https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/70373 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:25:47 GMT 2026-04-11T04:25:47Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/82800 Title: Aesthetics in the Maltese context : its validation in recent development projects Abstract: What is aesthetics? What, if anything, makes architecture good or bad? Are aesthetic properties merely "in the eye of the beholder" or "matters of taste"? There are various philosophies about aesthetics but no argument will provide us with a clear and decisive answer to these basic questions. Since a conclusion can never be reached and there are no good and bad elements which make up architecture, this author tried to analyse different theoretical opinions on which constructive judgments could be based. This dissertation is mainly based on the aesthetic impact of the observers. Although a building may affect every individual in a different way, there are still elements which are common to everyone. There have been many buildings in which high aesthetic qualities have been attained throughout history. This research was also a means or investigating how aesthetically important elements have changed along the years. Though the concept of aesthetics has changed, and will keep changing, there are many examples in many countries which are considered aesthetically pleasing. While we can say that we are proud of our historical heritage, one must be aware that this has reduced drastically in the modern context. We arrived at a point where tor some reason or another, our buildings lack aesthetical qualities. This dissertation seeks to raise an awareness of the state of affairs of Maltese architecture. This author decided to adopt this approach at this point in time because she thinks that at this juncture there is an opportunity for improvements to be achieved. After having examined a range of theories of aesthetics it was possible for the author to evaluate a number of projects, including up and coming ones, to assess the state of architecture in Malta. Description: B.E.&A.(HONS) Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/82800 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78174 Title: Delivering insight through typologies of place Abstract: This dissertation highlights the significance of typology of place in urban regeneration processes. Thus, the aim of this research is to highlight the factors and patterns necessary for the creation of place typology combined with an analysis of human interaction within the environment, as meaningful and good design of the built form as well as open space design should act as a catalyst in the creation of meaningful places and urban renewal. The contents of this dissertation are key theoretical, policy and practical contribution towards urban development and sustainable urban regeneration, patterns of change and form. It also includes a developed and simplified sustainable assessment framework, as a model, that is derived from the literature review, results from case-study analysis, and the latest EU and local sustainable-development policy. Description: M.ARCH. Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78174 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78057 Title: The influence of moisture on the deterioration of a mosaic and limestone monument Abstract: This study is an investigation of the influence of moisture on the deterioration of a limestone monument decorated with lime-based plasters and mosaic. The aim is to investigate the deterioration patterns, the influence of the environment, the moisture distribution and the moisture desorption patterns which are resulting in the deterioration of the monument. A number of Non-Destructive Tools and methods were applied to investigate the historic monument, thus allowing repeated readings to be taken over a number of weeks producing dynamic and comparable results. Finally, the results from these tools and methods were used to identify patterns and trends in moisture absorption and desorption resulting in salt crystallisation and deterioration, and potential sources of moisture ingress. Description: M.ARCH. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78057 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77460 Title: Spaces and people : an architectural study of people's experiences in public spaces Abstract: For centuries, public urban spaces, have been regarded as core elements of human settlements. Urban open spaces are settings where social and economic exchanges take place, where friends meet and cultures come together. The research undertaken in this dissertation represents an inquiry into the nature of a public open space. Taking Pjazza Sant' Anna, as a case study, it analyses the concept of publicness in a public space. The observations in this research indicated that physical and visual access, human scale, enclosure and transparency are determining in attracting multiple users to this space. Through qualitative interviews with diverse users, it was noted that there is not just a singular experience of public open space but a wide diversity of responses to the physical and social contexts. lt was analysed that the elements associated with nature are valued by users due to their therapeutic value. Additionally, this study showed that users enjoy the opportunities offered by the pjazza both for socialisation and for spending time on one's own. This study also examined the temporal dimension. It was discovered that memories of the past rekindle nostalgia for the users, particularly the more elderly ones, which furthermore enable them to appreciate and enjoy Pjazza Sant' Anna. With the use of paste-ups, this study explored the views of users with respect to possible modifications to the pjazza, and found that most users would prefer the space as restored. This study therefore highlights the important values perceived by multiple users of a public open space. Description: M.ARCH. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77460 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z