Application of regionalism to the architecture of the Maltese tourism industry

Abstract

This dissertation explores the concept of regional identity and the connection to place in the Maltese tourism industry. Regional identity conveyed through the built environment allows people to associate with the places they live in, thus allowing for a more enriched experience. To reinforce this statement, this research will attempt to examine the work on Critical Regionalism by the architectural theorist Kenneth Frampton and William J.R. Curtis'. Through the study of these theories and views, a set of guidelines are deduced to be applied to three local touristic establishments in order to show in practice the application of these theories. These are then analysed in light of these points so as to deduce their success in evoking a sense of regional identity. The programme of building necessitated by an extraordinary growth in these past few years has unfortunately produced little new architecture of merit, with the notable exception of a number of regional buildings. The boom in tourism brought with it not only economic benefits and opportunities to build, but also presented a potential threat to the same unique character of the island that the tourists had come to admire and enjoy. The case studies chosen for this dissertation are meant to bring awareness to the latter and act as points of departure from which a regional conscience would step forward. The application of the analysis deduced from Frampton's and Curtis' theories alms to help In deducing a definition of regional architecture in the Maltese Islands to be applied to future construction. Shedding light on the work of a number of contemporary architects, their personal response to the threat to Malta's identity is founded on a deeply set compulsion, amounting almost to a sacred duty, thus to respect the sense of place or 'genius loci' that is Malta's. Not only will the analysis and application of good regionalism allow a deeper understanding but also allow us to safeguard our local traditions in face of the threats that globalization brings forth while allowing us to reap from its benefits nonetheless.