Supporting informal sport through public space design : the case of Malta

Abstract

Sports have become an integral part of our daily lives and are gaining more significance in social, economic, and spatial contexts. With the advancement of technology and the increase in sedentary lifestyles, sports have emerged as a way of life that promotes better health and social connections. It is now more evident that sports can be enjoyed not only inside sports facilities but also in city centres and public spaces. Urban design plays a crucial role in supporting informal sports activities in public areas by providing accessible and safe spaces for people to engage in sports and physical activities. The design of parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces should be carefully planned to encourage sports and physical activities. In Malta, the problem lies in the decline of physical activity in urban public spaces due to several factors which have resulted in high rates of obesity. To combat this, recent studies have highlighted the importance of sports and education, sports participation, and the sports industry as areas of focus aimed at improving the overall sports landscape. The research methodology utilised in this study is a mixed methods approach for collecting data. This involves using both quantitative and qualitative techniques to gather information. Data was collected from participants through online surveys and interviews. After analysing the collected data, proposals are developed based on the results. Additionally, potential barriers and recommendations are identified and addressed in this phase. This approach allows for a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the subject matter. The study findings show that existing public spaces in Malta are not efficiently designed to support informal sports, and there is a significant lack of necessary infrastructure to encourage participation in these spaces. After analysing the international literature, a set of recommendations are developed to overcome the shortcomings of the present system. In conclusion, the thesis highlights local trends in relation to informal sports as well as the significance of promoting informal sports in local public spaces, which can contribute to the physical and mental well-being of individuals and the community.