Architecture of the Maltese Islands

Architecture
of the
Maltese Islands
Wirt Artna TV programme backdrop by Maurice Tanti Burlo’, 1970s
Joseph Magro Conti
B.A. (Hons) Archaeology, P.G.C. Med. Culture & Mgt. (Rome),
M.A. Herit. Mgt. (York)
Joseph Magro Conti
Learning Outcomes
• Understand the sequence of
architectural styles and
techniques used in the
Maltese Islands from
prehistory to modern times;
• Comprehend basic
architectural design criteria;
• Appreciate the variety of
built heritage in the Maltese
Islands;
• Recognize unique features of
Maltese architecture.
A bicycle shed is a building;
Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of
architecture
Nikolas
Pevsner
1902-1983
http://evermuriel3.blogspot.com.mt/
Understanding Buildings - As seen from the street
Period Architectural Styles
Understanding Buildings - As seen from the air
Period Architectural Layout
BIRKIRKARA
Urban fabric characterization
Medieval / Early Modern Period 1200 - 1800s
British Period – late 1800s to early 1900s
Modern Period – 1960s till present
Neolithic Period Architecture
Temple Period Architecture
Bronze Age Architecture
Phoenicia - Punic Period Architecture
Roman Period
Architecture
Medieval Period Architecture
Early Knights’ Period Architecture
Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
(1st century B.C.)
De architectura
Firmitas Utilitas Venustas
Bk.I,II - Fundamental Principles of
Architecture:
Order / Harmony
Arrangement
Rhythm
Symmetry / Balance
Proportion
Economy
Other principles (other sources):
Solid to Void Ratio
Focal point & Hierarchy
Rhythm
In search of beauty – Golden Ratio
Harmony - Divine Proportion
The smaller is to the larger
as the larger is to the whole
Golden Mean Ratio = 1 : 1.618.
Fibonacci Series
Leonardi Fibonacci da Pisa, Liber Abaci – 1202
[0], 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144 . . .
Auberge d’Auvergne et
Provence, Birgu
Auberge de France, Birgu
Baroque Period Architecture
British Period Architecture
Columns and Arcades
British period Type of Houses
Streetscapes
British Period Balconies & Windows
Modernist Architecture
Ex-Rediffusion, Guardamangia (1958) Television House, Guardamangia
(1958)
Architect: Carmelo Falzon
Architect: Carmelo Falzon
Scheduled Grade 2
Scheduled Grade 2
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Parish Church, Fgura
(1975 – 1985)
Architect: Victor Muscat
Inglott
Scheduled Grade 1
St Joseph Parish Church,
Manikata (1962 – 1974)
Architect: Richard England
Scheduled Grade 1
Our Lady of Good Counsel
Church, St Julians (1967 – 1973)
Architect: Arthur Zammit
Scheduled Grade 1
JFK Memorial, Salina (1966)
Architect: Joseph Spiteri
Scheduled Grade 1
Our Lady of Fatima
Parish Church,
Pieta (1954 – 1955)
Architect: Mortimer
and De Giorgio
Scheduled Grade 1 (reg 2)
University of Malta (1963-1970)
Student House
Norman and Dawbarn
The Hall
Norman and Dawbarn
Architecture Dept
Peter Richardson
Covered Walkways
Norman and Dawbarn
Theatre
Norman and Dawbarn
St Thomas Moore Chapel
Lino Gatt
1930s – 1960s
1960s & 1970s
1970s – 2000s
1990s Apartments
21st Century
Contemporary Architecture
Maltese Architecture Materials and Techniques
Xulliel
Mazkan
Deffun
Troba
Xriek
Ċavi
PRESSURE
LINE
Distribuzzjoni
Samrotti
tal-piż
Spalla
SPINGER
Dawl/Ftuħ
SPAN
Pilastru / Ħajt
Pedament
Heritage Buildings Traditional Colour Palette
Applicable to UCAs and Scheduled Buildings in all zones.
Data collected from inspections related to Wooden Balcony Grant Schemes
Red
Green
Blue
Brown
Cream
Grey
White
Problems and Deficiencies
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Lack of awareness
Disregard to laws and obligations
Lack of institutional communication
/ co-operation
Lack of competent / committed
human resources
Heritage in the public domain
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•
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Different publics / interests / values
Public attitude towards the past
Need for awareness at grassroots level
Encourage public involvement and
participation
Bonanno 2001 L-Arkeolo[ija f’Malta
Bonanno 2005 Malta: Phoenician, Punic & Roman
Further information
Trump 1998 Malta: An Archaeological Guide
Trump 2002 Malta: Prehistory and Temples
Jaccarini, Carol J. 2002. Ir-Razzett: The Maltese Farmhouse. Buhagiar Mario. Medieval Architecture in
Malta
Hughes, Quentin and Thake, Conrad. 2005. Malta War & Peace: An Architectural Chronicle 1800-2000.
Mousu`, Salvator. 2007. Id-Dar Maltija
Said-Zammit, George A. 2005. Il-Wirt Arkitettoniku Tal-Gzejjer Maltin.
Tonna, Jo. 2004. L-Arkitettura f’Malta, Malta: PIN Pubblikazzjonijiet Indipendenza.
Mahoney
Ellul
Tonna
De Lucca
Spiteri
•
Visit heritage places
•
Internet: not all information available is reliable.
Through Understanding
Awareness
Through Awareness
Appreciation
Through Appreciation
Conservation
Freeman Tilden 1957
Thank You
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