Evolution of planning in Malta during the first half of the British period : the Maltese townscape

Abstract

The research paper is a study based on the British Colonial appropriation of landscape in Malta during the 19th Century. Malta’s urban environment has been largely influenced through centuries of different colonisers. When Malta was occupied by the British, Malta experienced a diverse range of events; several serious epidemics, the language question, political agitation, war, economic booms and economic crises, amongst others, which in turn influenced the planning of the urban environment of the Maltese Islands. Malta’s physical landscape is a representation of our history. It symbolises the influence of different powers through the centuries. The strategic location of the islands together with the deep natural harbours have made Malta an important asset in history, proven by the numerous foreign occupiers of the islands. This study focuses on the building and planning laws enacted during the 19th century, followed by an analysis together with a discussion of how the legislations transformed the Maltese townscape in terms of the towns and villages. Reference to the social, economic and political issues of the day are also made.