Roles and influences in the development of masonry construction in Malta

Abstract

The aim of this study is to outline the development of stereotomy and construction technology in Malta while comparing these developments to contemporary achievements in other countries known to have been influential on Maltese culture. The definition of the term stereotomy is first explored through classical texts and recent studies in order to establish a basis which will help identify what works and termed as stereo monic achievements. This will lead to a broader understanding of tile discipline, and tile realisation that the term's definition is not a static one but one which evolved through the centuries. These studies will also highlight the nationalistic identity of stereotomic forms. There are currently no available texts in Malta that outline the way in which building technology evolved through the ages allowing for advances and achievements in architectural design on the Island, and the information available is rather scant. Many authors have tackled the development of Maltese architecture from a historic point of view and their extensive research has allowed for the extraction of relevant detail which shed light on the research theme. These architectural historians shared their knowledge through interviews and discussions which were essential for identifying the key components to be tackled within this study. An attempt is thus made to identify benchmarks in stereotomic form in the Maltese Islands. The production of such iconic architecture is a result of a rich socio-political history which linked the island to neighbouring states through trade, commerce, academia, tourism and war. This study attempts to highlight those influences which led to such stereotomic expressions through the evolution of the politics present on building sites. The evolving roles of academics and craftsmen, the influx of foreign experts and the export of local professionals can be seen as a mirror of the political environment of the time and are key factors in the production of what became the local architectural idiom. This study attempts to highlight a few of these exchanges which were greatly influential in the development of stereotomy. All this leads to question the relevance of stereotomy in today's architectural expression. Through interviews conducted with a number of masons it was clear how recent advances in construction technology marginalised the use of stereotomy bringing it close to extinction. This dissertation attempts to highlight the relevance of reviving such practices, investing in developing construction technology for the continuing advancement of stereotomy as a discipline and reintroducing such studies within the educational spheres.