledge that trends in economic activity can change in the future, and any loss in the architectural fabric will be a permanent loss for the industrial heritage of Malta. Description: M.ARCH. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/78135 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/71357 Title: Contemporary application of architectural representation tools Abstract: Considerable research has been conducted to test the role of representation tools to generate and improve ideas. On the other hand various clients develop unique cognitive abilities subject to various variables, including experience in the sector. This, along with the client’s needs and requirements should be outlined during the briefing process. Representation tools should be utilised to depict an idea of a space that does not exist and make up for the lack of cognitive abilities of the client. The aim of this research is to understand the relationship between the architect, client and project. By building a strong background in the subject matter, this dissertation looks at six representation tools and builds a catalogue of information depicting current local trends in choosing representation tools according to client type, project type and project phase. Results showed that time and budget became the new boundaries, which are restricting the design process. The preferred representation tool remains the sketch, although huge leaps are made in the technological sector. Currently there is a clear separation between tools for design and representation tools, which shall be broken down in the near future. Description: M.ARCH. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/71357 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/71337 Title: The impacts of tourism on the urban conservation area of Rabat Abstract: Rabat has for long been a commercial and recreational hub for nearby rural and military communities. During the British rule in Malta tourism in Rabat was very minimal however from the 1960’s onwards tourism started to increase. Rabat proximity to Mdina and having several cultural heritage sites of its own became a touristic area. Tourism in Rabat is not just limited to international visitors, who general visit during the day, but also caters for domestic tourists as well. The impact of such developments in the Urban Conservation Area of Rabat is discussed in relation to the socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism. It was noted that between 2014 and 2018 there number of submitted applications to the Planning Authority was relatively high, when compared to previous years. This triggered mixed opinions between the locals, some of them feel that these developments are helping the economy and the built environment because the old buildings are being restored and reused, some of the residents even said that as a result of these developments they feel proud that they live in Rabat. Others on the other hand said that these developments would eventually result in fewer parking spaces, which is already an issue, traffic congestion, littering and commercialization of the space which would change the character of the village. Description: M.ARCH. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/71337 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z