The evolution of tall building discourse in the Maltese islands

Abstract

This study is concerned with developing insight regarding the evolution of tall building discourse in the Maltese Islands. Over the past few years Malta has witnessed a growing interest and a surge in planning applications for tall buildings, with a number of tall buildings currently under construction. It is understood that a multitude of factors have precipitated this reality; this study shall specifically focus on the element of discourse within which the current tall buildings agenda is framed. Given that tall buildings are a relatively recent phenomenon, there exists a novelty in the field thus any research on this study is at a pioneering stage. External to the Maltese context, cities across the globe are facing increasing population densities and uncovering urban fragilities, some of which are common throughout. When cities become too fragile they can collapse, tip over and fail {Muggah, 2017}. In a day and age where quality of life, affordability and infrastructure are simultaneously placed on the agenda of the Maltese Parliament, this study may contribute to a better understanding of the existing patterns of discourse regarding tall buildings in the Maltese context. The public domain is the theatre of an urban culture, it is where citizenship is enacted, it is the glue that can bind an urban society (Rogers, 1997}. The study identifies a number of arguments which have gained traction in public discourse. By looking into these patterns of discourse we may begin to understand how best to approach the subject of tall buildings and therefore find ways to improve their impact on the urban fabric. This study therefore investigates the conversation regarding tall buildings in the local context with the aim of understanding the positions of the various stakeholders involved so as to further contribute to the evolution of tall buildings policy. In many ways, the technical design of tall buildings is straightforward. The real challenge is how to create successful vertical urbanism that forms part of an adaptable and authentic city (Scott, 2014}.