https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1020 2026-06-08T09:54:32Z 2026-06-08T09:54:32Z Bianco, Lino https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147013 2026-06-01T12:51:37Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Architecture, cultural values and politics : the case for Sofia Authors: Bianco, Lino Abstract: Recalling a doctoral study undertaken at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Sofia, this article focuses on architecture, cultural values and politics in contemporary Sofia. It addresses urban landscapes and cultural heritage legislation in Bulgaria with specific emphasis on immovable and intangible culture. It concludes by arguing for mapping the city’s monuments of cultural value, addressing its urban challenges, and positioning this capital amongst Europe’s leading capital cities.; Reamintind studiul de doctorat la Universitatea de Arhitectură, Inginerie Civilă și Geodezie din Sofia, acest articol se concentrează pe arhitectură, valori culturale și politică în Sofia contemporană. Acesta abordează peisajele urbane și legislația privind patrimoniu cultural în Bulgaria, cu accent special pe cultura imobiliară și intangibilă. Articolul se încheie cu un argument pentru cartografierea monumentelor de valoare culturală ale orașului, abordând problemele urbane și poziționând această capitală printre principalele capitale ale Europei.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Bianco, Lino https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147012 2026-06-01T12:42:51Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Spatial planning systems in historical capital cities in Europe Authors: Bianco, Lino Abstract: The theme of spatial planning systems in Europe has gained momentum over recent decades. Spatial planning is perceived as a holistic, sustainable design which guarantees a future for the past. With reference to Sofia, this paper addresses three capital cities in Europe – Prague, Edinburgh and Vienna – whose historic centres are included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Following a historical review of each city and the respective spatial planning instruments which regulate its spatial urban development, a comparative discussion on their respective heritage status, urban typology and citizen participation is undertaken. Proposing the ‘arena’ metaphor as a way forward, it concludes by reinforcing that the contemporary planning systems of these historical cities and the respective administrations applying them provide models to other cities.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Borg, Sara Ann Bianco, Lino https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147010 2026-06-01T12:13:19Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Maltese townhouse : a space syntax analysis Authors: Borg, Sara Ann; Bianco, Lino Abstract: This article applies space syntax analysis to investigate how spatial organisation shapes residential space in the Maltese archipelago. It focuses on the typology of the townhouse, a distinctive urban dwelling widely found across the Maltese islands characterised by the presence of a courtyard. Constructed in local building limestone, this type of unit is typically erected on two storeys, with variable depth and width depending on the size of the building plot. Through space syntax analysis, information is extracted on how the network of domestic spaces responds to the needs of the building’s users. The study reinforces traditional observations that the courtyard is a crucial space within the spatial layout of this residential typology. Identified as a central space, it conditions the way inhabitants move through and perceive the dwelling.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146073 2026-04-30T10:13:38Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Gendered perspectives to city navigation : addressing Birkirkara’s street design impact on women’s perceived safety and navigation patterns Abstract: This dissertation investigated the correlation between street design and women’s perception of safety. It particularly explored how social, spatial and psychological factors contribute to these perceptions. Moreover, it explored how different street typologies and elements such as alleyways, subways, main roads, street lighting and visibility affected women’s safety perceptions. By using the case study of Birkirkara, this research aimed to address the gap in literature in the local context and initiate a discourse on gender-based perceptions of street harassment and navigations patterns. In the Maltese context, distinct socio-cultural elements such as patriarchal systems and women still playing a predominant role as homemakers, considerably shape women’s experiences in the urban sphere. Thus, it is vital to understand how urban design influences women’s perception of safety and navigation patterns in such contexts. A sequential exploratory mixed-method approach was employed with a two-phase methodology process. The first method employed was a quantitative online survey, addressing all genders who reside, work or frequently visit Birkirkara. Consequently, women aged 18 to 44 years old were invited to participate in a qualitative semi-structured interview. The interviews included mapping exercises to investigate how women navigate Birkirkara during the daytime and nighttime. Findings demonstrated that, certain street typologies such as alleyways and subways and street elements such as poor lighting and signs of neglect were perceived as high-risk, especially among women. This resulted in women adopting coping mechanisms, highlighting clear behaviours which differ between the day and nighttime. Women alluded to taking longer routes and at times avoiding walking alone to mitigate risks. This research underscores the need for gender-sensitive urban planning and design to promote equitable and safe cities for women in Malta’s urban environments. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z