Our heritage : the communicative element of past and present Maltese values through architectural photography

Abstract

This dissertation will aim to identify the reasons behind the driving forces of these changes taking particular focus on the growing population density of Malta, whilst also investigate the economic growth it has undergone and what do these changes mean on its streetscape. Thus, this will help to clarify and understand the changes Malta’s streetscapes have undergone throughout its years, whilst also conveying the communicative element these buildings and their inhabitants give off and thus the changes in their lifestyle, habits, values, and traditions. This project will therefore deepen our understanding of the communicational semiotics given off by the streetscape, helping to identify key features of a streetscape to gauge certain values of a specific town as portrayed by its streetscape. Therefore, helping us to understand why certain towns are being built in a certain manner and how the streetscape can be viewed in a holistic manner, keeping it consistent with the values its planners are trying to give to the town. This work will thus be communicated through a photographic publication, this will be showcasing photographs from different eras contrasted with modern day photos. These visual representations will thus highlight the changes and retentions of certain elements within Maltese streetscape highlighting which values have been dropped and adopted throughout the journey the Maltese Islands have undertaken. The basis of the publication will be built from insights from a variety of in-depth interview, consisting of architects and town representatives to fully convey the communicative elements of the buildings.