University of Malta Conservation of Architectural Heritage Program

World's Oldest Freestanding Buildings To Provide Lessons in Conservation and Sustainable Design

Msida, MALTA -  Six-thousand-year-old temples anchor a multi-disciplinary approach to the preservation of historic properties.  A 10-day course includes lectures and site visits accompanied by heritage conservation specialists, and 21 LU/HSW/SD hours via AIACES.  The Mediterranean islands of Malta are home to a remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state.  These include bastions and palaces of the Knights Hospitaller, medieval walled cities and megalithic structures created more than a thousand years ahead of Stonehenge and the pyramids.  Via exposure and discussions of methodology for preservation and adaptive reuse over centuries, participants will find inspiration for application in their practice.   They can also expect a fuller historic understanding of the evolution of monumental architecture, particularly the world's purest and most original expression of sensitivity to the union of nature and preplanned enclosed ceremonial space.  Most attendees will correct their education about the beginning of architecture.  The course is provided by The OTS Foundation and the University of Malta's Faculty for the Built Environment.