https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/70405 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:36:50 GMT 2026-04-07T18:36:50Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/118345 Title: The National War Museum : evaluating the visitors' experience Abstract: Being one of the most frequented museums of Heritage Malta, the National War Museum sets an example to other museums. It is a book of knowledge about the history of Malta during the two World War periods. Its significance to the national identity of the Maltese people is one that cannot be coined in a simple sentence but needs ample elaboration. The Maltese citizens together with numerous tourists that visit Malta throughout the year must never forget the sacrifices of their ancestors. Therefore, the National War Museum must stand out as a memorial museum while at the same time making sure that it is accessible and educational to every visitor that enters its doors. The study that has been conducted and discussed in this dissertation represents the work and the changes of the museum done so far from its refurbishment. It discusses the types of analysis that have been utilized in order to obtain the data and elaborates on the implications of the results. It shows how the museum operates and how the visitors view it in terms of the interpretation of the material displayed as well as the variety of artefacts offered. The illustrated work is a result of an in depth evaluation of the visitors' experience so as to determine whether the refurbishment has succeeded in creating an atmosphere where its visitors feel at ease to let themselves learn and thus fulfil the museums' mission. Description: M.A.CULTURAL HERIT.MANGT. Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/118345 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/101602 Title: Ammonium oxalate treatment for the conservation of weathered globigerina limestone Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate the efficacy of ammonium oxalate treatment on Globigerina Limestone. The study was structured into three phases, laboratory treated samples in Phase 1, identical samples exposed to natural site conditions for one year in Phase 2 and in situ wall samples in Phase 3. This study therefore progressed from a laboratory based, controlled environment, to uncontrolled site conditions. Laboratory samples included quarry and artificially weathered franka and sol/ samples - two types of local stone. These included salt free samples and samples artificially contaminated with sodium chloride, sodium sulphate and sodium nitrate respectively. Phase 2 samples included quarry and artificially weathered franka with the same salts as Phase 1. Phase 3 wall samples consisted of naturally weathered franka. Treatment was applied using a 5% ammonium oxalate monohydrate poultice. Testing was carried out throughout the three phases, and this was targeted at evaluating aesthetic changes, depths of calcium oxalate formation, properties of newly formed calcium oxalate and porosity/water transport properties of untreated and treated stone. To this end, the testing programme included visual observations, colorimetric analyses, adhesion (tape) tests, Drilling Resistance Measurement System (DRMS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM & EDS), acid resistance tests, salt crystallisation tests, salt mobility testing, open porosity tests and pore size distribution tests and water absorption tests by capillarity. Results showed that whewellite was formed in all treated samples, even in the presence of the soluble salts, and that no deleterious by-products were detected. Treatment resulted in aesthetic improvement and surface consolidation while still retaining adequate Wf..ller lrdnsport properties. The type and rlPpthr, of whrw~llite formed, which overall ranged from 0.7mm to l.6mm, were found to be related to the soluble salts present during treatment. In general, it was concluded that as part of the overall conservation process, ammonium oxalate treatment to weathered Globigerina Limestone containing soluble salts is very valid, although further in situ investigations are needed. Description: PH.D. Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/101602 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78684 Title: Reshaping historic buildings : post-war reconstruction and conservation practices in Germany Abstract: After the Second World War, Germany was a defeated nation and in a state of devastation and disorder. Many cities and towns had a significant amount of damage and the people of Germany were faced with :he momentous task of rebuilding the entire country. There were many post-war tasks, one being to reconstruct the destroyed and damaged buildings from the Second World War. The aim of this research is to examine German post-war reconstruction of historic buildings. Different approaches to post-war reconstruction and conservation are examined. Attitudes towards post-war reconstruction will be analysed to understand hew these evolved during the years. The methodology consisted of two key phases of research. Firstly, a range of reconstruction approaches was to be investigated. Secondly, two cases were chosen for detailed investigation, to examine how these post- war reconstructions and attitudes towards them evolved over the years. A wide range of different post-war reconstruction solutions is identified. The reasons for this variety are examined, and a number of key explanatory factors are identified. Research on post-war reconstruction revealed three types of reconstruction response: historic reconstruction, replacement with modern buildings, and a hybrid comprising a spectrum of solutions that mixed these two approaches. The contention between these alternative approaches to reconstruction is testimony to a struggle between modernist solutions and a more historic approach. It is argued that, in later years, the people of Germany continued to critically re-assess post-war reconstructions. Changing perspectives brought about the opportunity to modify or replace some post-war buildings and address their perceived shortcomings. Description: M.SC.CONSERVATION Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78684 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78646 Title: Commercially available macroporous and hydraulic sacrificial plasters : an evaluation with respect to salt reduction on local limestone Abstract: This dissertation is an investigation of salt reduction on Globigerina Limestone as the local building stone. Research has been carried out on pre-mix macroporous plasters and a selected hydraulic lime based sacrificial plaster. The aim was to characterise the individual pre-mix macroporous layers individually, so as to start increasing locally the knowledge about these marcoporous products. Description: M.SC.CONSERVATION Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78646 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z