Values based study on the conservation of modern buildings

Abstract

The Modern Movement emerged amidst the Industrial Revolution, social upheaval, and the promise of comfort and better lives. Several measures were often incorporated within the building fabric to make these structures comfortable to their users. Locally, a number of these measures have been at times insensitively modified or destroyed with the supposed intention of improving the building's comfort and function. The complete disregard of modern buildings' original design intention, performance and values before intervening is resulting in the loss of Malta's few pioneering models of the Modern Movement. This study aimed to analyse local Modern buildings' values and comfort levels to provide recommendations towards the conservation and successful use of these structures. The schools of Msida and Qala were chosen as case studies, in view that they as are amongst the finest typology designed following the Modern Movement's principles. Data were collected through the installation of ambient temperature and relative humidity data loggers externally and in two classrooms in each school between the months of January and June. Surveys were also conducted in the form of a questionnaire to evaluate the students' comfort levels. The questionnaires were handed out to students in two classrooms in each school, and distributed 3 times a day on three different days during the same time period. A qualitative assessment of the buildings was also carried out to analyse in detail particular elements and characteristics that give value to these schools. The buildings' analysis showed that the most significant values of these schools are the original design intention of the building, form and design elements that were constructed to promote the students' comfort. The survey and data logger results indicated, however, that the coldest and warmest months were quite uncomfortable for students especially on first floor. During the cold months, Qala's ground floor was just 2°C warmer than outside. In fact, all the students on this floor kept their outdoor jackets on all day. During the warmer months, Msida School's first floor was, on average, 6°C warmer than the exterior. These data are directly related to the high percentage of students (40%) claiming to feel uncomfortable in the classrooms especially during February and June. Intriguingly, these results could be the consequence of a number of design characteristics of the schools. Several interventions that aim towards Improving the Internal thermal comfort while respecting the value and the conservation of these modern structures were proposed. Recommendations included the installation of roof insulation, application of Low Emissivity films to the existing glass panes and planting of external vegetation amongst others. Furthermore, it was recommended that prior to any interventions on Modern Buildings; a thorough analysis of their values is carried out.