The Traditional Closed Timber Balcony – An Appreciation Through Awareness & Involvement
The project consists of a comprehensive strategy aimed at raising awareness on the traditional closed timber balcony as a characteristic feature of Maltese heritage and provide adequate platforms to ensure its conservation including educating communities, upskilling craftsmen and providing financial means to upgrade this physical feature.
National
Malta
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Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
ERDF : European Regional Development Fund
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Valletta Marsamxett Balcony Scheme 2018 and 2020 ERDF 06.996
European Social Fund (ESF): Wood CPR - Education and Training in Wood Conservation Restoration (ICMCH) ESF 1.31
No
Yes
2022-06-30
As a representative of an organisation
Name of the organisation(s): Planning Authority, Malta Type of organisation: Public authority (European/national/regional/local) First name of representative: Oliver Last name of representative: Magro Gender: Male Nationality: Malta Function: Chief Executive Officer Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: St Francis Ravelin Town: Floriana Postal code: FRN 1230 Country: Malta Direct Tel:+356 2290 2022 E-mail:eufunding.planning@pa.org.mt Website:https://www.pa.org.mt/
The project consisted of a comprehensive strategy aimed at raising awareness on the traditional closed timber balcony as an essential feature of Maltese heritage and the provision of adequate platforms to ensure its conservation. The closed timber balcony is one of the most traditional elements within the Maltese urban landscape and a vital and influential feature within the local streetscape. It is an element that defines most traditional townscapes. However, this feature was being put under immense pressure due to the introduction of aluminium, which was cheap, easy to produce and maintenance free. This situation was also proving detrimental to the traditional craftsmanship. Since many individuals were opting for aluminium balconies, carpenters were slowly losing the skills that they had learnt from their forefathers. The project's aim was to arrest this situation through the following objectives:
1. Provide information on the traditional closed timber balcony as the specific heritage feature, which characterises the historic cores of Maltese Islands.
2. Foster appreciation, raise awareness and instil conservation values, whilst enabling communities to gather a deep understanding of the heritage values of this heritage feature and increase the valorisation of cultural heritage within communities;
3. Use cultural heritage as a resource for economic and community development by ensuring that traditional craftsmanship techniques are maintained and ensure that the traditional materials, design, proportions and finish are promoted;
4. Provide funds in the form of grants for the maintenance, restoration and replacement (on a like-with-like basis, when retention of the original artefact is not an option)
5. Ensure the survival of this heritage feature whilst contributing towards enhancing the aesthetic qualities of Urban Conservation Areas, leading to an improved image of these areas thereby attracting further economic growth in terms of investment in the areas.
Awareness Raising
Capacity Building
Conservation
Heritage Valorisation
Stakeholder Involvement
The strength of this project lies in its comprehensive strategy towards conservation. The rationale was to provide information and guidance, since knowledge leads to awareness, awareness leads to appreciation, appreciation leads to conservation and ownership. The project included multiple initiatives working in synergy towards conservation. A series of meetings were held with carpenters, including visits to their workshop for a comprehensive understanding on the traditional craftsmanship of timber balconies. This led to the drafting of the Heritage in Timber Guidelines, to guide the development and implementation of the grant schemes that followed. In this regard, the Planning Authority (PA) together with Heritage Malta completed a project titled “Wood CPR – Education and Training in Wood Conservation Restoration” which had a budget of €500,000 co-financed through the European Social Fund. The project focused on building the capacity of skilled workers in material cultural heritage, ensuring a new generation of carpenters able to carry out conservation and restoration works in line with established conservation principles. In parallel, the project included awareness raising campaigns including a roving exhibition and media features targeting different audiences to highlight the importance of the balconies. Between 2017 and 2022 the PA launched the Valletta Marsamxett Grant Scheme co-funded through the European Regional and Development Funds and the “Irrestawra Darek” (Restore your property) scheme which provided funds to assist owners of properties in Urban Conservation Areas to repristinate traditional balconies. These grant schemes gave the communities a sense of accountability and ownership, to maintain and further invest in their properties. Regenerating the area also improved its image, with the possibility of attracting investment by businesses. Thus, the project ensured that conservation remains practical and sustainable.
The project recognized the heritage value of traditional closed timber balconies, their unique aspect, and the important role these balconies play in providing character to the Maltese streetscapes. Consequently, it sought to ensure that these features are not only conserved but continue to be a key element of the Maltese landscape. This was achieved through the following three initiatives working in synergy: raising awareness and foster appreciation within the community, ensuring the availability of a skilled workforce able to carry out works in line with established conservation principles and providing grants to financially assist property owners to actually restore their balconies. The awareness raising campaigns carried out, which included a roving exhibition displayed in various Local Council offices, schools and science fairs, as well as features on radio, television programmes and social media channels brought about the desired shift in mentality. The success of the grant schemes (with almost 4000 property owners benefitting of financial assistance from just the Valletta Marsamxett Grant Scheme) would have not been possible without a community who not only understands but appreciates the value of traditional balconies. Likewise, the restoration works carried out through the grant schemes would not have been up to the desired standards if the carpenters working on these projects lacked the skills and techniques required. The restoration works carried out on the façade of properties through the grant schemes resulted in the improvement of the aesthetical value of various streetscapes within Urban Conservation Areas, raised the value of the properties directly affected, improved the wellbeing of the residents of these properties and raised the profile of the localities by consolidating resident’s sense of belonging. The project also indirectly contributed to tourism through the conservation and safeguarding of this traditional feature of the Maltese landscape.
The comprehensive approach adopted in this project ensured the inclusion of the Maltese community at large particularly through the awareness raising campaign, which targeted different localities and age groups. The roving exhibition was designed as such so that a wider audience could be reached. Similarly, the use of multimedia ensured that significant coverage was provided to different target audience. The Heritage Malta led project co-financed through the European Social Fund, contributed to strengthening social and economic development, improved employment and job opportunities, encouraged a high level of employment and an improved quality of work. This project provided education opportunities especially for unskilled individuals or employed/unemployed individuals that required retraining in relation to material cultural heritage and specifically in wood and furniture, in the context of the European Qualifications Framework. The Valletta Marsamxett and “Irrestawra Darek” grant schemes did not only provide employment opportunities to the beneficiaries of the “Wood CPR – Education and Training in Wood Conservation Restoration” project but also provided financial assistance to property owners eligible to these schemes by covering the costs of material, labour, hiring of equipment and professional fees involved in restoration and conservation process. These schemes were made available on a first come first served basis.
Citizens and civil society benefitting from the project have been involved and impacted in the following manner:
- they were the recipients of an awareness campaign, covering different localities and age groups thanks to a number of initiatives in Local Council offices, schools and fairs through the roving exhibition and the use of multimedia. This resulted in greater awareness of the timber balcony, its role in providing a unique Maltese urban characteristic but also in appreciating that its conservation is paramount in retaining such characteristics.
- a specialised sector of population – those skilled in carpentry – also specifically benefitted from the Heritage Malta led project co-financed through the European Social Fund. The impact of the involvement in this course (“Wood CPR – Education and Training in Wood Conservation Restoration”) resulted, not only in a better trained workforce in a specific skilled job, but it also improved the participants’ employment prospects and also improved their final quality of work.
- the citizens directly benefiting the Valletta Marsamxett and “Irrestawra Darek” grant schemes were involved in being a recipient of financial assistance as eligible property owners to these schemes. The citizens’ involvement consisted in applying for the said funds through a number of professionals, amongst which architect and also through the skilled and re-trained carpenters. The impact of this involvement resulted in the beneficiary covering the costs of material, labour, hiring of equipment and professional fees involved in the timber restoration and conservation process.
All this enabled citizens and civil society to a deeper understanding of the heritage values of this heritage feature (the timber balcony). The take up of the course and grant schemes by citizens and civil society ultimately resulted in the survival of this heritage feature whilst contributing towards enhancing the aesthetic qualities of Urban Conservation Areas.
The different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional, national, European) engaged in the design and implementation of the project and their added value of their engagement was as follows:
- European Level: since the ESF was the financial instrument tapped in order to hold the course in “Wood CPR – Education and Training in Wood Conservation Restoration,” the ESF Managing Authority had to be roped in for guidance during the design and also the implementation phase of the project. The value added of this stakeholder was its crucial role in giving the project a greater dimension, in line with European values and objectives.
- National Level: the value added of having the entire population exposed to an awareness campaign on timber balconies is that this cultural heritage feature would be better safeguarded. Another indirect value added also goes towards tourism, through the conservation and safeguarding of this traditional feature. Heritage Malta and the Planning Authority (PA) were the national stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of the project, with an added value of offering training and grants, at a national level.
- Local Level: stakeholders - carpenters (circa 50) and household owners - benefited in the implementation phase. The value added consisted of a framework for education and training leading to work in the timber conservation-restoration sector. The value added of opening grant schemes resulted in using the skills attained from the course above and also having timber balconies restored. An additional benefit is that the overall streetscape was aesthetically improved, raising the value of the properties, improved the wellbeing of the residents of these properties and also raising the profile of the localities by consolidating resident’s sense of belonging.
The following disciplines / knowledge fields were reflected in the design and implementation of the project:
i. Cultural heritage expertise at Heritage Malta and the Planning Authority: to design the project idea, apply for funding and implement the project.
ii. Project management in EU funding at HM and the PA: to draft EU Funding application and implement the project.
iii. Urban planning expertise: to draft application guidelines and implement the Valletta Marsamxett and “Irrestawra Darek” grant schemes.
iv. Qualified tutors and skilled carpenters: to devise and deliver the course curriculum.
v. Public relations expertise: to plan and implement a marketing campaign promoting the restoration of timber balconies.
The representatives (i), (ii) and (iii) were the initiators of the project idea and thus came together during the design phase, in order to devise project details, draft and submit the application for ESF Funds together with the guidelines for timber restoration, the eligibility and selection criteria for funds and also its implementation. These also liaised with (iv) and (v) in order to deliver the course and hold the awareness campaign. The value added of the interaction of all these groups is the assignment of clear and identified roles and responsibilities in the project lifetime and also making the best use of each expertise.
The results of the project were a renewed concerted interest in balconies as an important cultural feature, the upskilled carpenters with an increased demand for their work and restored balconies – thereby improving neighbourhoods. The final outcome of the project led to an enhanced sense of belonging by the communities. This was possible by tackling the interest of both the communities that owned such balconies and the carpenters that required upskilling to improve them, whilst being supported by the provision of grants to implement the project. This led to the transformation and regeneration of the various neighbourhoods. The local communities could connect with their historical heritage through this cultural feature and the traditions of craftsmanship. This regenerative process created a strong feeling of belonging - the communities felt that by upgrading their facades through the restoration of balconies, they were contributing to improving their neighbourhood. Using cultural heritage, the project sought to improve both economic and community development. From an economic perspective, it ensured that traditional craftsmanship techniques are maintained, and that traditional materials and design are promoted. In terms of community development, the first step was to educate people so that they appreciated the importance of the balcony as a cultural feature and comprehend how their actions can lead to urban regeneration. It also gave them a sense of accountability making them responsible for applying for the grants and ensuring closure of the project. This also instilled a European citizen dimension to the project through the use of EU funds. Ultimately, the project boosted the image of neighbourhoods making the residents proud to live in areas of such high aesthetic quality. Boosting the image of the area improves the public confidence of an area showing its true potential, leading to further investment - both by residents and the business community.
Mainstream actions in the field of urban regeneration often focus on providing government funds to directly improve the physical fabric of neighbourhoods – often to public open spaces. In addition, the means for such an improvement – for instance ensuring that craftsmanship to upgrade the area in accordance with its historical value - is often not directly assessed. The end result is at times not fully appreciated by the residents themselves, as they would have limited direct involvement in the process. In addition, if the means to carry out such improvements are not available in tandem with the direct financial injection, the efforts end up being futile.
The process of urban regeneration is only successful if it tackles the physical, social and economic dimensions. This project focused precisely on all three aspects through the use of a physical feature – the balcony – taking into account the social fabric of the communities and their needs and providing them with the adequate financial means to improve the physical fabric. In addition, the needs of the craftsmen in question were also addressed by providing them with the required knowledge and skills to be able to improve the physical fabric and be able to improve their economic standing by having a demand for their work. The communities were part and parcel of the success of the project, making them feel as ‘ambassadors’ of their areas, which would aid in maintaining the improvement carried out by offered schemes and in the long-term carrying out further investment themselves. Through this innovative and inclusive approach, the project was a success in regenerating the areas whilst educating people and upskilling craftsmen. The project also enabled communities to connect with their local historical heritage and traditions whilst at the same time leading to economic growth through enhanced demand for craftsmanship and creating a ripple effect in making the areas more attractive for further investment.
The objective of this project was to raise awareness on the traditional closed timber balcony and provide adequate platforms to ensure its conservation. The approach adopted was a multi-pronged strategy consisting of a series of initiatives aimed at providing information on the traditional closed timber balcony as a specific heritage feature, foster appreciation, raise awareness and instil conservation values within the Maltese communities, use cultural heritage as a resource for economic and community development, provide funds in the form of grants for maintenance and restoration works and ultimately ensure the survival of this heritage feature whilst contributing towards enhancing the aesthetic qualities of Urban Conservation Areas. This was achieved through the following actions. The first initiative consisted of stocktaking and analysis. A number of surveys were carried out to formulate an understanding of the various aspects of balconies. In addition to this, a series of meetings were held with carpenters, through which a comprehensive understanding was gained on the traditional craftsmanship of timber balconies. This led to the drafting of the Heritage in Timber Guidelines, designed to guide the development and implementation of the grant schemes that followed. The “Wood CPR – Education and Training in Wood Conservation Restoration” training project provided education opportunities especially for unskilled or employed/unemployed individuals that required retraining in relation to material cultural heritage. The Valletta Marsamxett and “Irrestawra Darek” grant schemes provided financial assistance to property owners by covering the costs involved in restoration and conservation process. In addition to this, an awareness raising campaign was carried out consisting of a roving exhibition displayed in various Local Council offices, schools and science fairs, as well as features on radio, television programmes and social media channels.
The strength of this project lies in its comprehensive strategic approach towards the conservation of the traditional closed timber balcony. This comprehensive approach can easily be applied to other specific features of heritage value and is also easily transferable in its entirety. This project has contributed to the co-designing and updating of heritage policies and guidelines (especially following an evaluation/review report on each part of the process); to safeguarding both specific items and the wider cultural heritage (the sharing of planning, practices, management, and monitoring gained from this project will help other entities replicating this strategy); and to the dissemination of information on this heritage item which has led and will continue to increase awareness and appreciation. Perhaps the most important lesson that can be derived from this project is to have multiple actions working in synergy to achieve the main objective. Providing the community with the relevant information and involving it early in and throughout the whole process, ensures its engagement. This in turn leads to better take up and participation in grant schemes while alleviating the financial burden associated with maintenance and restoration from the property owners. In addition to this, focusing on the strengthening and formalising the skills of the carpenters ensures the implementation of the relevant works through the scheme are up to the required stands and yield the intended benefits. Engaging with the craftsman will also contribute to the establishment of a two-way communication system of shared benefits, whereby the relevant authorities would learn about the craftsmanship, whilst providing the carpenters with details about the required quality of works. The engagement of stakeholders and tapping into available funding opportunities are also important tools which will ensure the implementation of all the necessary actions.
This project is in line with Priority A ‘Sustainability in Cultural Heritage’ of the EU’s 2019-2022 Work Plan for Culture, which identifies the safeguarding of cultural heritage as a key area that will benefit from a comprehensive strategic approach. Furthermore, the conservation and valorisation of cultural heritage have always been a priority in the European Agenda, with the majority of the EU’s funding programmes in part aimed at addressing this thematic objective. In addition to this, the project also relates to the digitisation of cultural heritage, and the EU’s Innovation policy whereby through this project opportunities for innovation and the use of emerging technologies both in terms of testing new ways relating to conservation practices and testing of new practices that help carpenters achieve conservation, were explored. Additionally, in a holistic manner, the project provides a complete strategy aimed at the conservation of heritage through understanding and appreciation, together with providing a source of funding to tangibly achieve conservation and restoration as well as ensuring the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. The actions of this project can also be replicated elsewhere, testing it in various situations and contexts and could result in future collaborations to share the knowledge gained.
