Urban streetscapes in transition : the case of Ħamrun

Abstract

This dissertation analysis the evolution of a category of streetscapes in Malta that developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. This category of urban streetscapes in Malta is currently undergoing and facing rapid change. One of the primary causes of this change is the lack of safeguarding these streetscapes are fronting. This dissertation substantiates the research gap in literature that currently exists. Ħamrun was chosen as a main case study for this research as it is a representative area of these streetscapes. The aim of this dissertation is that through a value-based approach, the evolution of this locality is studied together with its characteristics. The methodological approach of this study was based on archival research, which paved way to a clear understanding of the evolution of this locality. This evolution was studied through the process of a map regression which was followed by the analysis of several other archival resources that gave evidence of the change seen in this map regression. Secondly, several characteristics of these streetscapes were analysed through the study of a streetscape analysis, in which several different building typologies were evaluated. This two-step process enabled the researcher to identify the values this locality and these streetscapes embrace. This study has confirmed that reviewing and charting the growth of a locality can give several understandings about an area. Through the results it showed that several of the street arrangements planned were eventually developed according to their proposal and these streets are still utilised to date. At the same time, this gave new insights into the streetscape and building typologies that exist within Ħamrun.