Analysing the accessibility of green open spaces : a case study of Floriana, Malta

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which the Green Open Spaces (GOS) located in Floriana (Malta) are internally accessible, highlighting the obstacles to ease of movement and safety measures within these GOS. GOS are increasingly recognised as highly important aspect of urban development planning. They provide important ecosystem services, as well as venues for leisure activities, entertainment, and sports. The dissertation explains that GOS have health, environmental, social and economic benefits, and the management of these open spaces is therefore of paramount importance In order to attain the objective of this study, three research questions were set, with the first one relating to the meaning of accessibility, the second to the assessment and measurement of internal accessibility of the Floriana GOS, while the third dealt with the results of such investigation. The results of the investigation, that were accompanied by tables, graphs, and maps, indicate that the Floriana GOS are not generally managed well in terms of internal accessibility because may obstacles hinder the ease of movement and their lack of safety measures in some areas within the spaces. The dissertation puts forward a number of recommendations intended to address these shortcomings.