Aesthetics in the Maltese context : its validation in recent development projects

Abstract

What is aesthetics? What, if anything, makes architecture good or bad? Are aesthetic properties merely "in the eye of the beholder" or "matters of taste"? There are various philosophies about aesthetics but no argument will provide us with a clear and decisive answer to these basic questions. Since a conclusion can never be reached and there are no good and bad elements which make up architecture, this author tried to analyse different theoretical opinions on which constructive judgments could be based. This dissertation is mainly based on the aesthetic impact of the observers. Although a building may affect every individual in a different way, there are still elements which are common to everyone. There have been many buildings in which high aesthetic qualities have been attained throughout history. This research was also a means or investigating how aesthetically important elements have changed along the years. Though the concept of aesthetics has changed, and will keep changing, there are many examples in many countries which are considered aesthetically pleasing. While we can say that we are proud of our historical heritage, one must be aware that this has reduced drastically in the modern context. We arrived at a point where tor some reason or another, our buildings lack aesthetical qualities. This dissertation seeks to raise an awareness of the state of affairs of Maltese architecture. This author decided to adopt this approach at this point in time because she thinks that at this juncture there is an opportunity for improvements to be achieved. After having examined a range of theories of aesthetics it was possible for the author to evaluate a number of projects, including up and coming ones, to assess the state of architecture in Malta.