I'm an Architecture student at the University of Malta. At present I am preparing for my dissertation about the Maltese Skyline. The heritage sites are at risk at the moment because of the change in the skyline.

Our skyline was never documented and we have no law to protect it. I'm looking at foreign cities i.e. london, cologne and vienna which at present have the same problem.

I was wondering if anyone can give me any idea of how I can continue my research (i.e. of any books I read or people that i can contact who can help me in the subject) and even your ideas about this particular skyline.

For those who doesn't know of which are i'm talking about attached you will find a photo showing Valletta's skyline. Valletta is our capital city. It is a fortified city listed by UNESCOas a World Heritage Site. At present our planning authority is receving alot of applications about many of valletta's building that want to built extra floors. Except from the aesthetic point of view this creating a problem with the fortifications cos they are losing their significance.

where's the photo?

sorry cannot attach photos!!
you can only see it next to my nick

When I went to Malta I remember one tall thin building very prominent on the skyline. I'm not sure what the name of it was? There were alot of new tall apartment blocks springing up everywhere.

let me know how your project comes along, I would be interested in seeing your project if it in digital format. Malta is a very beautiful country.

Also what is the website for the faculty of architecture in Malta, as I am in architecture too, do they have a masters program there?

For your project: you could start by disecting the heritage and origin of the traditional architecture and its influences and building methods ex. mainly a port country with building material from local stone. etc. and contrast it with the new generation of contemporary architecture it inlfuences, its benefits and negative impacts on the historicism and traditional heritage. You could also incorporate the culture into your synthesis (arabic, european backgrounds). When I was in malta there were no large contemporary office complexes, so I wouldnt know how to contrast them...but hope you get some inspiration...let me know how your project is going.

there is no web site for the faculty of architecture.
however you can obtain some info through the website of the university of malta
which is www.um.edu.mt

thanks for your ideas