Popular attitudes towards contemporary architecture

Abstract

More often than not, proposals for contemporary designs within the local built environment are often met with an unfavourable attitude. Although one cannot generalize this sentiment, it is evident that Maltese society is inclined to express animosity towards contemporary architecture, particularly when placed in the heart of a prestigious site, which tends to hold immense historic and sociocultural significance. Both the development of Architecture locally and that of Maltese society have been meticulously studied in the recent past, particularly in the last twenty to forty years. Today, one may find many works depicting, and often deciphering, their splendour as well as their disparities. However, studies on an amalgamation of the two are less available; except for a few critical essays, which have highlighted some of the arguments which will be discussed in this dissertation. Such an investigation has permitted an understanding as to why Contemporary Architecture is still often perceived as, at best a distracting and at worst an alienating medium, rather than an honest expression and representation of present society This work will aim at applying an anthropological understanding of twenty-first century Malta to discuss reasons, as to why local contemporary architecture often finds itself placed in a hostile environment. It will be argued that an understanding of various factors that all contribute to the present state of Maltese society as well as its architecture, can bring one closer to bridging the gap that exists between the two. This can allow all those who are directly or peripherally involved in the architectural field to design in a truly sensitive and conscious manner, at the hope of finding responsive solutions which are not only said to be representative of Maltese society, but which will be accepted by society as a valid equivalent to the historic icons that have so far dominated many a human settlement of the Maltese Islands.