https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/118859 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:29:29 GMT 2026-04-27T19:29:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121698 Title: Making a case for domestic underground dwellings in Malta Abstract: The rapid urbanisation and densification of cities worldwide, including Malta, have deteriorated above-ground living spaces and the urgent requirement for alternative housing solutions. Underground dwellings, which have long been valued for their versatility, security, and conservation potential, emerge as a viable option in this context (Gifford, 2007). Despite potential barriers posed by negative perceptions and preconceived notions about underground living, it is essential to consider the local circumstances and the Mediterranean climate, prompting a deeper exploration of underground settlement as a practical and sustainable solution. Amidst the pandemic's impact, the current state of housing in Malta highlights the need for alternative living solutions. Underground dwellings offer adaptability, security, and climate resilience, making them a viable response to the housing crisis (Dghaily, 2021). A transformative shift in mindset, accompanied by an appreciation for the practical benefits, is crucial in fostering acceptance and recognising the potential of underground living as a sustainable housing addition for the future. condense The overarching motivation for this research was the quest to discover a silver lining in what appears to be a challenging reality constrained by the small extent of the island. Therefore, this study focused on exploring a conceptual subterranean household and comparing it to the standard dwelling typologies commonly found. The dissertation concludes that while underground dwellings offer potential solutions to local housing challenges, they do not directly address the underlying issues of indifference towards the apparent reduction in architectural and spatial quality when it comes to housing priorities. Education and awareness are key factors in improving the living standards and perceptions of housing, and well-designed underground spaces can play a role in mitigating negative perceptions but must be considered within a broader context of individual priorities and housing needs. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121698 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120585 Title: Natural light and administrative staff well-being in a local office Abstract: The wellbeing of an individual is affected through both environmental issues as well as the experiences rendered over the years. Wellbeing significantly identifies the way people feel about themselves, the type of relationships they share with others, and the logic of purposefulness. Wellbeing also embraces the fact of having good mental and physical health, life fulfilment and the capability of managing stress levels (Davis,2019) [20]. Throughout the years, various studies have been conducted with respect to the relationship between architecture and a person’s wellbeing. Multiple studies show that the built environment surrounding an employee can affect their mental well-being (Thatcher and Milner, 2014) [5], work production (O'Neill, 2010) [4], and physical well-being. The aim of the dissertation is to make use of a local office environment as a case study and focus on the spaces allocated for employees. The research analyses the current conditions of natural light and how it affects the long-term wellbeing of workers. A qualitative study was used to the research study which includes subjective and objective analysis. The study also used the DIALux software program to analyse natural and artificial lighting that currently exists in the chosen local office spaces. The following four main themes were identified from the data collected: Mental Wellbeing; Physical Wellbeing; Office layout; Lack of space/Privacy. Upon analysing the data collected, it is evident that each individual needs to be heard to create environments which heal and improve the overall physical and mental wellbeing. Architects need to realise the power they hold and how their design can positively influence or negatively impact a person’s well-being. An architectural project designed for the community is one which considers a person’s true feelings and emotions and connects it with the built environment. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120585 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120001 Title: Substandard living : the case of irregular migrants in Malta Abstract: In recent years, migration crises all over the Mediterranean have unsurprisingly left an impact on the open centres in Malta. To many, migrants are unwelcome, and often when such people require refuge in Malta, a lack of proper investment occurs in the provision of adequate shelter. The scope of this dissertation is to assess whether the open centres found locally are substandard or not. This was carried out through interviews with NGOs working with the migrants, such as the Migrant Commission, as well as through the assessment of the architectural drawings of the open centres made publicly available through the planning applications. The critical results found within the study showed how an improvement over the years was made, and although the migrants do not have the most luxurious of living conditions, the current infrastructure and general conditions suffice. In the recommendations, however, more optimal solutions with practical outcomes for a better standard of living have been investigated. Although today, in 2023, the number of migrants has decreased, mitigation measures can be taken in order to prepare for any humanitarian crisis that may occur around the Mediterranean Sea. Description: P.G.Dip.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120001 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120000 Title: The application of space syntax to Maltese domestic typologies : the role of the internal courtyard in exploring spatial relationships Abstract: The following study investigates the relationship between domestic space and its inhabitants through the application of space syntax theory within the local context. Building on a published text by Prof. George Said-Zammit ‘The Development of Domestic Space in the Maltese Islands from the Late Middle Ages to the Second Half of the Twentieth Century’ (2016), the study analyses the role of the courtyard within the domestic network and its impact in shaping the day-to-day lives of its users. As a space, the courtyard is a recurring element across local domestic typologies, as part of a network of spaces making up the house. Being a regional architectural element, the courtyard serves both as a functional and a social space. Primarily developed as a climate control architectural element the courtyard is also a space within which chores were carried out, however, the space was that also functions socially as well; one used for family gatherings and for greeting visitors. The study discusses the development of the theory of space syntax, first published as ‘The Social Logic of Space’ (1984) by Bill Hillier and Julienne Hanson. From understanding its origins and application to the relationships between space and people, the study further looks into its development, criticisms, and application both globally and within the local context. Through visual space representation, the theory aids in acquiring a deeper understanding of spatial networks and user movement patterns and how such patterns are influenced by space. Through Said-Zammit’s wide-ranging analysis, this study aims to build on his work through furthering his application of space syntax within the local context. Within his text, Said-Zammit published a sample of thirty (30) dwellings from the multiple studied and visited throughout the course of his research. Said-Zammit’s published sample will also be the following study’s sample, however, using various space syntax analyses on the aforementioned dwellings to study the courtyard as part of a network. The study, therefore, gains a further understanding of how such a distinct space influences the lives of the inhabitants through shaping visual perception and movement patterns. Taking the farmhouse and townhouse typologies, from Said-Zammit’s published sample, both being distinct local domestic typologies developing in tandem both rurally and urbanely respectively, the courtyard is discussed within its context. Beyond the study of Prof Said-Zammit, this study’s findings confirm the importance of the courtyard within local farmhouse and townhouse typologies, through the application of space syntax to local dwellings. This study also sheds light on furthered new ways of understanding local domestic space and its use through representation of accessibility, reception of visual information and movement patterns within the local context. Beyond its functionality, both climactically and for its uses, the courtyard is visibly and numerically seen as one of the most important spaces within the studied local typologies, where its influence on the users’ communication and senses, such as that of sight, and movement, shapes the way users perceive and navigate the dwelling; being humans’ first exposure to space, one in which learning and developing take place. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120000 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z