Title: Malta Café Scientifique – Studying Roofs from Space
Date: 16 March 2022
Time: 19:00 – 21:00
Venue: Studio B, Spazju Kreattiv, St. James Cavalier, Valletta
Researchers from the Department of Conservation & Built Heritage, and from the Institute of Earth Systems at the University of Malta are working on a multidisciplinary project incorporating conservation science, materials and building behaviour, environmental monitoring and satellite imagery to study traditional roofs in Malta and to compare their behaviour with that of modern and modified roofs.
The project researchers make use of a combination of remotely-sensed data gathered from satellite imagery and drones equipped with thermal and visual sensors, as well as direct in-situ sensors fixed on specifically chosen roofs.
Join Malta Café Scientifique’s discussion at Studio B, Spazju Kreattiv on the 16 March at 19:00 where Prof. JoAnn Cassar (Department of Conservation and Built Heritage) within the Faculty for the Built Environment and Prof. Charles Galdies (Institute of Earth Systems) and will talk about a new approach to studying traditional roof behaviour in a changing climate.
This innovative study is the first ever to study the behaviour of such roofs from a thermal and moisture-movement point of view, and better understand the effects of modern adaptations on general building behaviour and ultimately, on occupant well-being by quantifying the “cooling” effect of such roofs, which has for centuries been felt and appreciated by the occupants of such buildings. Doing so subsequently aims to promote the safeguarding of the traditional roofs themselves by addressing policy and decision-makers, conservation architects and users of such buildings, using the data collected. Modifications will also eventually be studied to potentially improve the behaviour of such roofs for a more widespread use of this adapted traditional technology.
The study, which is being funded by the National Space Fund of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, has shown that the proper safeguarding and correct use of such roofing techniques will help not only to increase the comfort of building users, and thus reduce the ubiquitous use of air conditioning, but will also help reduce the carbon footprint of such buildings and at the same time help the country achieve EU goals related to CO2 emissions.
To attend the event please register.
Link of the event on Facebook.
Creative team: Project Manager Danielle Martine Farrugia, Organiser Andrea Francesca Bellia, Poster Designer Andrea Francesca Bellia, Assistant Ana Rajic.
Malta Café Scientifique thanks the STEAM project, Spazju Kreattiv, for hosting this event, the University of Malta, and Malta Chamber of Scientists (of which the café forms part).