https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132696 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:26:43 GMT 2026-04-30T11:26:43Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146073 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.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146073 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145235 Title: Designing the escape : the role of architecture in nightclubs Abstract: This dissertation investigates the relationship between escapism and architecture within the context of nightclub environments. The study explores whether architectural design influences escapism and, if so, which architectural features contribute to this experience. The literature examines escapism through psychological, social and architectural lenses, providing a broad understanding of the topic. It also includes an architectural analysis of historical nightclub spaces as an intentional typology for escapism. Data was collected through one-on-one interviews with key figures in the local nightlife scene, exploring experiential perspectives on the topic. These interviews were also supported by four case studies of Maltese nightlife spaces, which were selected to provide a range of offerings available locally. The results suggest that whilst psychological and social aspects are pivotal elements, architectural design plays a key role in facilitating escapism. Although not the sole factor, effective spatial design emerges as a dynamic participant that can enhance or disrupt the phenomenon of escapism. Through entry thresholds, circulation paths, atmospheric qualities, materials and spatial zoning, the architecture of nightclub spaces plays a critical role in how users experience these environments. The study bridges a gap in the literature by linking escapism to architectural features, offering a foundation for future research into other spatial typologies. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145235 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145234 Title: The intersection of architecture and public sentiment : a case study of the Paola Parish Church cafeteria proposal Abstract: This dissertation explored the public perceptions surrounding the commercialisation of sacred spaces, in the context of the proposed cafeteria at the Basilica of Christ the King in Paola, Malta. The research studied the controversies surrounding the secular use of spiritual sites, especially in a context where culture, heritage and religion are sensitive subjects to the local communities. Differing perceptions of sacredness, concerns regarding such proposals, and deemed appropriateness of uses were also studied. The study implemented a mixed-methods approach, combining data from a semi-structured interview (SSI) with Fr Marc with data collected from 110 random participants by means of a vox pop carried out in the immediate vicinity of the church. The data collected was thematically coded using NVivo qualitative software and emergent themes were analysed. The findings from the SSI were triangulated against those from the vox pops. Findings revealed a spectrum of responses ranging from support, conditional acceptance, to a complete resistance towards the commercialisation of sacred spaces. Most participants expressed conditional acceptance based on criteria related to appropriateness of activities, sensitivity to sacredness and placement, amongst other nuanced rationales. In conclusion, findings suggested that perceptions of sacredness are essential in shaping public perceptions regarding modifications of commercialisation in religious spaces. Clarity in communication and sensitivity to design in similar contexts help the public sway to the supporting side, usually gaining their trust in such projects. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145234 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145232 Title: Earth, water, air, and aether : mobitecture as a ‘vessel’ for understanding adaptive architecture in our ever-evolving world Abstract: In light of accelerated urbanisation, technological advancements, climate volatility, and the transformations of home and work that have arisen post-pandemic, architecture is called to evolve beyond static typologies. It must adopt characteristics of mobility, modularity, and resilience. This dissertation, titled "Earth, Water, Air & Aether: Mobitecture as a 'Vessel' for Adaptive Architecture in Our Ever-Changing World," critically examines the concept of mobitecture as an integration of mobility and architecture into a cohesive design philosophy and spatial strategy that responds to contemporary global dynamics. Situated within a constructivist and interpretivist paradigm, the study employs a qualitative research approach, highlighted by semi-structured elite interviews with eight practitioners from diverse fields, including architecture, naval design, and spatial theory. Their insights were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic methodology, which revealed significant trends concerning mobility, identity, modularity, and ecological ethics. A thorough literature review traces the evolution of mobitecture from nomadic vernacular prototypes, such as yurts and tipis, through Archigram’s visionary mobile city concepts, the tiny house movement, and innovative portable structures, including wearable shelters and inflatable disaster relief modules. The thematic analysis identified seven global themes: Redefining Home and Identity, Modularity and Compact Living, Autonomy and Infrastructure, Ownership and Temporality, Spatial Ethics and Ecology, Legislative and Planning Constraints, and the Dynamic Interplay of Values, Aesthetics, and the Sea. The findings expose a significant gap between theoretical potential and practical implementation, emphasising the necessity for interdisciplinary prototyping, policy reform, and user-driven reconfiguration strategies. The dissertation culminates in a consolidated framework that incorporates human-centred ergonomic standards (as outlined by Neufert), closed-loop energy and water systems inspired by yacht and aerospace design, rapid deployment techniques derived from nomadic precedents, and existential-regionalist principles to direct the creation of resilient, adaptable dwellings across land, water, air, and beyond. Description: M. Arch.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145232 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z