Tactical thoughts for the Maltese Islands : local management of open space

Abstract

The current situation in Malta is one of constant growth and development, concentrated on dynamics related to land use. Land is a precious resource at an ever-increasing premium. Certain instances are seeing communities hanging on to the last elements of open space left in their neighbourhood. The need to defend or reclaim open space is being felt, however the solutions seem to be hidden behind deep bureaucratic and legal frameworks which few can wander through. Globally, there has been a move from strategic Urbanism to an ever-increasing trend of utilising Tactical Urbanism to reclaim spaces, often underutilised or misused. This would be done through low cost and low risk interventions and the rapid mobilisation of actors to occupy and design such spaces. The following study revolves around the use of concepts conveyed by tactical urbanism with the aim of being transposed onto the island's modus operandi. The study aims to understand themes which make up tactical interventions; subversive and assimilative aspects are particularly analysed and abstracted, with the aim of providing options for 'tactical thoughts' to be applied on space in Malta. Niches where such systems can work are sought, as are issues which hinder this tactical implementation discussed. The nature of the local council is also tackled in a manner as to analyse how such institutions benefit by becoming better 'middle-men' between centralised authorities and Maltese communities. Emphasis is put on the stewardship and caretaking of urban spaces and questions posed as to how this could be done by the citizen though various institutions and collectives, in order to use the system as a way to perceive spaces, in the temporary nature they are represented every day in the community.