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

Amber Wismayer, Carolyn Susan Hayles and Nick McCullen
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Amber Wismayer: Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
Carolyn Susan Hayles: Cardiff School of Art and Design, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK
Nick McCullen: Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 9, 1-22

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.

Keywords: education; sustainable regeneration; built heritage; training; awareness; policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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