Underused public spaces in Malta : an investigation into the development of context-specific guidelines to improve public open spaces in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the physical features and activity patterns of public space design. Through the creation of a framework, it is investigated what design features can positively contribute in creating qualitative public open spaces. The research project aims to investigate purposely-designed underused public open spaces in Malta. These spaces are not responsive to context and designed as an individual part of the built environment. The proposed framework is a tool that should be able to assist and guide local councils, developers, planners and designers in Malta in making public open spaces more responsive to context and users' needs.