The possibility of loss through adaptive reuse : a study on local residential modernist architecture

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the conservation through adaptive reuse of residential Modernist architecture in Malta. This architectural style emerged locally in the late 1930s reaching its peak in the post war period, particularly in the 1960s. This architecture reflected the principles of Modernism of rejecting tradition and ornamentation that spread globally between the late 1920s up until its decline in the early 1970s. Unfortunately, its association with inferior workmanship, poor detailing rapid deterioration, and the failure to addressing the human scale led to many Modernist properties to become abandoned and sometimes demolished even during the rest of the 20th century. Luckily, organisations such as DOCOMOMO and ICOMOS together with local entities are advocating for better awareness and the reuse of Modernist architectural heritage that ultimately reflects the intellectual achievements of the 20th century. For this research a selection of case studies of residential Modernist architecture in Malta were investigated to determine how they are being reused in the 21st century. The study focused on 3 residential typologies including: villas, apartments and terraced houses mainly located in the Northern and Southern harbour regions. Each case study was analysed in terms of the proposed interventions presented in their respective planning application/s retrieved from the Planning Authority. The interventions were divided into 4 themes: New works, Change of use, Restoration of materials and Reconstruction of which several sub-themes were deduced. Part of the research entailed investigating whether the Modernist characteristics of these case studies were being conserved in the process. The results varied, however it was evident that several significant elements that associate these properties with Modernist architecture were being either replaced, distorted or removed. It was established that the interventions being carried out are fundamentally a reflection of the current social and economic context thus posing a threat to the respectful conservation of residential Modernist architecture in Malta.