The Role of Education in the Sustainable Regeneration of Built Heritage: A Case Study of Malta

Amber Wismayer,Nick McCullen,Carolyn Susan Hayles

doi:10.3390/su11092563

Amber Wismayer, Nick McCullen + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su11092563

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Abstract

Vernacular architecture has great historical, cultural and architectonic value, but also much potential for reducing energy demand. However, the eco-refurbishment of heritage buildings within Mediterranean countries poses particular challenges. The research presented in this paper is part of a wider study aiming to develop an effective framework for the sustainable regeneration of heritage buildings in Malta, using the 17th-century Presidential Palace of San Anton, Attard, as a case study. This paper focuses on the role of education in this field. Through qualitative research, including workshops with stakeholders, a stakeholders focus group and a public questionnaire, the awareness levels, educational background and attitudes of key stakeholders were analysed and assessed, as was the policy framework within which they operate. Interventions were found to be required at all levels. Increased awareness and education, a supportive policy framework, and a shift in the perceptions and attitudes of several key stakeholders were identified as crucial in ensuring that interventions on heritage buildings do not negatively affect their environmental performance, and/or impact their architectural and cultural value. This paper features recommendations outlining a supportive strategy for improving the knowledge base of stakeholders, including students, professionals, the public, policy-makers and operators.

Highlights

The results of the Planning Authority Workshop highlighted the Authority’s perception of a general lack of knowledge and awareness on heritage value and passive environmental design strategies (PEDS), calling for education of various stakeholder groups, such as periti, energy performance assessors, developers and the general public, including children. This perception was supported by the results of the public questionnaire, which highlighted the participants’ general lack of awareness of the environmental performance potential of heritage buildings
The results of the research presented in this paper clearly demonstrate the need for deeper education at varying levels, including training programmes targeting a number of stakeholders in the field of sustainable regeneration of built heritage (SRBH) in Malta
The results of this research have shown that the existing education framework, both undergraduate and in continuing professional development (CPD), does not equip students, young graduates and professionals with an effective, evidence-based approach in addressing issues related to SRBH

Summary

Introduction

Centuries before energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions were a concern, the architects and engineers of what we term heritage buildings, were faced with the responsibility of merging the concepts of aesthetics, comfort and functionality Today, this has been compounded by the need to meet rapidly developing modern demands and technological requirements. Heritage buildings feature passive environmental design strategies (PEDS), such as the internal courtyard for natural light and ventilation or thick walls for high thermal mass, which effectively improve comfort for occupants [10,11]. In this context, the importance of sustainably regenerating our built heritage is clear

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