The quality of urban spaces in Valletta and their relevance to tourism

Abstract

The quality of urban spaces is dependent on numerous factors involving the physical attributes of buildings, spaces and street patterns but also on other factors relating to the psychology of place. In this paper, Valletta’s urban spaces are discussed using a model from urban design literature. The discussion also considers the interrelationship between the City and the sea, and notes how the visual connection to the sea is one of several elements which could potentially contribute to urban quality. Urban spaces are also relevant to regeneration and therefore this paper refers to regeneration projects for Valletta, including several involving urban spaces. The paper concludes with a few observations on some urban spaces in Valletta.