Architectural ornament on the exterior of a select number of domestic buildings in the historic core of the three villages of Attard, Balzan and Lija

Abstract

The exterior of a house, being the only permitted view of the common onlooker, in essence reveals what the owner or architect wants to project regarding their taste and style. It can be a potent signature and perhaps even a mask of the owner, which has been chosen to consist of either ornamental features or austere plainness. Ornament signifies a silent communication, and for every epoch the translation changes. The theories of architectural ornament will be discussed in a chapter of its own at the start to bring fresh to the mind the gravity of past architectural concepts and processes, but they will also be consulted where necessary within the course of the entire text. These will be submerged with my own personal opinions of the chosen buildings which range from the 16th to the 21st century. The ultimate aims is to bring further attention to the three villages for their exquisite architecture and atmosphere. I will reveal houses which have been demolished and replaced, and also those which have been redesigned. This will require, from the National Archives of Santo Spirito at Rabat, 'surveys of the streets of the Three Villages', and also a list of buildings from the 'Inventory of Cultural Heritage' at Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and The National Archeology Museum, which both include photographs which were taken in 1930's and 1970 which may also reveal any alterations.